During his hospitalization, Emmett spent hours upon hours creating art with his mother to pass the time. Emmett’s room was decorated from floor to ceiling, on every wall, with the brightly colored images that covered the sterile walls with joy. In the 123 days there, Emmett was not permitted to go outside. He was confined to a room in a small unit and eventually moved to an even smaller room in a smaller unit, while he waited for an opening in a long term residential care facility.  He was discharge without care.  His next school placement didn't work out, and returned to his local public school in 2022 where he completed 2 years of middle school.  

 

In 2025, Emmett is currently living at home and attending his local high school as a sophomore.  He attends general education classes with support as well as special education classes. He receives BHRS services in the home and works out at the gym with his support person 2 days a week. He began receiving waiver funding in June 0f 2024, 2.5 years after being dischaged from the hospital. Under the care of his parents and their advocacy efforts, he is thriving. His dangerous behaviors are still present at times, but manageable with behavior plans, social stories and consistent 1:1 support.  He continues to require 24-hour supervision and care.

 

He paints everyday, but over the last 18 months, he has not produced any publishable work.  His time painting averages 20 minutes a day now, in comparison of up to 3 hours a day.  It's the only part of his routine while in crisis that has remained.  As he heads into his art selling season, his goals are to improve customer interactions, counting money, and increasing his time on a shift.  Check out his event page and come show his collection in person!!!