Student Success Stories

My daughter had struggled making friends with people her own age. She didn’t like to play games or do other things kids her age would like to do. She struggled with back and forth conversation. The older she got the more others noticed her differences and it was starting to become problematic. I was afraid that as she got older kids were starting to get 'mean'.

I was skeptical as to whether Steph could understand the issues we had with just one interview. But she had this way of drawing things out that was amazing! I wasn’t sure my daughter would like it and I didn’t want to 'make' her do something that wasn’t fun.

But she loved going. She joins in and plays with other kids voluntarily! She actually plays with her younger sister now! She is MUCH more talkative and seems much happier! She has made progress at school too with friends on the playground and even encouraged another quiet girl to get out and play.

- Kerry, parent of a 5th grader

Before finding Starfish, I was very concerned and frustrated with previous interventions, feeling like no one understood my child and what to do to help her.

My daughter has made and continues to make significant progress at Starfish. I feel like my parenting has improved as well, particularly in how I approach conversations with her. I find myself thinking, 'What would Steph do?" It has been a welcomed relief honestly. I see that Starfish’s simple and effective approach is exactly what she needs and it is a beautiful feeling to see that she has a tribe there and somewhere where she feels a sense of belonging. I am SO happy with her progress. It is the most growth I have seen than with any other therapies she has had in the past.

Steph has opened my eyes to my child. I feel like I understand her so much better. As a teacher and a special-needs mom I have been to countless workshops and trainings on autism. However, observing Steph and watching her work her magic with my daughter and other kids, I feel like my whole approach to talking to children has forever shifted. I am forever grateful to have met Steph.

- Dawn, parent of a 10th grader

I always wonder if my daughter is using the skills she learns at Starfish in the real world. I was talking to her teacher yesterday and she wanted to tell me about how well she is doing to manage stressful situations.

She was paired with a student to do a math problem. They had to agree on the work they would do together, and initially they had different ideas. She worked with her on a compromise, part of it would be like the girl wanted and the other part would be like my daughter wanted. They finished the work and got the correct answer. Flexible brain and teamwork. Starfish is amazing!

- Parent of a 4th grader

Steph and the team at Starfish understood my son and his needs right away. They also knew how to break it down for him in ways that built his self-confidence that I never would have come up with myself.

They taught him how to make meaningful steps in acting more independently, interact with other people more appropriately and better regulate his emotions, especially when dealing with unexpected or disappointing events. Thanks to Starfish, we have seen so many improvements which absolutely improve his quality of life and ours. We have gone from worrying about our son’s future to having real hope that he will be able to lead an independent and successful life.

- Laurie, parent of an adult student