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ERIC Number: EJ903145
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Sep
Pages: 2
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0046-9157
EISSN: N/A
Student with Asperger's Overcomes Obstacles: Devon's Journey to Independence
Williams, Sarah Blackwelder
Exceptional Parent, v40 n9 p23-24 Sep 2010
Devon is a bright, engaging 22-year-old with a proud sense of accomplishment. He believes that while people encounter obstacles during their lives, these obstacles can be overcome with motivation and perseverance. Devon says people simply need to identify what they value, set goals and move beyond the obstacles. Devon has been faced with multiple obstacles since childhood. He grew up in San Jose, California with his parents and two younger sisters. Devon began seeing a psychiatrist at age nine and was diagnosed with ADHD in elementary school. He had difficulty making friends and concentrating in school. Devon's elementary and high school years were challenging. He felt isolated and misunderstood. As a teenager, he was correctly diagnosed with a combined diagnosis of ADHD and Asperger's syndrome, a learning difference on the autism spectrum that disrupts the brain's ability to process and organize information. It can be difficult for individuals with Asperger's to interpret social cues, interact and maintain relationships. After two unsuccessful attempts at college, Devon's parents enrolled him in The College Internship Program (CIP) in Berkeley, California. CIP is a post high school support program that helps young adults with learning differences transition to college and independence. At CIP Devon received a tutor, an advisor, a therapist and a social skills instructor to help him navigate daily college life. Finally, he was in a supportive environment and receiving the assistance he needed to be successful. This article describes how Devon has persevered despite his learning disability. Armed with the skills he learned at CIP, Devon is now motivated to finish college and pursue a career.
EP Global Communications Inc. 551 Main Street, Johnstown, PA 15901. Tel: 877-372-7368; Fax: 814-361-3861; e-mail: EPAR@kable.com; Web site: http://www.eparent.com/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A