David has been at Salcasa since November 2017. When he first arrived, he found it difficult to trust others or communicate his needs. He came from a restrictive hospital environment, where he hadn’t been out in the community for over 18 months and had sadly lost touch with important family and social connections. As a result, David struggled with unpredictable behaviour, difficulty focusing on tasks for more than a few minutes, and experienced obsessive and repetitive behaviours, including harmful actions towards himself.
Fast-forward seven years, and the Salcasa team has had the pleasure of witnessing a remarkable transformation in David. His vocabulary has expanded significantly, and his self-injurious behaviors have become minimal. Most recently, David celebrated his birthday with his parents in the garden, where he fully engaged in opening presents and enjoyed lunch with all his favorite snacks—all with a big smile on his face.
It was a heartwarming moment that highlighted just how far David has come. His journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s a testament to the importance and benefits of the right care and a supportive community.
