Success Stories & Case Studies

Therapy Success Stories: Real Impact on International SEND Children

October 2024
8 min read
Therapy Services, Success Stories, Family Support

Case studies and success stories showcasing how speech therapy, occupational therapy, and family support services create lasting positive changes for expatriate families.

Therapist, woman and girl with clipboard, blocks and talk for evaluation, assessment or exam on floor. Person, psychologist and child with toys, advice and checklist for notes with point at clinic

Professional Therapy Excellence

Our dedicated therapists work one-on-one with each child, using evidence-based approaches tailored to individual needs and cultural backgrounds.

Transforming Lives Through Expert Care

At Expat SEND Support, we believe every success story begins with understanding. Our multidisciplinary approach combines evidence-based therapy techniques with cultural sensitivity, creating personalized intervention plans that honor each family's unique journey.

150+

Families Supported

25+

Countries Served

95%

Progress Achievement

Family Day Out With Parents And Children Standing In Front Of Manhattan Skyline In New York City USA
Speech Therapy Success

Case Study 1: Emma's Journey From Silence to Confident Communication

Family Profile

  • Child: Emma, 5 years old
  • Family Origin: German expatriate family
  • Location: Budapest, Hungary
  • Challenge: Severe speech delay, selective mutism
  • Languages: German, English, Hungarian exposure

Initial Challenges

When Emma's family relocated to Budapest, they faced multiple challenges. Emma had significant speech delays and would only communicate through gestures and whispers to her mother. The transition to a new country, combined with exposure to multiple languages, created additional anxiety.

Limited vocabulary (20 words)
Social anxiety in new environments
Difficulty with multilingual context
Resistance to speaking in sessions

Our Intervention Strategy

Culturally-Sensitive Approach
  • Incorporated German cultural elements and familiar stories into sessions
  • Used play-based therapy with traditional German toys and games
  • Gradual introduction of Hungarian words through songs and rhymes
  • Family involvement in home-based activities and exercises
Therapeutic Techniques
  • PROMPT (Prompts for Restructuring Oral Muscular Phonetic Targets)
  • Social Stories™ to address anxiety and build confidence
  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) support
  • Parent coaching and home program development

6-Month Progress Timeline

Month 1
Trust Building & Assessment

Emma began attending sessions with her mother, gradually becoming comfortable with the therapist and environment.

Vocabulary increased to 35 words
Month 2
First Breakthrough

Emma started speaking in whispered words during play activities, showing increased comfort and engagement.

First two-word combinations emerged
Month 4
Confident Communication

Emma began speaking in full sentences and actively participating in group activities at her international school.

Vocabulary expanded to 200+ words
Month 6
Transformation Complete

Emma successfully transitioned to speaking confidently in three languages and made lasting friendships at school.

Age-appropriate communication skills achieved

"The transformation we've seen in Emma has been nothing short of miraculous. From a quiet, withdrawn child to a confident, chatty little girl who loves making new friends. The team understood our cultural background and made Emma feel completely at home during sessions."

Petra M.

Emma's Mother, German Expatriate Family

Occupational Therapy Excellence

Case Study 2: Marcus's Motor Skills Journey

Helping an American expatriate child overcome sensory processing challenges and develop essential life skills

Family Profile: The Johnson Family

Child Details
  • Name: Marcus, 7 years old
  • Diagnosis: Sensory Processing Disorder
  • School: International School of Budapest
Family Background
  • Origin: United States
  • Location: Budapest, Hungary
  • Father's Role: Diplomat
Key Challenges
  • • Extreme sensitivity to textures and sounds
  • • Difficulty with fine motor skills (writing, buttoning clothes)
  • • Meltdowns in classroom environments
  • • Struggles with daily living activities
  • • Social isolation due to behavioral differences

Intervention Highlights

Sensory Integration Therapy

Custom sensory diet including weighted blankets, fidget tools, and sensory breaks throughout the school day.

Fine Motor Development

Targeted activities using therapeutic putty, precision tools, and handwriting programs adapted for international curriculum.

Environmental Modifications

Collaborated with school staff to create sensory-friendly learning spaces and implement accommodation strategies.

8-Month Progress Overview
Fine Motor Skills 85%
Sensory Regulation 78%
Social Participation 92%
Daily Living Skills 88%
Outstanding Outcomes
Handwriting improved from illegible to grade-level
Reduced meltdowns from daily to once per month
Successfully participates in group activities
Independent with dressing and hygiene routines

What Marcus's Support Team Says

Parent Perspective
Sarah Johnson

Marcus's Mother

"The occupational therapy team didn't just work with Marcus – they educated our entire family. We learned strategies that we continue to use daily. Marcus went from being overwhelmed by simple tasks to confidently participating in sports and social activities."
Exceptional Service
Educator Perspective
Ms. Andrea Kovács

