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Real Results: Hannah’s Story

How dedication and patience can change a child’s life

When Hannah was three years old and in foster care she came to Franziska Racker Centers for itinerant therapies, including speech, counseling and special education. Her speech therapist addressed her speech difficulties caused by a cleft palette by having her control her airflow and form words and sounds more clearly. Her counselor and special education teacher worked with Hannah on relationships to help her feel secure and less anxious about attachments. They also helped Hannah cope with impulsive behaviors and her low frustration tolerance. Prior to these therapies, it was difficult to understand Hannah’s speech. In addition to her communication challenges, she often showed insecurity over individuals in her life and acted out by grabbing toys or yelling at thers. She would also become very defiant with adults or become so withdrawn she wouldn’t talk and would just cling to a teacher’s side.

Her second year of services, she joined the preschool classroom at the Centers. The classroom team all helped Hannah by carrying over her therapy goals into classroom activities. Hannah’s social skills improved and she became more involved with the other students. Eventually, her withdrawal when certain people left the classroom dissipated. Through the continued work with her therapist, counselor, and special education teacher Hannah was able to have complete conversations and gradually came to understand that all feelings are valid, not just those of happiness. This is best revealed during a moment at home with her foster mother in which Hannah’s response to her foster mother’s frustration over bed time was, ‘It’s okay to be mad, because you still love me.’

Today, Hannah’s speech has improved dramatically. She cooperates with the routine of her class and follows directions well. She is rarely defiant, has developed healthy attachments, and copes with her feelings in an acceptable way. Also, her humorous personality now shines through. Hannah is in kindergarten now and excelling academically… she is also in the process of being adopted. It is due to the team effort of the therapists, counselors and teachers at Franziska Racker Centers, along with her foster parents, that Hannah’s future is bright and full of opportunities.

For more information on the services and programs of Franziska Racker Centers, visit our website at www.rackercenters.org or call 866-408-9263.

*photo is for illustrative purposes, it only serves as a representation