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Parent credits Devereux Massachusetts/Rhode Island with helping son achieve success

“If a parent is looking for a team of behavioral health professionals that has their child’s best interests in mind, Devereux is the way to go.”
– Former Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island parent
   Lorraine Clark

Lorraine’s son, Mario, was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 7 years old. Over the years, Lorraine sought out various types of therapeutic treatment to help Mario manage his emotions and behaviors more effectively, but nothing worked. Then, in 2020, Lorraine turned to Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“Mario is our first-born grandson. We obtained custody of him when he was 2 ½, and adopted him when he was 8,” Lorraine said. “There were times when Mario had to be hospitalized due to his aggressive and destructive behaviors. As he got older, and his behaviors become more intense, we were left with no other option but to enroll him in residential treatment. What a difference that made!”

Developing effective coping skills

Lorraine credits Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island team members with helping Mario develop effective coping skills and learn how to advocate for himself.

“Devereux changed our lives,” Lorraine shared. “The staff taught Mario how to become more socially aware and tolerant of other people. We fully understand that he will have challenging days, but we see the progress he has made. He utilizes his coping skills and has matured so much.”

Lorraine says Devereux also taught her how to best support Mario.

“As a parent, you enter into power struggles with your child. I learned when Mario says, ‘Leave me alone,’ I need to stop whatever I am doing or saying and give him space,” Lorraine explained. “That advice has made a world of difference.”

Embarking on the next chapter

This summer, Mario, who is 15 and loves science, electronic sports and imaginative play, was discharged home, and began attending a therapeutic day school to help him continue to learn and grow.

“We are incredibly proud of Mario. He put in the work and made great progress while in our care,” said Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island Clinical Director Rachel Schein, Psy.D., HSP. “Our ultimate goal is to help the individuals we serve live their best possible lives. We cannot wait to see what the future holds for Mario and his family as they embark on this next chapter.”

Lorraine also noted, “Had I known how beneficial residential treatment could be, I would have enrolled Mario in Devereux years ago. While it was not an easy decision, it was the best decision we could have made. The team members had such a positive impact on our lives – I will be forever grateful to them. Mario is not an easy kid, but they never gave up and continued to work with him to help him succeed.”

Learn more about Devereux Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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