SPECTRUM SPOTLIGHT featuring: Corey
As a part of The Answer Inc’s Commitment to de-stigmatizing society’s opinion of persons with Autism & Other Developmental Disorders, SPECTRUM SPOTLIGHT was created to shine a light on exceptional Children and Young Adults everywhere - who, inspite of obvious limitations, are ever committed to living their best life.
In our very first episode, Corey’s Mom reminds us that small achievements are worth celebrating and very worthy of the spotlight.
I hope her words below will inspire you, as she reminds us that a steady pace wins the race.
Corey has come a long way from the 4 year old boy who fell asleep in the back seat of our car when we moved here. He was waiting to go home because he didn't understand this was his new home. Fast forward 24.7 years and not only does he understand it, he can manipulate his environment just like anyone else his age.
Given the tools & training, Corey can do anything.
School taught him how to read, so he scours the internet on a regular basis, and what he can't read, he has the computer read aloud or show pictures. We have to use the latest Apple geniuses to keep him safe though.
Those academic skills are great, but in home living class during middle school, Corey's greatest accomplishment was not just learning home living skills, but the feeling that comes with being independent.
I think having them teach him latch-key has a helped him literally cross a threshold.
Even though Corey can't maneuver public transportation, door-to-door bus service allows him to travel and with other driver services or a bike, he can travel and come home.
He cooks using a microwave or convection oven and watches you tube or plays computer games when he's not doing chores. Now, I can ask him to gather and sort the laundry baskets in each of 3 places, and start the wash before I get home. He can do both with a timer; adding dryer sheets & detergent, but sometimes he forgets to turn on a machine!
These pictures show how long ago this training process began! But that's ok because a steady pace wins the race!
This episode of SPECTRUM SPOTLIGHT is brought to you by: The Moms of The Midwest HATS OFF TO AUTISM BRUNCH.
