High Road Ninth Grader Builds Confidence and Independence

On his first visit to High Road School of Boone County, E. did something his mother, A.S., did not expect: he wanted to stay. For the 15-year-old ninth-grader, who has severe autism and a history of school-related trauma, that reaction meant a lot to his mother

“Even from the first time we came to tour, E. wanted to stay in the classroom,” A.S. said. “That was so telling about the environment, that he felt safe enough upon meeting the staff to say, ‘I want to hang out here.’ That is unheard of with him.”

Building Confidence and Independence at High Road

Since starting at High Road near the end of February, E. has grown more confident, gained independence, and become excited about school. As the new school year approached, A.S. shared that he was eagerly anticipating returning and told his case manager at Centerstone that one reason was his “new teacher.”

One of the changes that has surprised A.S. most is E.’s progress in reading. In a letter to the school director, she wrote that E. was reading at a level his family had not seen before. Now, he can read birthday cards and signs from the car – everyday moments he was not previously able to do.

“He actually can read,” A.S. said. “It’s wild for him to open a birthday card and actually be able to read it, or to be driving in the car and he’s reading signs. He was not able to do that. It helps his confidence.”

Learning to Advocate for Himself

That growing confidence is showing up in other ways, like when E. advocates for himself. When something comes up at school, he has begun saying he wants to talk directly with his teacher rather than having his mother step in first.

“That’s a change, too, him advocating for himself,” A.S. said. “It’s fantastic.”

Building Trust With High Road Staff

A.S. credits much of E.’s progress to the High Road staff’s training and ability to build trust. E. connected with Jessica Rutherford, the school director; Mr. Cam, his teacher last year; and has built a strong relationship with Miss Amy, his current teacher.

“Miss Amy is phenomenal,” A.S. said. “He feels safe with her. He feels understood by her.”

Knowing E. feels comfortable at school has also brought a sense of relief at home. A.S. said she can send him to school knowing he is with people who understand him and know how to support him.

Growing Independence Beyond the Classroom

E. is taking on more independence outside the classroom as well. He now rides the bus with other students, something he had never done before, and comes home happy and ready to return the next day.

“We are grateful for everyone,” A.S. said. “E. is not only reading at a level that we have not seen before, but he is more confident and happier.”

Outside of school, E. enjoys playing basketball, walking the family dog Runa, watching NCIS, drawing and creating his own tattoo designs. At High Road, A.S. said he is continuing to discover new strengths, build confidence, and experience school as a place where he belongs.