Dear Friend of STAR, 

As we approach the end of another year, I warmly invite you to pause with me for a moment of reflection on the remarkable strides we’ve made together. Let’s also turn our gaze forward, as we continue our journey towards a world where sensory health is not only understood but truly supported and celebrated. 

Every day, families like Abigail’s and Stacey’s turn to STAR Institute for life-changing support. Abigail can now take her son, Michael, on outings without fear of overwhelm, while Stacey’s son, also Michael, has grown in confidence and connection after participating in STAR’s programs. These stories remind us why sensory-informed care is essential—and why we need your help to ensure no family is left behind. 

This is the power of sensory-informed care—your support is essential for us to keep making a difference in 2025, ensuring that mental health resources are effective and that every individual can explore their unlimited potential. 

The need for sensory health services is urgent and growing. Your support today will directly help us achieve these transformative goals: 

• Increasing Access to Adult Services: Expanding access to sensory-informed therapy for teens and adults, serving 50% more individuals in 2025. 

• Empowering Caregivers: Offering no-cost multi-modal parent education to families in need, equipping them with tools to support their children and advocate effectively. 

• Creating Caregiver Handbooks: Developing resources to bridge knowledge gaps, strengthen relationships, and provide practical strategies for daily challenges. 

• Expanding Health Equity Through Clinician Training: Training professionals in underserved communities across the US to deliver neurodivergent-affirming sensory-informed care, spreading STAR’s mission further. 

• Fostering Inclusive Classrooms: Partnering with teachers to create sensory-friendly learning environments that promote safety, connection, and success for all students. 

• Researching Effective Parent Coaching and Therapeutic Supports: Advancing therapeutic approaches to strengthen family resilience and connection. 

Your generosity fuels this life-changing work. STAR Institute’s research-driven, neurodiversity-affirming approach is redefining sensory health, fostering inclusion, and creating opportunities for individuals and families across the lifespan. 

Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future. Please consider making a year-end donation to STAR Institute today. Your gift directly impacts individuals, families, and communities, enabling us to continue delivering critical resources and support. 

Thank you for being part of this mission. With your help, we can ensure that everyone has access to the sensory-informed care they need to thrive. 

Warmly, 
Virginia Spielmann 
Executive Director of STAR Institute 

P.S. Every dollar makes a difference. Your gift today helps STAR Institute lead the way in sensory health, creating lasting change in 2025 and beyond. Please donate today to make an impact for years to come. Thank you for your support! 

Abigail & Michael’s Story 

Abigail is the proud mother of three boys, including eight-year-old Michael. Life as a family of five is busy, but Abigail and her husband make a point to find moments for connection, whether it’s going to church on Sundays, cheering at games, or taking the boys to Michael’s favorite getaway spot, Great Wolf Lodge. Despite the joys, raising Michael has brought unique challenges following his diagnosis, especially in navigating sensory and behavioral differences. 

Before coming to STAR Institute, Abigail described simple outings—like grocery shopping or attending events—as overwhelming and isolating. “I used to avoid taking Michael to stores because it was just too hard.” She worried about Michael eloping or becoming dysregulated.  

Since starting therapy at STAR over a year ago, Abigail has noticed significant changes. “The biggest thing is I can take him places now—he doesn’t run away. Last weekend, we even went to a basketball game. He isn’t even into basketball, but he sat calmly through the whole thing. It felt huge.” 

What sets STAR apart for Abigail isn’t just the visible progress Michael has made but the belief the team instilled in her as a parent. "Everybody thought he was just disabled, but STAR was the only place that made me feel like he has abilities—that he’s a whole person. He’s capable. He understands. That actually helped me, because I had always assumed he didn’t understand. They taught me to see him as capable and able. It’s a journey, and I’m working on building that belief and trust in him." 

STAR has also helped Abigail as she navigates the challenges of parenting in a culture where disabilities are often misunderstood. “In my community, disability can carry a stigma. The parent training at STAR was life-changing for me—it gave me tools to support Michael and also strengthened my own mental health.” 

Abigail’s dream for Michael is for him to become so regulated that he can thrive in society. While the journey is ongoing, she’s grateful for STAR’s unwavering support. “The team has believed in Michael every step of the way, and that belief has helped me believe in him too.” 

Your support helps STAR empower families like Abigail’s, providing the tools, resources, and compassionate care needed to build brighter futures. 

Stacey & Michael’s Story 

When Stacey found STAR Institute, she was searching for support for her 7-year-old son, Michael. Sensitive and easily overwhelmed, Michael struggled with controlling his body—hitting, running off, and reacting strongly to overstimulation. These challenges affected his confidence, strained family dynamics, and led to frequent school changes as teachers struggled to support him. 

As a fierce advocate for her children, Stacey never stopped searching for the best resources and support for her family. She worked tirelessly to find answers, refusing to accept that Michael’s struggles were simply “behavioral.” Then, in the summer of 2024, her efforts led her to STAR Institute, where Michael underwent an evaluation and participated in a three-week intensive program. That’s when everything started to change. 

At STAR, Stacey and Michael learned that his challenges were rooted in sensory processing difficulties. With strategies tailored to his needs, Michael’s confidence grew, and his interactions became more thoughtful and connected. Stacey noticed small but significant changes, like being able to get dressed and leave the house without a struggle or hearing Michael ask, “How are you, Mom?” 

These changes brought balance to their family life. “Everyone’s nervous systems were on all the time,” Stacey said. “Now, Michael can let things go easier, share better, and connect more. It’s like the light has gone on for him.” Stacey now has the space to care for herself too, enjoying simple things like sitting down for a meal without feeling overwhelmed. 

One of the proudest moments came when Michael received a school award for being an “independent author, following routines, and being a good role model.” After years of struggling in schools that couldn’t meet his needs, Michael’s progress was finally recognized—and celebrated. 

Thanks to STAR, Michael now has the tools to thrive in his own way. “I feel hopeful,” Stacey said. “Michael is becoming more of himself and doing things he wants to do, not just getting through the day.” 

Your support helps make transformations like Michael’s possible. Join us in creating brighter futures for children and families by donating to STAR Institute today.