Eight-year-old Tig Benton is a very sensitive and caring kid. He is artistic and great at building things. Tig has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Currently, he attends Camp Woodchuck and receives case management through Rainbows. “Tig is always curious, asks lots of questions, and loves to do arts and crafts,” said Tig’s Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). “He is always so kind to others and expresses his concerns towards his friends.
Tig and his mom, Kelsey have had a connection with Rainbows since 2018. “We have had the chance to work with a few different programs in the organization as well, due to the array of services our kiddos, including Tig, have needed,” said Kelsey. “Living with Autism and ADHD has caused Tig to experience outbursts out in public and uncontrollable behavior at school and other care in his everyday life. He often gets separated and becomes the negative center of attention. This leads to a lot of additional anxiety for him.”
Tig was excited from the moment he got home on his first day of Camp Woodchuck. He told Kelsey how he loved having other kids like him, and that no one stared at him or pointed his reactions out and he didn’t feel scared at Camp. “Rainbows has given our kids a place to be themselves, while also providing services that have allowed them to develop and grow to the best of their abilities,” Kelsey said. “Often, when we haven’t had the answer for what the path ahead would be, Rainbows provided guidance and services to help us.”
One of Tig’s favorite things at Camp Woodchuck is going to Club Rodeo to dance. He also loves going on field trips and water play in the backyard at Camp.
Kelsey and Tig really appreciate their interactions with the staff at Rainbows. “While we have had some unusual situations, the workers (Lynlea Southards, Targeted Case Management Coordinator, in particular), step in and make sure we are taken care of,” said Kelsey. “We had a great experience with Eley, who just happened upon us out in public during the Fourth of July celebration. She sat with Tig and engaged with him during the fireworks.” Kelsey feels the staff at Rainbows are knowledgeable and quick to step in when needed. Staff are always happy to see the kids and know not just their names, but also lots of things about them to make those connections.
Tig’s family is made up of seven people. “We have five kids,” said Kelsey, “Dom, our seventeen-year-old foster son; nine-year-old Adi, who was adopted through foster care has received speech therapy through Rainbows; Tig who is adopted from South Dakota through foster care has received behavioral and speech therapy from Rainbows; three-year-old Ora has been evaluated by Rainbows; and the moms, Kelsey, Neva, and Hammie.”
By Megan Bailey, Volunteer Writer