Grade 2 Teacher, ISB

"The collaboration with the occupational therapy team transformed our classroom approach. Marcus's success inspired us to implement sensory-friendly practices that benefit all our students. His confidence and academic performance have improved dramatically."
Professional Excellence
Comprehensive Family Support

Case Study 3: The Chen Family's Holistic Journey

Supporting a Chinese-Canadian family through multiple SEND challenges while navigating international school transitions

The Chen Family Profile

A complex case requiring coordinated support across multiple family members

Family Background
  • Origin: Toronto, Canada (Chinese heritage)
  • Location: Budapest, Hungary
  • Languages: English, Mandarin, Hungarian
  • Father's Role: Tech Executive
  • Duration in Hungary: 3 years
Children's Profiles & Needs
L
Lily Chen, Age 9

ADHD & Executive Function Challenges

  • • Difficulty with attention and focus in multilingual classroom
  • • Challenges with organization and time management
  • • Social skills development needed for international peers
D
David Chen, Age 12

Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • • Sensory sensitivities affecting school participation
  • • Need for structured routines and predictability
  • • Communication support for expressing needs and feelings

Our Comprehensive Family Support Approach

Individual Child Support
Lily's ADHD Support Plan

Executive Function Coaching

Weekly sessions focusing on organization, planning, and time management skills

Social Skills Training

Group sessions with international peers to develop cross-cultural friendships

School Collaboration

Working with teachers to implement ADHD-friendly classroom strategies

David's Autism Support Plan

Sensory Integration Therapy

Personalized sensory diet and environmental modifications

Communication Development

AAC support and social communication skills in multilingual context

Routine & Structure Support

Visual schedules and predictability strategies for home and school

Whole-Family Support
Parent Education & Support
  • Monthly parent workshops on ADHD and autism strategies
  • Cultural adaptation guidance for SEND approaches
  • Sibling support and family dynamics counseling
International School Partnership
  • IEP development and advocacy support
  • Teacher training on SEND best practices
  • Ongoing consultation and progress monitoring
Cultural Integration Support
  • Trilingual therapy approaches and materials
  • Community connection and cultural events
  • Expatriate family networking and support groups
12-Month Transformation Journey
Q1
Foundation Building
  • • Comprehensive assessments
  • • Parent education intensive
  • • School collaboration setup
  • • Individual therapy begins
Q2
Skills Development
  • • Lily's focus improves 40%
  • • David's communication grows
  • • Family routines established
  • • School accommodations active
Q3
Integration Phase
  • • Peer friendships develop
  • • Independent skill growth
  • • Family stress reduces
  • • Cultural adaptation success
Q4
Thriving Success
  • • Academic goals achieved
  • • Social confidence high
  • • Family harmony restored
  • • Ongoing support plan active

The Chen Family Today: A Testament to Comprehensive Support

One year later, the Chen family has not only adapted to their international life but is thriving beyond their initial expectations.

L
Lily's Achievements

Age 10 - Grade 5 Excellence

Academic Focus
85%
Organization Skills
92%
Social Connections
88%

"Lily now leads study groups, participates in the school drama club, and has formed lasting friendships with children from 8 different countries!"

D
David's Progress

Age 13 - Middle School Success

Sensory Regulation
90%
Communication
87%
Independence
94%

"David now advocates for his own needs, has joined the robotics club, and uses his trilingual skills to help translate for new students!"

The Chen Family

Parents of Lily and David

"We came to Hungary feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about our children's future. Today, we can't imagine being anywhere else. The comprehensive support we received didn't just help our children – it transformed our entire family dynamic. Both kids are not just surviving but absolutely thriving in their international environment."
100%
Family Satisfaction
2
Thriving Children
365
Days of Progress

What Makes Our Success Stories Possible?

Behind every transformation is a carefully crafted approach that honors individual needs while building on family strengths.

Cultural Sensitivity

We honor each family's cultural background, integrating traditions and values into therapeutic approaches for authentic, meaningful support.

Evidence-Based Methods

Our interventions are grounded in the latest research and best practices, ensuring effective, scientifically-supported therapeutic approaches.

Team Collaboration

We work closely with families, schools, and other professionals to create a unified support network around each child's success.

Individualized Plans

Every child receives a completely personalized intervention plan, tailored to their unique needs, strengths, and family circumstances.

Your Child's Success Story Begins Here

Ready to Write Your Family's Success Story?

Every success story starts with a single step. Let our expert team create a personalized plan that honors your child's unique strengths and your family's cultural journey.

150+
Families Transformed
25+
Countries Served
95%
Success Rate
5★
Average Rating

Why International Families Choose Us

GDPR Compliant

Secure, confidential support with the highest privacy standards for international families.

Certified Experts

Licensed professionals specializing in multicultural SEND support and therapy.

Flexible Scheduling

Online and in-person options designed around busy expatriate family schedules.

Questions about our success stories or ready to start your journey?