Testimonies

HAHN~HUFFORD CENTER OF HOPE

Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development

                              Nicholas School

                      The Brain Wellness Center

               Aquatic Therapy & Wellness Center

1306 Garbry Road  Piqua, OH  45356

937-773-7630 Center     937-773-6979 School

I'm writing in behalf of my grandson, Gavin, diagnosed with autism 14 days after his fourth birthday.  Like many autistics, Gavin had little to virtually no communication or social skills.  Repetivitve, obsessive and bazaar behaviors became a way of life for him.  Now with growing chaos and stress in my daughter's world, she decided to seek help.  She found help, support and advice with (other agencies) and the public school system. But neither could help with the neurological elements of autism.  Then one day, another mother from school began conversing about her son who had been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome around the same time as Gavin had been diagnosed with autism. This mother had discovered a hidden gem, the Rehabilitation Center for Neurological Development. She continued to say how her son's symptoms of Aspergers were decreasing and how well neurofeedback was making a transformation in his life.

Once my daughter and her husband brought Gavin to the Center, they were immediately impressed.  There was so much more at the Hahn-Hufford Center to offer Gavin then they had ever imagined.  Along with neurofeedback was the aquatic program and the after school program.  Gavin loved the aquatics best; it gave him a sense of pride, independence and confidence.  The after-school program gave him a place to exercise and release stress.  (The staff encouraged) him to do exercises to help calm him, yet stimulate his brain.  But the most effective therapy gained was neurofeedback.  Within weeks, Gavin's meltdowns lessened; awareness came over him and his communication skills improved.  His obsessive-compulsive behaviors decreased and became less important.  Calmness came into his chaotic world.

Gavin in now nine years old.  He spends 3/4 of his school day in a regular classroom.  He makes comments, answers to some short questions, points out observations and asks for what he needs or wants.  Gavin has had to work very hard to reach this point in his life.  And there is still a long hard path ahead of him.  We know with the help of the Hahn-Hufford Center, it will continue to give Gavin great strides on the path to happiness and success to a more fulfulling life.

Thank you,

Gavin's grandmother

June 2010