Nick Transitions To College

Nick has completed six weeks of college.  He is enrolled in a reading class and a math class.  The reading is a "zero" level to help him adjust to collegiate level.  His math class is a 100 level.  Although his math placement test two years ago put him at a much lower level, this year he tested to place exactly where he wanted to be.

This is a huge step for Nick.  We prepared as we normally do whenever he goes somewhere new.  We found his classrooms and other important places on campuses.  His classes are on two different campuses.  We found his classrooms, bathrooms, tutoring, coffee shop, and places to hang out.  We did "dress rehearsals" to ensure that he could find his way from the parking lot to the classes.

While doing this, Nick met up with some old friends from high school.  That was a wonderful suprise, and very important to Nick.  He's doing things that his peers are.  Seeing and conversing with them on campus gave Nick a boost of confidence, making the transition to college easier.

Go Nick!

Ryan's Photos at RMG Imaging Artists

Ryan has thrived since he started the photo shop classes.  He has matured greatly as his confidence grows.  He talks more.  That alone is a WIN!!

The owners have told me that they were not so certain at first that Ryan would have the longevity for the course.  However, they watched and monitored his progress.  They were pleasantly surprised!

Ryan learns quickly.  He advocates for himself, asking questions when he needs help.  He monitors himself; he knows when to work and when to talk.  He's very comfortable in his environment.  He's free to play his music quietly, and he gets along with others when they are present.  Best yet, the owners say that Ryan is a natural.  No one has every said that Ryan is a natural at anything.  No wonder he likes to share his work!

Ryan, who usually chooses not to talk--typical of autism, has taken the initiative to invite his grandparents into the building to see his work.  That shocked my dad.  His astonishment continued as Ryan continually talked and described his photos and images.

The photos here of a lamp were done after four lessons, as were the Yoda pictures shown on a previous blog entry.  These pictures are of the same object.  These images invoke very different moods.

I'm glad Ryan was willing, albeit with our insistence, to try this class.  He has gained much more than just knowledge. He is gaining a sense of himself, a sense of pride in his work and accomplishments.