This month, we are honored to share the story of Serenity Randle, as told by her mother, Shacole McClellan. Serenity has been participating in the Day Therapy Program at Autism Education & Therapy Center – Clarksville/Harnett Court since August 2023.

Shacole recalls first noticing developmental concerns when Serenity was around 18 months old. “She wasn’t responding to her name and played with toys differently than other children. She would flap her hands and had limited speech,” Shacole shared. “Because of these signs, I had her evaluated, and she was diagnosed on the autism spectrum.”

At the time, Serenity was attending a daycare near Autism ETC’s Professional Park location, which led Shacole to reach out for services. “I was told there was a long waitlist,” she explained. “But a few months later, I received a call letting me know there was an opening at the Harnett Court location.” Serenity began services at Autism ETC at 3½ years old. When she started, she experienced several challenges, including difficulty playing with peers, preferring to stay in her own space, and continued speech delays.

From the very beginning, Shacole was impressed. “When I first came to the center, I was super impressed,” she said. “The staff really took the time to learn who Serenity is and how she learns best. They are truly passionate about what they do.” Through parent training, Shacole gained a deeper understanding of Serenity’s needs. “The staff keeps me informed about her goals and what she’s working on, which has allowed us to carry those strategies over at home. Because of that consistency, Serenity has made so much progress.”

Today, Serenity’s growth is evident. She is using many more words, answering questions, reading books, and making strides in her writing skills. “Her behavioral challenges have improved drastically,” Shacole shared.

Looking ahead, Shacole feels hopeful and confident as Serenity prepares to start school in the coming year. “The staff at Autism ETC has been incredibly supportive in helping us navigate the IEP process,” she said. “They’ve also helped Serenity learn about classroom structure, and I truly believe that preparation will set her up for success in the future.”