NESA trainer Tobias, affectionately known to kids and parents as “Toby”, has been nothing short of amazing implementing a remarkable program for children who have complex special needs. ASD is a spectrum of disabilities across many skill groups. Areas of need often include building attention skills, fostering communication and language, increasing socialization, shaping behavioral responses and controlling sensory processing. NESA’s physically challenging and fun structured group activities address all these skill sets.

Tobias began teaching various age groups of children from 3-18 in the special weekend programs in a collaborative effort with FAC called “Project Progress”. He has been so patient and flexible, working one on one and in groups with the children and their parents or caregivers week after week. Tobias attended training on ASD last spring in order to obtain more education and awareness about this complex condition affecting the kids he teaches and coaches for Project Progress.

This has been a tremendously successful and rewarding program for all involved. Tobias approached me recently seeking additional resources to meet the physical and sensory need of the children. He plans to begin consulting with physical and occupational therapy specialists who work in the field to further enhance Project Progress activities.

As a director of Family Autism Center at South Norfolk County Arc (SNARC), I am thrilled to be able to continue referring families with children of all ages and levels of ability to NESA’s program. I am proud of Henry, the CEO, and his staff for their open-mindedness and community spirit. Henry and Tobias were honored with SNARC’s 2005 Children’s Inclusion Award.

NESA continues to be supportive of FAC’s efforts to collaborate within our local community. Project Progress offers much needed for success and community integration to children with ASD.

Sincerely,

Julie O’Brien Direct, FAC