From One Word to Full Sentences: A Special Needs Success Story at Gateway Inclusive School
At Gateway Inclusive School, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive, learn, and grow at their own pace. Each milestone, no matter how small it may seem, is a celebration of hard work, patience, and the right kind of guidance. Today, we are proud to share the story of Khizar, a bright young boy who joined Gateway with limited speech and attention challenges, and who is now preparing to enter a mainstream school — a remarkable achievement that reflects his determination, his family’s support, and the dedication of our teachers and therapists.
A Journey of Hope
When Khizar first joined Gateway Inclusive School, he was just beginning his academic journey. At that time, he could only communicate using one-word speech and often found it difficult to focus or stay attentive. He was also diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition that can make learning and daily routines more challenging for young children.
His parents, however, were determined to give him the right environment where he could receive both care and structured learning. They placed their trust in Gateway, and together with our dedicated staff, began a journey that would transform Khizar’s abilities and confidence.
Therapies That Make a Difference
At Gateway, we offer a range of therapies designed to support children with ADHD, autism, speech delays, and other learning challenges. For Khizar, a personalized plan was created that combined several approaches:
- Speech Therapy: Through interactive sessions, Khizar practiced forming words, linking gestures to phrases, and gradually building sentences. Simple techniques, like using hand signals for “I’m good” or blowing activities to strengthen oral muscles, made speaking less overwhelming and more fun.
- Occupational Therapy: To help with attention and focus, Khizar engaged in fine motor and sensory-based activities. Exercises like picking small toys out of water or shape identification helped improve coordination and concentration.
- Behavioral Support: Our teachers and therapists worked closely with Khizar to encourage multi-tasking, patience, and structured routines, making it easier for him to complete daily tasks independently.
- Academic Activities: Alongside therapy, Khizar participated in classroom learning designed for inclusivity. With guided reading, writing practice, and hands-on learning tasks, he developed core skills at his own pace.
These therapies, combined with consistent encouragement and family involvement, allowed Khizar to make steady progress over time.
A Mother’s Words: Dr. Madiha’s Testimonial
Khizar’s progress is best described by his mother, Dr. Madiha, who shared her heartfelt gratitude:
“Myself Dr. Madiha. My son Khizar, who is going to be six years old in coming September, was admitted in Gateway Inclusive School when he was on one-word speech. He could not focus or stay attentive and was diagnosed with ADHD at that time. After the therapies, he has improved now, MashaAllah. He can speak in sentences, he can do multiple tasks at one time. The teamwork and teachers’ efforts are quite impressive.
I am really grateful to Madam Iram and her staff members. Their teamwork has made my child’s life easy and more independent. He can perform daily tasks, show proper gestures, and express his feelings beautifully. Now, he is going to start his mainstream school.”
The Gateway Difference
Stories like Khizar’s are at the heart of our mission at Gateway Inclusive School. With well-trained staff, a safe environment, and therapies tailored to each child’s needs, we strive to help children overcome challenges and discover their strengths. For parents, we make sure to share progress regularly, because we know how important it is for families to be part of their child’s journey.
Khizar’s success is not just his alone — it is a shared victory for his parents, teachers, and therapists. It is proof that with the right support, children with ADHD and other learning challenges can thrive, achieve independence, and move confidently toward a bright future.
Gateway International School: Where every child’s day is a story worth sharing.