Fantastic Friends Newcomer Soars to New Heights

In June 2025, GiGi’s Playhouse Raleigh welcomed a new face to our Fantastic Friends program, Deive. Like many new participants, stepping into a new space with new people came with challenges. At first, Deive found comfort in quieter areas, like the sensory room, and would often need time to adjust before joining group activities. But even in those early days, we could see something special: a spark of curiosity and a desire to connect on his own terms and in his own time.

Over the past two months, Deive has shown incredible perseverance and growth. By attending programs consistently and building trusting relationships with staff, volunteers, and peers, he’s grown more comfortable and more confident in the playhouse environment. Slowly, he began to explore. Instead of staying in the sensory room for long periods, he started wandering into the gym when he heard music playing. He gravitated toward rhythm and movement, lighting up whenever there was a chance to move to the beat.

These early signs of exploration were encouraging. He would glance toward other participants, begin pacing around group activities, and sometimes sit nearby just to observe. It was in those quiet observations that we could see his wheels turning—processing, adapting, preparing to take that next brave step forward.

One unforgettable moment came during a Fantastic Friends music session. As the drums and maracas echoed through the room, Deive walked right into the center of the circle, smiled, and let the music move him. The room erupted with joy not just for his dance moves, but for the courage it took to step into the center and be seen.

As his comfort and communication skills have grown, so has his engagement. Deive now uses gestures, simple choices, and “yes/no” responses to express himself more clearly. He’s exploring games and activities that once felt overwhelming like building with Magnatiles or trying new movement games in the gym. And he’s discovering what brings him joy here: music, movement, connecting with his peers, and (we’ve learned!) snacks.

He’s also become more expressive in his demeanor. Staff and peers alike have noticed his smiles becoming more frequent and his energy more vibrant, especially during activities that allow him to move, make noise, and interact freely. His caregiver has shared how much these positive experiences are carrying over into other areas of his life.

One of our favorite recent milestones came during a game of Ladder Ball in the gym. At first, Deive observed from the sidelines. Then, after watching a demonstration from Nicole, our adult program manager, he picked up the bola and gave it a gentle toss—landing it perfectly on the highest rung. The look of pride on his face and the cheers made it a moment none of us will forget.

From staying less than an hour to now spending up to three and a half hours at the Playhouse, Deive’s increased participation is a testament to the power of consistency, patience, and community. His sensory regulation has improved significantly, and he now needs far less time to feel ready to engage. While his time in group settings is still growing, the quality of his engagement and the joy he brings to those around him is immeasurable.

We are so proud of Deive and the progress he continues to make. He reminds us that growth doesn’t always look the same for everyone—and that each small step forward is worth celebrating. The Playhouse is brighter, more joyful, and more welcoming with Deive in it.