Welcome to my blog. To start off, I'll tell you a little about myself. I was born August 11, 1986, at 2:33 AM Pacific Daylight Time. When I was three and a half, I was diagnosed with autism. Among my interests: clocks, electronics, TV, and radio.
Things were hard for me as a child of the 1990s. Teachers didn't understand how to work with children like me. Because of this, I bounced from school to school throughout my elementary years.
Middle school wasn't much better. I had to deal with wannabe gangsters and I felt unsafe. By the time high school rolled around my parents and I (finally!) found the right school for me. I graduated in June of 2004.
In Fall of 2004 I started at a community college, I was mainstreamed (that is, I took classes with students without disabilities). About two and a half years later, I started at a groundbreaking two-year program through UCLA Extension known as the Pathway Program, a program that teaches independent living skills to college-aged young adults with disabilities; not just on the autism spectrum, but also Down's Syndrome, ADD, and ADHD, among others. I started in September of 2007 and graduated in June of 2009. Now I live on my own with roommates I was in the above-mentioned program with.
OK, enough about me. Comment below about your experience as a child with autism or with a child or children on the spectrum, and how things are for you today. And feel free to share youir interests as well.
What a great blog Joey. I hope that many people who are on the spectrum, as you put it, respond and write something here of their experiences. It has been wonderful to see you grow up and become a young man on your own. I know that your parents are proud of what you have accomplished and they look forward to seeing you become even more successful in life.
ReplyDeleteFred Hadlock Piltz
HI Joey,
ReplyDeleteI clearly remember 2:33 am on August 1986 because I was sitting in the waiting room of the hospital, waiting for you to be born. I was so excited then and I am so proud of you now. You are always willing to help others. I've learned a lot from you and value your advice. A great Blog. Love you much.
Auntie Barb