Overton, Collaborating with Families

Part Two: Case Study Analysis

3. Climbing the Mountain: Mr. Derstrom’s Story
A father discusses his internal trauma at the birth of his son with Down syndrome, his subsequent growth and acceptance of his son’s abilities, his emotional reactions to other people’s comments, and how his son’s school has helped him recognize his son’s potential.

4. I Made Myself High Profile: Bright Star’s Story
A Native American community activist is the mother of a teenager who was adopted at 10 months. Her son is hearing impaired and has learning disabilities. She confronts problems head-on, she is persistent, and she does not let little things slide

5. To Break the Chain: Aunt Rhonda’s Story
An aunt, who was a childhood victim of abuse, serves as the stabilizing force in the lives of two children whose parents are divorced and abuse drugs. She discusses her own difficulties breaking out of the cycle of abuse while coping with her nephew’s ADHD and the effects of family violence on the children.

6. One Last Chance, Again: Frank’s Story
A father of a child with behavioral problems and ADHD takes custody of his son after his ex-wife exhausts her ability to deal with him, and he discusses their subsequent involvement with school systems and juvenile justice systems

7. If the Schools Had Their Way: Mrs. Jones’s Story
A single mother of two children with ADHD and learning disabilities tells of her constant struggles with the school district and her resulting anger.

8. El Puede Aprender (He Can Learn): Maria’s Story
A mother of a 12-year-old boy with severe disabilities discusses how her son continually surpasses the expectations of his teachers and physicians.

9. A Direct Ride Home: Shelly’s Story
A mother of three children, two of whom have autistic spectrum disorder, has assumed the primary responsibility for educating one son at home, with school attendance viewed as respite. Now exhausted, she wrestles with the option of residential care.

10. Straighten Up: Ms. Stack’s Story
A single mother of a boy with Tourette syndrome and extremely aggressive behavior received the blame for his behavior for years before obtaining a diagnosis.

11. Growth and Adjustment: Grace’s and Janet’s Stories
A mother of a boy with physical disabilities and impaired hearing tells of teachers and administrators who have touched their lives with love and respect and of others who have created nightmares. The boy’s sister tells of the impact that her brother has had on her life.

12. I Love My Baby: Rita’s Story
A mother of a child diagnosed at birth with microcephaly and anencephaly has struggled with the medical profession to keep her son alive through repeated suggestions that she let nature take its course