This school year has been a great one for Ryker Nicholas. 

An elementary school student at The Learning Spectrum in Johnstown, his confidence is growing. He’s able to communicate his feelings and express his imagination.

One thing that’s especially exciting for his mother, Amanda Eisenhardt, is that — for the first time —  he’s making friends. 

“He has come so far,” she said. “In the last 10 months, he’s just blossomed.”

When Ryker was a toddler and began experiencing communication challenges, Amanda felt alone. 

“When his journey started, we had no support, no resources, no nothing,” she said. 

The traditional school environment was difficult for Ryker and Amanda got calls to pick him up from school multiple times a week. 

In 2023, his family connected with the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities (LCBDD), and things began changing for the better. He began receiving support from Developmental Specialist Diane Dodson and later, a behavior consult from LCBDD’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst. 

“Slowly, overtime, our circle of support expanded,” Amanda said. 

Their LCBDD Service Coordinator, Rachel Harper, provided information and ideas to address his mobility issues and help him stay safe. Through LCBDD Family Support Services (FSS) funds, they were able to get spinning chairs and other adaptive equipment to help with his sensory needs.

“She looks into things quickly and gets back to you, which is very helpful,” Amanda said. “I don’t think we’d be where we are without them.”

At age 6, after he was diagnosed with autism, Amanda decided to work toward enrolling him at The Learning Spectrum.

He was also connected to OhioRISE (Resilience through Integrated Systems and Excellence), a statewide Medicaid managed care program designed for children with complex behavioral health needs. OhioRISE brings multiple support systems together to provide referrals and other services. 

For Ryker, that includes monthly team meetings with Amanda, Rachel, his school, OhioRISE and provider I Am Boundless.

Not only has it improved communication, but it’s helped Amanda discover resources that are helpful to her, and her 3-year-old daughter Kamiya.

“It makes sure everyone is on the same page,” she said. “It’s super helpful, not just for Ryker but for the whole family.”

Team members have been able to come together to set educational goals and brainstorm ways to improve accessibility for Ryker at home. They are also helping their family get more connected to their community.

Through newsletters and information sent out by The Learning Spectrum and LCBDD, Ryker and Kamiya have been able to explore school activities and sensory friendly events, such as “sensitive” visits with Santa and the Easter Bunny.

Amanda has also been excited to see the Momentum Refresh mobile restroom vehicle at community festivals around the county.

The ability to use an accessible restroom that has a universal changing table makes a huge difference when she’s thinking about bringing the kids to an activity, Amanda said. 

“People who don’t need it, don’t always think about those types of challenges when they go out,” she said.

Although loud, crowded spaces can still cause challenges, Amanda said she’s seeing Ryker build the skills he needs to work through them, creating stronger social connections. 

“We’ve seen so much progress,” she said. “Now we have all these people in our corner and I’m so grateful.”