Jeff is a 17-year-old deaf male who referred himself for counseling to assist with communication problems with his widowed mother which have led to chronic stomach pains. Jeff and his family moved to Los Angeles two years ago from a remote village in Mexico where services for the deaf are unavailable.

His mother reported that Jeff was physically aggressive, used provocative language and taunted her, his siblings, and younger family members. He yelled, dressed inappropriately, did not obey his mother, broke curfew, left home at night without permission and did not respond to his mother’s phone calls, did not do his homework, forged school notes and associated with negative peers and older adults. 

With Five Acres’ assistance Jeff is attending a school for the deaf and is learning American Sign Language (ASL). For the first time he is able to communicate effectively with his family. Jeff’s therapy uses a trilingual interpreter (ASL, English and Spanish) and includes behavioral reinforcements, family supportive services, weekly family communication skills-building, positive parenting, and direct one-on-one therapy with his ASL-speaking deaf therapist. The family’s counseling services are funded by Five Acres’ Prevention Fund for clients that have no insurance and cannot afford therapy.

Jeff’s mother reported an immediate positive impact on Jeff’s communication and a decrease in his defiant behaviors. She is effectively managing her stress and models firm and open communication. She shows consistent support and love with a calm demeanor, validates Jeff’s feelings and supports new ideas. She has also learned to admit to shortcomings and now includes Jeff in dialogues using her newly acquired skills.