David

Christine, Mark, David and pup Chloe

written by Sara Raynor

Meet the Fishbaugher family from Oakland, Oregon. Mark and Christine noted that David had some learning delays since he was slower to learn certain motor skills after being on track for the first year of his life. The family doctor didn’t seem concerned, but when they visited a new pediatrician, they asked for a referral to CDRC for evaluation. They are very pleased with the help they got from CDRC because they were connected with local support to help David thrive. He is now 9 years old and won’t ride a bike, but learned to swim this year!

Mark and Christine knew they were going to home school from the start. Traditional homeschooling works so well for them because they can adjust each subject to David’s level. They keep him challenged in the subjects he excels in and go at his pace with the more difficult ones. They make sure to keep setting him up for success, and helping him gain confidence in his strengths. David has benefited from having a strong male figure, as Mark works from home.

David loves to pet the family chickens and spend time outside looking for bugs. He and Christine catch lizards and frogs, then observe them for a bit, figuring out what kind they are and learn more about them.

David has a great imagination and can play for hours by himself, making up stories. However, he is also very social in his home school co-op groups and befriends younger children and expresses some leadership potential. He likes to participate and is enthusiastic with group activities.

Christine remarks that she is fond of his soft heart towards smaller, more delicate things. She wouldn’t be surprised if he grew up to be a police officer or soldier as he sees himself as a protector.