Dean has worked with my daughter since she was six years old and continues to see her now that she is 24 years old. His perceptions while working with her, not only as an individual with Williams syndrome, but as a child with mild MR and many learning disabilities, who does not reason well on her own, has been remarkable.\r
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He takes each problem, one at a time and creates a big idea about each one. Then he discusses each problem at length with her. They draw a picture of her in the current situation and then a solution picture that includes her handling the problem successfully. He then works with my daughter and me to coin a small phrase or hand sign, sometimes both. The quick verbal cues and/or gestures are passed along to teachers and others who deal with her in those problem areas. The use of the cues bring her mind right back to the conversation she had with Dean including the problem solving. It helps her handle the problems and shows her how capable she really is.\r
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He works very well with the school systems and other agencies such as DDS and post-graduation work/life skill programs by attending meetings, trouble-shooting with teachers/counselors, parents and providing needed reports and support.\r
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I don't know what we would have done without Dean over the years and his special way of helping us deal with our daughter and her Ws along with her related learning disabilities. He has attended practically every PPT and IP meeting she has ever had.\r
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I would especially recommend him to parents of a children with special needs. It is well worth muddling through schedules in order to be seen by Dean. Far and away, worth it! My daughter considers him one of her best friends in the world. Someone who will help her with any problems that she has.
Pros: Keen Incites into Minds of Children with Reasoning Diff.
Cons: Hard to reach at times
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