A common challenge among children referred to Sandhill, regardless of diagnosis, is difficulty regulating their emotions. This often manifests as temper tantrums, verbal aggression, or mild to moderate physical aggression toward others, themselves, or property. Many of these children face rejection and failure in school and social settings. Their behaviors are frequently misunderstood as spoiled or willful misbehavior, rather than a struggle to manage intense emotions. At Sandhill Center, our neuroregulatory approach supports children in developing emotional management skills, fostering better relationships and a stronger sense of acceptance and worth.

Our neuroregulatory approach is highly effective for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Recognizing that these children often do not respond to traditional behavior modification methods, we use diverse strategies to address social skill deficits, sensory integration challenges, rigidity, and other hallmarks of ASD. Tools like the squeeze machine developed by Temple Grandin and other sensory supports help improve self-regulation. Our small, home-like environment offers nurturing, individualized attention without causing overstimulation or overwhelm.

Some children exhibit unsafe or reckless behavior, such as self-harm (e.g., head banging, scratching), running off without regard for safety, or lashing out impulsively. These actions are often driven by dysregulation and impulsivity rather than intent. Young children naturally lack full awareness of risks or consequences, and for children at Sandhill Center, this lack of understanding is significantly heightened. These behaviors often lead families to seek residential treatment.

While it’s normal for children to test boundaries, many at Sandhill Center exhibit extreme resistance to adult guidance. This behavior may appear oppositional but often stems from a need to control their environment or avoid forming deep connections out of fear of rejection. Some children have experienced environments requiring excessive independence, making closeness a trigger for strong reactions like tantrums or impulsive actions. Our goal is to rebuild trust in adult care by consistently providing support and safety.

Approximately half of the children at Sandhill Center are adopted. While some struggle to form relationships (attachment challenges), others do not, and not all children with attachment issues are adopted. Regardless of the reason, the core of Sandhill’s program is relational, with interventions and strategies designed to address challenges through meaningful relationships.

Many children at Sandhill Center face significant academic challenges, with some refusing to attend school altogether. For these children, school has often been a negative experience marked by being labeled as behavior problems, accused of laziness, or feeling like failures. Del Rio Academy, our onsite school, provides a supportive and non-threatening environment. Its integration with the residential program ensures education and treatment work seamlessly together. Each child’s academic plan is individualized to provide targeted support and build on their strengths.