letter from our founder

Dear Friends,

There is no such thing as False Hope.

This statement became a very important one for me. I have found no fear stronger than the fear I experienced around my son Jacob's health and well-being. It is the kind of fear and doubt that makes you examine yourself, your strength, your faith, and your ability to maintain and push forward with HOPE.

HOPE, I found, has many stages when your child has a significant diagnosis - whether that diagnosis is Pervasive Developmental Delay, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Bipolar or a learning disability. Initially, my hope was that someone would promise me that this was going to be alright, that Jacob would not have to struggle but would fit in and be accepted by his peers. That was the only outcome that felt acceptable to me. That thinking was not productive for Jacob or for me. My hope then transformed. HOPE became a balance of acceptance of this day and moment as we are, while knowing that great potential exists for growth and change. My job was to balance my acceptance with an ongoing drive and motivation to do all that I knew to do to give him the best chance at a rich, meaningful and productive life.

Jacob was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Delay at 18 months. He has worked very hard to maximize his potential. New capacity was created in a brain that was greatly disorganized through daily interventions that included physical exercises, sensory, visual and auditory processing as well as cognitive stimulation all delivered with the right frequency, intensity and duration.

Today, after nearly sixteen years of dedicated work, Jacob amazes me daily. He is a strong and inquisitive learner. He is excelling both academically and physically. Jacob's Ladder is a reflection of this work and this unshakeable belief that the same potential lies within each child. We have built a school that serves and educates children utilizing the same level of intensity and array of interventions, whether the diagnosis is a mild learning disability, Cerebral Palsy or Autism.

Our mission is clear, and our promise is steadfast – We believe that every brain is capable of new growth and change. No matter what the condition or diagnosis given we know that the brain can change based on the input and stimulation it receives. Our job is to provide that intense interaction and stimulation - consistently and daily. Our mission is to believe in the potential of each child that walks through our doors, while readily and lovingly expressing that belief. That is who we are.

We have been delivering this promise since 1998 and continue to expand our methodology and base of interventions. We invite you to visit and experience all that makes Jacob's Ladder unique. Should you find that we are the right educational placement for your child, friend or family member – we would be honored to assist you in maximizing your child's potential. No matter what point you find yourself at as you and your child move through this process, whether at early diagnosis or with years of working to achieve, we would like to help you. We know there is a great hope and untapped potential waiting to be unlocked.

Sincerely,

Amy O'Dell - M.Ed., LPC, TRS, CNC
Founding Director, Jacob's Ladder

Tags:Jacob’s Ladder Neurodevelopmental School and Therapy Center,Autism school in Atlanta, special needs school in Atlanta, Down syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, learning disabilities, genetic disorders, ASD, PDD