Families like the Harahan's are finding help in Kingsford
KINGSFORD -- Nine-year-old Will Harahan suffers from severe ADHD and is mildly autistic. Giving Will the necessary structure in his life can be difficult at times for his family.
"Every morning is a struggle," said Will’s mother, Rebekah Harahan. "Getting dressed is a struggle--what to wear is a struggle, multiple times telling him to do things can be very frustrating, and every thing has to be planned. Spontaneity is not generally a good idea."
While living down state, the family struggled to find an affective and long-term way to help Will both academically and socially. Then they heard about a new program in Kingsford.
After learning about the Brain Balance Achievement Center, the Harahan's decided to move from metropolitan Detroit to Niagara, Wisconsin so Will could get the help he needed. The center helps autistic kids stimulate the underdeveloped side of their brains; in Will's case, his right side. This is done both physically and academically with Will using only the left side of his body, and it’s showing amazing results.
"After we were here for about a month, for the first time my son looked at me and said, 'Mom I feel good’," Harahan said. "He's happier, he's smiling more, he's laughing...he's enjoying life now, I think, more than he's ever been able to."
Will attends the Brain Balance Center three times per week, and everyone agrees he is becoming more and more like a normal third grader.
"He follows directions, he engages in conversations, he smiles and he laughs a real laugh," said Brain Balance Executive Director Dr. Barbara Hicks. "I love it. I love the kids, I love the families, and of course, it’s the best when you see the results."
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC