Caregiver-Mediated Early Years Program

We began the SCERTS program in October 2020. I was not so confident about the effectiveness of the program before we started the sessions, since the mode of delivery was virtual. At the beginning, Hari was not socially connected to others (or only to a small extent), did not have any words, had very little eye contact, and was almost not responding to his name. Based on the assessment, our ErinoakKids clinician developed some goals and strategies, based on the program, for Hari, with my consultation. 

The duration of the program was almost 6 months, with 2 sessions of 1 hour each in a week. With each session, our clinician coached me how to implement the strategies in eight different areas of daily routines in order to improve social interaction, active engagement, regulation etc. The strategies are very simple and easy to understand and implement! Our clinician was amazing in evaluating the progress and suggesting techniques for improvement. I believe the program was as successful as an in-person program, despite the fact that the whole program was delivered virtually, including the community sessions. 

If we look at Hari now, his social interaction skills have improved significantly. Eye contact and response to his name has increased considerably. I have learned to make things more predictable and enjoyable for him. He is able to engage actively in daily routines, even though he still needs some support from others. The program has made me confident in interacting with him more and more. Together with the weekly webinars, the program is just right for kids like Hari. I consider this as the best program that I have ever been a part of and we have benefited greatly from it. 

~Sree

When I initially accepted the placement for the ESI/SCERTS early intervention I had mixed emotions.  26 weeks seemed so long and being coached was quite intimidating. But within the first 2 sessions my experience was insightful and extremely motivating. I felt confident with my ErinoakKids clinician; her reassurance, positivity and patience is what I needed as a parent to support my son. 

Through this program, my son developed skills I never thought he was capable of having. With our clinician’s guidance and support, his social communication growth and skills have exceeded our expectations. Our clinician became part of our "screen" family, and I am truly grateful for her expertise, passion and dedication. I now have confidence that my son is capable of achieving long term skills because of her encouragement and the use of strategies she practiced with us.

~Stephanie