James at Spark Academy
This is the story of an incredible young man named James Youd. James is almost 16 years old and has lived with severe ADHD and Autism all his life long. James is a warrior who never gives up. He tries hard every day to learn and grow and participate in school, society, church, and his family. James is a caring young man who loves people, and animals. James is our son. He is the child who made me, Brian, and my wife, Melissa, into parents. Our hearts beat for James and we pray daily for his success in life.
Prior to COVID, James was enrolled in a day treatment center/school where he attended classes face to face and received all kinds of supports that were necessary for his academic and social success. Once COVID restrictions were put into place, online school was the only option for James. His school day went from interacting with peers in a classroom with an almost 2:1 student to teacher ratio, to sitting in front of a computer screen at our kitchen table. Needless to say, he was overwhelmed and we found that his ability to learn was greatly diminished. We also noticed a growing frustration in James that came out through melt-downs, outbursts, and uncontrolled behavior. After several months, we realized that we, as a family, could not provide the necessary supports for James to succeed and thrive. We were simply surviving. Then we found the Spark Academy at the Heritage School in Provo, Utah.
Spark Academy is a specialized residential school that provides round the clock care and support for high functioning autistic youth, like James. It is a fully accredited school and provides a high teacher to student ratio with integrated mental health treatment and group therapy. The plan is for James to be at Spark for about a year (he's already completed 6 months, so hopefully he'll be coming home around Christmas.) In the time he has been enrolled there, James has grown in self confidence, he has started to put into practice many of the social supports that help him succeed (such as writing his thoughts down on paper instead of just blurting out whatever he is feeling at the time,) he has trimmed down by 20 pounds and is working out regularly at the gym and on the basketball court, he has really taken to the horses (and equine therapy) that live on campus, he is consistently participating in 5 day a week, in person school, and is living in a dorm-style community with approximately 12 of his peers. James is thriving. We believe that the Spark Academy is the best possible option for James at this time in his life. The catch is the cost. At this time, we are paying privately for his treatment at Spark. To date, we have been denied coverage twice by our insurance company. We have also not yet received any financial help from our home school district though we have asked for it.
It's time to get the word out. James needs to be at Spark Academy and we need help to keep him there. Our goal is to raise $27,500 to be put toward his tuition bill. Thank you for loving and caring for our family in this very tangible way. We know this is a group effort and we are grateful for the influence you have had, are having, and will continue to have in James's life and our lives as well. Again, thank you and God bless you.
Brian, Melissa, James and Emmalee Youd