I first met Dr. Sheryl Kaufman when she was the featured speaker at a local workshop focusing on Positive Behavioral Supports. I was initially impressed with Dr. Kaufman's vast experiences working with children on the autism spectrum as an educator and principal of a school specifically designated for children who faced the same challenges as my own son. Her enthusiasm and passion to make a difference in the lives of children affected by autism was like nothing I had ever seen before. All of these incredible qualities, coupled with her out of the box thinking and energy left my brain in motion, trying to figure out a way for this amazing woman to work with our family. Following the workshop, I had several correspondences with Dr. Kaufman and set up a time for her to come meet our family. After the first meeting, my husband and I knew that this woman was different than any other consultant that had worked with our son. She had ideas... many of them and they were all so different than any of the others that we had tried over and over with little or no results.
Within 9 months of our initial introduction, "Dr. K" had packed her bags and moved to the South with her family. This monumental move has been the miracle that we needed in Andrew’s life and ours. When Dr. K took over his home program, Andrew was a child that was quickly spiraling out of control as the individuals on his case had exhausted fresh ideas, most of which were ineffective. With her understanding and care, Andrew has shown tremendous improvements. Dr. K has provided our family with a "tool box" of strategies for success that are easily accessible. She has taught Andrew to self regulate using replacement behaviors and asking for breaks. In working with Dr. K, our family has learned the importance of planning ahead and to look at situations differently. She has given us a new appreciation for daily schedules and high motivators.
In addition to weekly visits with the family, Dr. K has direct contact with Andrew's teachers, principal, and therapists. She has attended numerous IEP meetings to better aid his school to understand Andrew and his needs, for as we know, each child on the Spectrum is unique and needs to be treated as such.
Dr. K is dedicated, open minded and eternally optimistic. Her ability to calm angry or frustrated children is unparalleled, and it is because of her excellence in this area that I trust her to guide Andrew in his care. She listens to parents and their concerns. Dr. K has consistently demonstrated all of these qualities and more, and I heartily recommend her and her services to any parent that has a child on the spectrum.
Sincerely,
Lynn Javetz