For many children, the right support can change everything. One child’s challenging behavior was recently transformed through a play-based approach. Providing that the right guidance, at the right time, can make all the difference.
At the end of September, progress felt out of reach to Arrow’s Tylar Brooks for a student she worked with.
According to Brooks, their sessions were challenging, the child would often not sit with Brooks, running around the room, climbing dangerously or requiring Brooks to chase after her to keep her out of harm’s way.
“She struggled to listen and many sessions felt like I was constantly redirecting her, unable to focus on teaching skills,” Brooks said. “I often left feeling frustrated, tense and stressed.”
However, after a clinical consultation with Arrow’s Clinical Development team, Brooks received guidance and support which allowed her to rework their sessions to include more play and less structure, tailored to her developmental needs.
Everything began to shift.
“Since implementing this approach, our interactions have transformed,” Brooks said.
The student began to engage more, participate willingly and connect in ways she had not before. Through play-based learning, Brooks was able to introduce new skills in a way that felt natural and effective.
“I have found creative ways to teach skills through play, rather than through structured instruction alone,” Brooks said.
This progress extends past their one-on-one sessions.
Due to her behavior, a resource officer had previously needed to remove her from class daily, but this has not been necessary for months.
Conversations Brooks has had with the student’s teachers stand as confirmation of the progress Brooks sees.
“She began not only sharing more with me but with others, engaging better with her peers and demonstrating notable improvements in behavior,” Brooks said. “She is beginning to understand and express her emotions, using kind words with others.”
While she is still learning to navigate boundaries and emotional regulation, her growth is undeniable.
Brooks is encouraged by the progress she continues to make.
“She is now able to regulate herself more quickly after dysregulation and has built a positive therapeutic relationship with me, where she feels safe and secure,” Brooks said.
According to Brooks, she is confident that, with time, the student will continue to develop her ability to express herself, understand the emotions of others and have positive interactions.
Sarahi’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when care is tailored to a child’s unique needs. Through collaboration, moments of frustration can turn into lasting breakthroughs.
Learn more about what Arrow offers here!