Stakeholder Experience
In February 2019, START received a referral for Bruce*. Bruce had recently received eligibility through the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and was working to get established with services. In addition to a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum, Bruce struggled with Anxiety and Depression. He had frequent contact with hospital systems and his parents were struggling with how to provide care.
When START got involved, a crisis plan was written that emphasized the use of the 24 hour START crisis line, when needed. START also provided In Home Therapeutic Coaching to Bruce’s family and hosted Bruce, as a guest, at the START Therapeutic Resource Center for short planned visits.
When Bruce’s mother was asked about what their experience was like with the START program, each part of the program was highlighted for their contributions. The assigned START Coordinator listened to the challenges Bruce and his family faced and ‘brought everything together with the help that we needed.’ Knowing that the family had a 24 hour resource to turn to in crisis made a huge difference for Bruce’s family, when before they ‘had nowhere else to go.’ In Home Therapeutic Coaching was recognized for the trust that was developed between the staff and Bruce, as well as their ability to coach on how to apply strategies in the crisis plan in different ways.
While START remains involved, and the team continues to work on best ways to support, Bruce’s system is not alone.
* Name has been changed to protect privacy of person and family.