Ayla is a cheerful, energetic first grader whose love for learning and play shines the moment she walks into the room.
“My favorite subject is science,” she says with a grin—no surprise to her grandma, Ginger, who knows her curiosity and enthusiasm. Ayla has been connected with Boone County Family Resources (BCFR) since she was two years old, working closely with her Support Coordinator, Hannah Taylor.
Ayla is a cheerful, energetic first grader whose love for learning and play shines the moment she walks into the room. “My favorite subject is science,” she says with a grin—no surprise to her grandma, Ginger, who knows her curiosity and enthusiasm. Ayla has been connected with Boone County Family Resources (BCFR) since she was two years old, working closely with her Support Coordinator, Hannah Taylor.
Over the past few years, Ayla has continued to benefit from a variety of supports coordinated through BCFR, including Home-Based Support Services (HBSS), behavior services (PBS), and assistive technology tools such as sensory swings, a crash pad, visual schedules, timers and chewelry (sensory teething jewelry). She also spent several years in Central Missouri Therapy SPOT (The Hero Clinic) social skills groups during early intervention, aging out only recently. Ginger beamed as she described Ayla’s progress over the years.
“She’s gone from being very rigid to allowing more flexibility,” said Ginger. “One thing was Hannah going with me to the Thompson Center. That was huge, and they jumped in to help with behaviors. We are just seeing her doing very well now. But BCFR has helped the most!”
Hannah has been by the family’s side since they started receiving services from BCFR.
“We’ve helped with sensory items, assistive tech, they have had behavior services in the home for almost 2 years now, and we have also helped with HBSS so that her family can have a respite,” said Hannah.
For Ayla’s grandma, the respite has been essential.
“HBSS has made a world of difference,” Ginger said. “It’s been a huge help.”
Ayla’s mom, Stephanie, remembers how far her daughter has come.
“When we first started services she was a toddler, she was very destructive,” she said. “That was constant and there was no regulation at all. She would throw vacuums down the stairs, pull decorations off the walls—anything she could get her hands on.”
Much of Ayla’s progress has come from building routines, developing coping strategies and strengthening her ability to navigate transitions.
“She’s always been amazing with communication,” Hannah said. “But working on sensory regulation and transitions has been a lot. She thrives on routine, structure and predictability. Visual timers and schedules and creating consistent routines have been really big for her the last two years.”
Ginger agreed, “Cooperative play is a big struggle, but she’s making progress in that area too. We’ve not mastered it, but there’s progress!”
Ginger shared her appreciation for Hannah’s steady support over the years.
“She has hand-walked us through everything—more than you would expect from somebody,” she said. “Hannah has been tremendous, and very good at parsing out what will be helpful. She’ll go the long haul with you. If there’s anybody who will go through thick and thin, it’s Hannah.”
With a good support system in place, Ayla is flourishing—meeting milestones, growing in independence and embracing each day with confidence and joy.