Most kids respond to the traditional parenting methods -- discipline, motivators, natural…read moreconsequences, blah blah blah. But some don't. So you visit therapists, psychiatrists, parenting coaches, blah blah blah. Nothing helps. You feel like shit for being such a failure as a parent, and life becomes pretty miserable. Anyone else been there? We went through the wringer with our older child (now 18 and beyond much help) but when we saw our younger child starting to go the same way (lying, stealing, disrespect, etc.) we were ready to try something different. Thank goodness we found Jim Kling. He is really different. For one thing, he comes to your house. He talks to the parents, not the child. He works from the outside in (the kid's environment) not the inside out (how the child feels). He walks you slowly, patiently, through his program that is so simple yet so foreign to us that the two of us (each with a master's degree) had to really work to bend our minds around it. Jim is entirely available by phone or email between sessions to walk you through specific situations or just clarify the rules. It's not cheap, but it works. It's worth every penny. Send me a PM if you have any questions.

Ric Shanks and the Alternative Teaching program helped our family beyond measure. We tried…read moreeverything- parent coaching and counseling, medication and various therapies for our ADHD child, every book on oppositional and ADHD kids ever printed- nothing improved our home life very much or for very long. A counselor recommended Alternative Teaching to us, and it changed our lives for the better, and "better" is an understatement. The system taught us as parents how to take back control over what we will and will not tolerate without getting emotional or resentful. And it empowers our kids with a sense of choice over how to behave and what the consequences of those choices are. Ric has been 100% supportive and available any time we call, following up and working with us long after we had completed the program. There are no miracles out there- we still have to work at keeping our family functional. But Alternative Teaching is the only way that we have achieved results for our efforts. I second the prior reviewer who said that it was expensive but WORTH EVERY PENNY! We are so grateful.

This place trmatized me as a child I went there from 2013-2014 and it was the worst school I ever…read moreexperienced. From locking us in rooms even when hostile things were happening inside we could not get away from until a teacher would let us out. We had to be walked around everywhere we go even to and from the bathroom. The hands on method there was abusive at best. They would put their knee in your back and put your hands behind you and ask you are you calm are you calm and if you weren't saying I'm calm in a calm fashion with a knee in your back you were just held there until they think you have calmed down. Even in situations you were not fighting. Maybe disrespected a teacher or yelled and they punished you by giving you hands on. They make you sign an agreement with you rparents that you can't sue them if they hurt you and they did and they will. I don't know how this is legal or how they are still running the principal literally died at the school which was very traumatized for us and there's nothing nowhere online about it! This place is scary fight tooth and nail for your kids not to be placed here! It will ruin their innocence.

I've had 2 Deaf autistic boys enrolled in their DHH program since 2014 and they've thrived in…read moremainstream classes with SASED support. Sign language was a MUST for us and a lot of place don't do that for DHH kids. Also, I've worked at Southeast, that review is based on something 20+ years ago, that his parents were in charge of. Things have changed, laws have changed, views have changed. We learn. We grow. We thrive!

I love the work they do with the children. Over time you see a difference in their behavior,…read moreconfidence and significant growth. When it comes to the children they will go above and beyond to help the children achieve their best.

My son went to this til he transitioned back to his high school. He blossomed there and really…read moreenjoyed the inclusiveness and respect. They are all remarkable and I highly recommend sending your child there. My son spent 4 years at GLA.

If anyone needs a good advocate Judy Ruffalo is the one to call. She went above and beyond my…read moreexpectations to advocate for my Autistic daughter. She is very informative and knowledgable in her job and if she does not know the answer she will find out and get you the answers. She is not afraid to stand up for your child and will not take no for an answer if its not in the best interest of your child. Shes a fighter and sweetheart all rolled into one and will stop at nothing to get the best placement for your child.

From the owner: Comprehensive educational records review, special education eligibility, IEP analysis and…read morerecommendations, empowering parents to advocate for their children, school meeting attendance, expert negotiation and mediation for improved outcomes for students.

I have found my nonverbal special needs child potential through spell to communicate program…read moreoffered at "found my voice". My child's cognitive ability was under estimated prior to this. Through this program I feel confident and hopeful about my child's future. Paulette is an amazing tutor. she has treated my child with respect and shown patience towards her challenging behaviors. She seems to be dedicated to help nonverbal kids get their voice. I highly recommend "found my voice" services to others.

From the owner: Found My Voice, Inc is dedicated to helping those with disabilities through a variety of…read moreprogramming. Spelling to Communicate (S2C) for Nonspeakers, Unreliable speakers or echoic speakers, tutoring, special events, social activities, birthday parties, advocacy and more. We are currently located in Joliet behind the Target and Barnes & Noble off Rt 30 on Division Street. Conveniently located close to I-55, a short drive to I-355 and I-80. Special event: Spellers Movie May 10th in Oswego, IL at classic cinemas

My son attended the Transition program at GS and he did well. The staff were pretty great and did…read moretheir best to help him. They truly do care about the students they serve and we are very grateful for that.

I'd like to say that working at Giant Steps has been absolutely outstanding. The teachers there are…read morethe epitome of professional, as well as possessing an innate and frequently used sense of care and consideration for their students. I've been working there for four months, and could not be more impressed with their conduct and empathy. Their passion for their work shows in their attitude and actions, as well as the laughs and smiles that surround them in the classroom. My compliments to all of them, including the staff that have to oversee all of the classroom.

Absolutely amazing child advocate. He came to all the meetings. He really made the school…read moredistrict hold themselves accountable and worked to make the best outcome for my child. He was constructive to the whole situation and made the group actually work together to find a solution for my child. Everything had been so overwhelming until he came on board. As a parent, his knowledge about the laws and the school system and communication skills when the school officials were not doing their job was amazing. I would recommend him to any parent needing an advocate in the school setting for their child.

From the owner: We strive to help families bridge the communication gap with school districts when there are…read morequestions. These questions often range from the general education setting to children that require an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). A collaborative approach is used with families and the school districts to achieve the most appropriate and supportive outcome for the child. Call or email for a free initial consultation!

Really kind folks that work here! My son is thrilled to go to preschool each day, and is…read moreconsistently happy when I pick him up. They have also handled the Covid pandemic with professionalism and grace, taking all necessary precautions. I highly recommend!!

My 4.5 year son has been attending LCP for about 4 months now after we relocated to this area. Our…read moreexperience with the school has been nothing short of amazing. My son has some development delays and the teachers have shown him/us unconditional support with any of his needs. We also love seeing his excitement at drop-off and how much fun he is having when we pick him up. I'm so grateful that we found and chose this school