Our journey to The Westview School began while Ryan attended Hope for Three/ABA Therapy from 2017 to 2019. By the end of his time there, they informed us that he was ready to enter the mainstream school setting. Hope For Three suggested it was essential to find Ryan a small class size of under ten students and for it to be geared towards high-functioning students. And in no way would I have found that type of environment in the public elementary schools that I am zoned to.
After contacting my friend Lynn Clouser, whose son attended Westview, about my issue with finding a school for Ryan, she gave me the assignment to research and visit the various special needs schools within the Houston area to see which would be the best fit for Ryan. I started my visits in the order of distance from my home; the first was the Joy School, and the last was The Westview School. And as the saying goes, "we saved the best for last."
From the first day, I stepped foot into Westview, I felt it was the place meant for Ryan. After meeting the wonderful staff and touring the campus, it was the easiest decision that I had ever made for Ryan.
Ryan's initial medical diagnosis was autism spectrum disorder with delayed milestones in fine motor, self-care, gross motor skills, and later in 2016/2017 speech delay. In 2019, Ryan started first grade at Westview and is currently in the 6th grade. Reflecting on his first day of class, I remember one fond memory. He decided to sit in his new teacher, Miss Natalie's chair. He didn't realize that there were assigned seats and that he had his very own seat to himself. However, with some loving redirection from Mrs. Natalie, Ryan responded well to her instruction and switched to his correct seat without hesitation. With examples like this, as well as countless others, we believe Westview is a wonderful school that meets the unique needs of every individual student.
This August, Ryan started sixth grade at Westview, and at 12 years old, we officially have a pre-teen on our hands! Last year, he talked non-stop about his excitement about having a locker in Middle School. And that excitement has yet to die down. At a recent family gathering, the topic of his locker number and the combination was all he could rave about. He even gave the combination out to one of the family members and all I could think to myself was that is our guy, Ryan Riley!
Westview has created such a positive learning environment for Ryan. He has confidence in himself, respect for others, and a desire for learning. He has developed numerous relationships and broadened his acceptance and understanding of others while attending.
We are beyond grateful to be a part of the Westview family and hope you consider donating and being a supporter of this year's Westview Fund.
Regards,
Jackie and Sylvester Neely
