J moved in to Sycamores in February 2024, bringing with him a history of neglect that had affected many areas of his life. On arrival, he struggled with personal care, daily routines and mealtimes were challenging as his diet was extremely limited and he would refuse to try new meals. J often declined to join others and responded to encouragement with swearing or shouting.
J had not previously experienced consistent care or clear boundaries, which made it difficult for him to trust adults, he would frequently shout or swear during interactions and found it hard to accept support. Everyday routines posed significant challenges for J as he had never slept with bed sheets and would become dysregulated when they were added, at times throwing them out of the window. Alongside this, he needed guidance and support for showering, brushing his teeth, washing clothes, cutting his nails, and having a haircut.
J also experienced sensory sensitivities and struggled with motor skills, he refused to discard shoes that were too small, would only eat with his hands, and was unable to use cutlery properly. Everyday tasks such as fastening buttons or buttering sandwiches were impossible for him at that time.
Staff at Sycamores responded with care and focus, setting up a plan tailored to J’s needs. The team used patience, empathy, and consistency to build trust, they carefully implemented routines so they did not overwhelm him and used small prompts, gentle guidance, and opportunities for choice to help him engage with daily life.
For example, when J was at school, staff made his bed daily so he came home to a tidy bedroom and could see what a completed bed looked like. Gradually, they began asking him to help, showing him step by step by folding sheets, arranging pillows, and making the bed alongside him until he gained confidence to do it independently. They supported him to use shower gels, deodorant, and shaving products, prompting him when needed and helping him choose the products he preferred to use. He was encouraged to understand the benefits of hygiene and daily routines and how they could improve his health, wellbeing, and independence. Incentives, including Xbox vouchers and monthly charts for hygiene and language targets, helped motivate him, alongside verbal praise and playful interactions.
Staff also supported J with meals, giving him choices about what to eat, introducing small changes gradually, and celebrating each step, such as trying a new vegetable or using cutlery for the first time. His favourite meals, like ‘chicken nuggets and chips,’ were adapted into homemade versions to encourage experimentation and develop his taste gradually.
Over the past two years, J has made remarkable progress across all areas of his daily life. He now maintains a structured routine, including making his bed, opening his curtains, and changing his bed sheets weekly. His hygiene has improved dramatically, he showers independently, uses deodorant and shower gel, and brings his clothes down for washing daily. While he still requires occasional encouragement to brush his teeth twice daily, he now takes responsibility for his personal care, including shaving, independently.
J has grown in independence and life skills. He can spread butter on sandwiches, grate cheese, and prepare simple meals like noodles. Mealtimes have become social occasions where he participates fully, enjoys conversation, and expresses his preferences, demonstrating increased choice and control over his daily life. His diet has broadened, and he is now willing to try new foods, including fruits and vegetables.
J’s social skills and confidence have flourished. He communicates calmly and effectively with adults, joins in conversations, and develops friendships both inside and outside the home. He maintains contact with his sister through his smartphone, strengthening family connections, and engages in social activities with friends from school.
He has developed a stronger understanding of personal identity and self expression, discussing his sexuality openly and confidently with staff and peers. Online safety is now well understood, and he demonstrates responsible device use. J thrives on consistency and clear boundaries, responding positively to structure and support. His outbursts have decreased, and he is increasingly able to manage frustration without swearing or shouting.
J’s journey at Sycamores is a testament to the impact of a safe, structured, and person centred environment. J’s progress demonstrates how stability, boundaries, and tailored support can transform lives, helping young people overcome the challenges of their early experiences and embrace their potential.
