For parents of children on the Autism spectrum, the journey is often filled with questions, worries, and a search for effective support. When regular schooling and interventions like ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) don’t seem to work, it can feel like there is nowhere else to turn. Elise, mother of 12-year-old Logan, found hope, clarity, and rapid transformation through the completing the Davis Autism Approach Workshop — a discovery that not only changed Logan’s life but also her own.
Before discovering the Davis Autism Approach, Elise watched Logan’s struggles with everyday life. Although Logan was non-speaking until nine years old, Elise could see a happy, intelligent boy inside. Communication barriers often triggered meltdowns especially in situations Logan couldn’t understand. One vivid memory was an airport incident. On the plane, his iPad stopped working, leading to a meltdown so intense that the family had to deplane. Simple frustrations quickly escalated into overwhelming situations for Logan and the family.
The turning point came when Elise attended the Davis Autism Approach Workshop. Inspired by Ron Davis’ own story as an autistic individual, she felt a spark of hope. The workshop’s unique methods of using clay to model abstract concepts and integrating them into real-world experiences immediately resonated. After completing the five-day workshop, Elise took Logan through the Davis Autism Approach Program. The results were life changing.
On the first day of the program, Logan experienced a profound moment of realization. Through the clay-based exercises, he began to understand that he was his own person, a “me” with a mind and a body. “What are these?” he asked Elise, looking at his legs. When told they were his legs, he repeated, “My legs?” Then he touched his head and exclaimed, “My mind.” “For the first time, I think he saw himself as an individual separate from the world around him,” says Elise.
This newfound self-awareness was the first breakthrough. Before the program, Logan saw the world as a single, overwhelming whole. He didn’t recognize parts or distinctions, including his own role within it. The Davis Autism Approach helped him understand he IS a part of it, creating a foundation for growth and connection.
The program’s hands-on methods made all the difference. Using clay, Logan and Elise modelled key life concepts like cause and effect, responsibility, and emotions. The tactile, visual nature of the exercises helped him internalize these ideas in a way that traditional therapies had not. For example, now, when faced with a stressful situation, he will use his clay model of himself to understand the outcomes and make choices. A particularly successful instance of using this technique occurred on a school trip, when his earbuds stopped working on the plane. Elise was filled with fear from the previous incident of having to deplane. Logan used these newfound strategies to understand the how his actions would affect the situation and used his emotional regulation tools to manage his emotions. Instead of melting down, he took deep breaths, acknowledged his anger, and found a way to cope.
Through these exercises, Logan learned to understand consequences. If he said or did something hurtful, he could model the situation with clay to see how his actions affected others. This approach gave him a new way to process experiences and make better decisions.
Elise highlights how much easier bedtime has become. Now that Logan can understand the consequences of staying up late and not getting enough sleep, he’s willing to go to bed, an outcome she had never thought possible.
The progress Logan made during the program was remarkable. Within months, his confidence and abilities soared. He began reading, writing, and even creating. Despite struggling with basic math concepts before, he developed an understanding of algebra and geometry. His imagination flourished, he started building a “world” in his backyard, writing books, and even planning a television series with over 150 episodes.
For Elise, the changes were equally transformative. She learned how to better support Logan while also rediscovering her own sense of self. The life concepts covered in the Davis Autism Approach Workshop and Program are applicable to anyone of any age. For Elise, it’s improved her own decision-making strategies and reinforced boundaries.
Family life became lighter and more balanced. After the program, they took a trip to Hawaii – most parents of Autistic individuals will understand how impossible that thought is. Logan loved the trip – he tried new foods, enjoyed bus rides, and even went zip-lining and surfing. He adapted to changes in schedule, something that had previously been a major challenge. He now dreams of going to college and has started planning his future.
Since the Davis Autism Approach, Logan has been able to attend school for three days a week, where previously he was home-schooled. Logan’s teacher wants to try the clay modelling with the rest of the class, after seeing how Logan modelling the waves and how energy moves through them, she saw the benefits the rest of the class could gain from this type of hands-on learning.
With outings no longer ending in chaos, Logan went on his first school trip with 92 children. Logan remained calm and engaged, a stark contrast to previous experiences. His ability to handle stress, communicate his needs, and navigate social situations had improved dramatically. He attended loud musicals, a large state hockey game and navigated walking down the Las Vegas strip!
The Davis Autism Approach is not just for the individual, it’s a journey for the entire family. The tools provided in the Davis Autism Approach Workshop can be used for regulating stress and navigating outcomes for tricky situations.
The program also fostered a deeper connection between the family. They developed a shared language and methods to communicate effectively. Using the life concepts, they could navigate challenges together, whether it was managing expectations or planning a daily routine or even showing each other their energy levels. Elise says, “Our entire life is Davis now, but a lighter version”.
Unlike other interventions that focus on specific skills or behaviors, the Davis Autism Approach takes a holistic view. It addresses the individual’s entire experience of life, teaching them how to navigate the world with clarity and confidence. The program is rooted in respect and understanding, empowering autistic individuals to embrace their uniqueness while gaining the tools they need to thrive.
This approach also prioritizes the involvement of support people. Parents, educators, and therapists are equipped with the knowledge and tools to guide the individual’s journey. The workshop provides a comprehensive foundation, ensuring that everyone involved feels confident and prepared.
“It’s a commitment, but it’s a fun commitment. The results come quickly, and they last. This isn’t just an intervention; it’s a way of life. It’s about showing the big picture of life and how to live it.”
For parents who feel lost, exhausted, or uncertain about the future, the Davis Autism Approach offers hope. Elise’s story is a testament to the program’s power to transform lives. Logan, once overwhelmed by the world, is now exploring it with joy and confidence. Elise, once consumed by stress, has found balance and connection.
“It’s a commitment,” Elise says, “but it’s a fun commitment. The results come quickly, and they last. This isn’t just an intervention; it’s a way of life. It’s about showing the big picture of life and how to live it.”
The Davis Autism Approach is more than a program. It’s a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and growth—for both the individual and their family. If you’re searching for a way to truly connect with your child and help them unlock their potential, this might just be the answer you’ve been looking for.
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