Pseudonym of Child: Jacob
Diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder At Little Olive Tree by Presbyterian Preschool Services, we believe that every child is worth troubling for, no matter how challenging their journey. For some children, the road to growth is messy, but with the right support, they can overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential.
Jacob’s Journey is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of personalised, patient support.
The Early Struggles: Misunderstood Behavior
When Jacob was just a toddler, his parents were told that their son’s behavior would eventually land him in prison. Despite being a highly intelligent child, his behavior at preschool was misunderstood. He was labeled as unruly and uncontrollable. He would barrel into his classmates and teachers when he is upset and would bite or even kick to express his frustration. He also needed help going to the toilet and would burst into tears whenever he does not get what he wants. He needed early intervention but was turned away by two other schools because of his behaviour. Jacob’s parents were at a loss, but at a friend’s recommendation, they found Little Olive Tree.
A New Beginning at Little Olive Tree
In 2022, they found a safe space at Little Olive Tree with the Educational Support Programme (ESP). At first, there were no easy answers. Jacob had not been diagnosed, but his behavior was concerning. He struggled with self-regulation, had difficulty expressing himself, and was prone to aggression and frustration. But his journey took a turn when the Educational Support Teacher, took the time to understand his unique needs. Through careful observation and collaboration with his family, she discovered that Jacob was not only intelligent but also had a deep passion for reading.
The road wasn’t easy, but with targeted strategies, visual cues, and the support of his family and teachers, Jacob began to thrive. His tantrums reduced, his social interactions improved, and he became fully toilet-trained by the end of 2023. He even overcame his picky eating habits, learning to enjoy a variety of foods. Most importantly, he started to self-regulate and interact more positively with his classmates.
A Communicative Jacob
Today, he has grown quite vocal today and is able to express his emotions. Sometimes, he might need reminders to use his words instead of his hands, but he has learnt to seek out his teachers to verbalise what is happening to him using words like “I am upset” or “My friend hurt me and it is really really pain.”
Josiah’s transformation was not just about academic success but about learning to cope with his emotions and connecting with others. In the process of working with him, we also discover that he is one of the best readers in his class, and he continues to love books Through ESP, we demonstrate that no child is too much trouble.
With your support, we can continue to offer the Educational Support Programme (ESP) to children like Jacob who need the additional support to help them thrive. Your donation ensures that children facing challenges in communication, behavior, and socialization receive the personalized care and resources they need to grow academically and socially in a mainstream classroom.
Special Gift for Donors: Donate $250 or more, and you’ll receive a customisable Little Olive Tree LEGO character—a special way to show your support for the children whose lives you’re helping change.
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