Kristin Henning-Olson poses with her son, Emmett, who was the first child to gradate from the new partial hospitalization program for children ages 3-5 at Clara’s House in St. Cloud. (Kristin Henning-Olson)
For Henning-Olsen, who lives in Sartell, Clara’s House has been a gamechanger for Emmett, who she said has big brown eyes and “endless” eyelashes, and who is the most huggable “silly goose little boy you will ever meet.”
When Emmett was about 2½, he started doing repetitious behavior such as lining things up, and he seemed more interested in that behavior than actually playing with the toy, Henning-Olsen said. He also developed a food sensory disorder. He was hyper-focused and easily frustrated, and going to a few occupational and behavioral therapists helped — but he still struggled at preschool and at home.
“School did an amazing job with helping Emmett when he had his emotional meltdowns, which were daily,” Henning-Olsen said. “They understood that he needed more support than what they could give.”
Earlier this year, Emmett went to Clara’s House from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. every day for a few weeks, where he would see doctors to address any medication needs and participate in music therapy, art therapy, recreation therapy and social/emotional skill groups. Henning-Olsen also joined for sessions two days a week.
“We also work really hard to engage the caregivers to develop responsive relationships and effective parenting skills because any time you’re working with kids, you have to also work with their family system,” Skodje-Mack said.
Since completing his program — and proudly putting the first leaf on the graduation tree at Clara’s House — Emmett is calmer in both body and mind.
