Scarlett and Jayden

Scarlett, age 8, and Jayden, age 17, are passionate about taekwondo. Their parents have noticed a significant improvement in their problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and their discipline. It has armed them with defense skills and improved their confidence levels.

In 2021, Jayden began taekwondo after receiving funding from Alta California Regional Center (ACRC). Scarlett then followed in 2022, and it has provided the two siblings with a community. Both Scarlett and Jayden work diligently to improve their abilities so they can continue to level up their belts.

Every few months at the dojang, a place where taekwondo is practiced, a belt testing is held, and students can submit to be tested and advance in the belt system. Jayden is already sporting a multicolored belt of red, black, and yellow, and is now a candidate for a black belt. Scarlett has a multicolored red and black belt.

Prior to the assistance and support from ACRC, Jayden struggled with self-harm. With Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy and taekwondo, Jayden has blossomed as a person. He is a junior in high school, an honor roll student, and on track to graduate in 2027 as a senior. As for Scarlett, she is a high energy individual who struggled with extreme tantrums. Receiving services from ACRC has helped her regulate her emotions and provide an outlet to expend energy with taekwondo.