Casey is a delightful boy who loves music and loves to move. He enjoys swimming and going down the Lazy River at Geauga Lake, visiting the zoo, and bowling with his friends and his twin brother, Tyler. Casey has been a student in the Achievement Centers for Children Autism School in Highland Hills for six years, starting as a preschooler. What difference has Casey’s specialized education made in his life and his family’s?

When Casey was initially diagnosed with autism and did not speak, his parents feared he would never have friends and never be a friend. Casey is now 9 1/2 years old, and he and his classmates are more than just classmates; they are his friends. As his mother, Rebecca related, “It is just so nice to see – to see Casey go from this scared person living in his own world, in almost isolation, with us having to force our way in – to see him now being this bold, charismatic personality that can command a room, and see him interact with his friends. He has made such a huge transformation. To have everyone come together to give him the foundation and skills he needs so he can be who he is, and give him a place where he can learn, grow, develop and he can flourish, and be proud of himself. It’s just been wonderful to get all that from the Achievement Centers,” said Rebecca.