When Ollie walked through the doors of Allan Cott School for the first time in late July, his journey had already been filled with challenges. Born with a hearing impairment and autism, Ollie had struggled in public school settings and had recently spent time in the hospital from April through June. He had a history of severe maladaptive behaviors, which made it difficult for him to learn, engage with others and enjoy daily life.
At home, Ollie’s focus was almost entirely on phones and electronics, but the fixation often led to more frustration than joy, sometimes resulting in broken devices — as many as four in a single week. His family knew he needed a place that could help him build new skills, discover new interests and develop positive ways to connect with the world around him.
That place turned out to be Glenwood’s Allan Cott School.
From day one, the team worked to gently limit Ollie’s dependence on electronics while introducing him to a variety of new activities and leisure skills. The results have been inspiring. Ollie has worked out in the gym with Glenwood’s recreational coordinator, Caleb LaRue, and discovered a love for the treadmill. He has splashed in the pool, played simple ball games in the hallway and recorded silly voices to play back for a laugh.
More importantly, Ollie is learning to communicate more effectively, keep himself safe and find healthy, positive ways to experience joy. At Allan Cott School, students like Ollie receive individualized education and support from highly trained educators and therapists who understand their unique needs and are committed to helping them thrive. Every success, whether it’s a smile on the treadmill, a moment of safe play or a new word spoken, is a step forward.
We are so proud of Ollie’s progress and can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next!
