When Derell was 8 years old, he had trouble staying focused in school and following all the rules. He was repeatedly disciplined for fidgeting, tapping his pencil and talking out of turn. When he was finally suspended for disruptive behavior, Derell –– frustrated by the feeling that he couldn’t do anything right –– lashed out at his teacher.
His mom, Etta, was frustrated too. For a time, she was being called into school nearly every day because of Derell’s behavior issues. “If I didn’t come and help out, they were going to suspend him again,” she said.
Even worse, he was starting to show signs of depression as a result of his struggles at school and with his peers.
“Derell didn’t know how to t
