Challenges
The challenges that bring children, adolescents and adults to Woods are
compelling and diverse:
Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities
Like most of us, people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities strive for independence and more fulfilling lives. At Woods, children and adults with these disabilities are served in our Mollie Woods, Woodlands and Brian’s House programs. Although each of these programs has a slightly different mission and approach, the common theme is that we seek to maximize each individual’s potential while respecting and promoting their dignity and desires.
Challenging Behaviors
Some children and adolescents struggle with difficult behavioral, emotional and learning problems. Cycles of failure may occur as treatment frustrations mount and community-based resources become exhausted. Difficult choices emerge regarding therapeutic supports, education and the need for active supervision. Two of our programs provide this level of support. Woodlands serves children and adolescents who have varying degrees of mental retardation accompanied by significant behavioral problems. Crestwood serves children and adolescents with borderline to above-average intelligence with significant emotional and behavioral difficulties
Emotional Disturbance
Significant emotional disturbance can be a barrier for children and adolescents, both at home and in the community. These individuals sometimes require supports that exceed the capabilities of their families and community support systems. While each of our residential programs has the capacity to serve people with emotional needs, Crestwood is our primary mental health program. This program is designed to prepare the individual for a return home or for placement in a community-based setting.
Autism/Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Over the years, the use of the term autism has broadened to include a spectrum of disorders. These range from relatively mild impairments to significant disabilities that impair an individual’s ability to learn, communicate, interact and participate in society. Woods has developed a number of programs to serve people who have been diagnosed with autism or another pervasive developmental disorder. Supports for persons with autism are available in both the Woodlands and Mollie Woods programs.
We also provide residential and clinical supports for individuals with other Pervasive Developmental Disorders including Rett Syndrome, available in Mollie Woods and Asperger’s Syndrome, available in Mollie Woods, Woodlands and Crestwood.
Prader Willi Syndrome
Prader Willi Syndrome is a genetic disorder that tends to be associated with a voracious appetite, specific physical characteristics and common behavioral traits. Mollie Woods offers a specialized program for people with Prader Willi Syndrome. Because of the health risks associated with being overweight, supports include limiting access to food, promoting exercise and self-discipline, and teaching individuals about their disorder.
Neurological Disorders
Neurological problems present themselves in many forms and in varying degrees of severity. Over the years, Woods has developed an expertise in serving individuals who have muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, seizure disorders and other neurological challenges. The Mollie Woods program offers a diversity of service alternatives that help individuals meet their physical and educational or vocational needs.
Brain Injury
Medically stable adults who suffer from brain injury and related neurological disorders are in need of comprehensive, post-acute rehabilitation services. Woods offers a continuum of care for these people through Beechwood Rehabilitation Services. Beechwood’s focus is to re-teach lost skills, promote socialization, develop a sense of personal achievement and, most importantly, nurture a sense of hope.
