At MRC’s LEAP Day Program, growth looks different for everyone. Each participant works toward individualized goals that help build greater independence, confidence, and connection.
For Drew, one of those goals is developing coping skills to better understand and regulate his emotions. In the past, stressful situations could be difficult, especially when something didn’t go the way he expected or he didn’t understand someone’s actions.
Today, Drew is learning a new way to work through those moments. When something upsets him, he will often calmly approach a coach and ask, “Can I talk to you for a second?” He explains what happened, shares why it bothered him, and listens as the coach helps him understand the situation.
And when everything clicks, his face lights up. “Oh! I understand!”
Then comes the smile, and Drew is able to move forward and get back to being the fun and happy Drew everyone knows.
Drew has worked hard to recognize his feelings, communicate what is bothering him, and ask for help when he needs it. His coaches see that progress every day, and we are incredibly proud of how far he has come in LEAP.