An Autistic Student Makes History
 Written by Bruce Leshan;Created:5/17/2005 2:28:44 AM; Last Updated:5/17/2005 2:34:50 AM. Sean Sokler's writing a book.The tenative title: “From Retard to Rocket Scientist”
This week the 24 year old will become the first autistic man ever to graduate from George Mason University.
***Bruce Leshan’s Report***
Sean Sokler has full spectrum autism.
He uses a machine to communicate, twists his shirt incessantly, and often stares off into space. But inside the nervous exterior is a thirsty mind- eager to grasp a formula scrawled on the blackboard.
It has to do with quantum mechanics and mathmatics.
“ Sean is a true inspiration. He's one of the best students I have in my class”, says teacher Rita Sambruna.
“I think he's the teacher here. He's been my teacher”, says Sean’s mother Barbara Cunningham.
In 4th Grade, the experts concluded Sean had an IQ of 18.
But he's blown through everyone's expectations. (click here to read entire story...)
What Are The Soft Skills That Employers Want?
~by Kelley Arredondo, Director
Marriott Foundation, Bridges to the Future Program, Philadelphia.
 Both parents and teachers can support students' transition from school to work by instilling in them these principles:
Work Ethic
A motivating belief that employees owe their employer a full day of hard work-- including following supervisor's instructions.
Courtesy
The consistent use of "Please," "Thank you," "Excuse me," and "May I help you?" in dealing with customers, supervisors and co-workers.
Teamwork
The ability to share responsibilities, work with others, honor commitments, help others do their jobs, and seek help when needed.
Self-Discipline and Self-Confidence
The ability to arrange one's own tasks for best performance, to learn from experience, to ask questions and correct mistakes, and to absorb criticism and direction without feeling insulted, disrespected, or resentful.
Willingness
The ability to dress appropriately, maintain proper grooming habits, body language, tone of voice and other specifics related to work environment.
Language Proficiency
The ability to speak, read, and write standard English in a businesslike way. Knowing when slang is appropriate and when it is not appropriate.
For more information about the Marriott Foundation Bridges Program, contact:
Kelley Arredondo, Director
100 South Broad Street, Suite 1117
Philadelphia, PA 19110
Voice: 215-564-0327
TTY: 215-564-1538
FAX: 215-564-1567
A Transition Success Story
 Evan loves animals and enjoys shopping. So, in creating his person-centered Transition Plan as part of his IEP, his Transition Team helped him find community-based work experiences based on those interests. Last summer, supported by a job coach from Ken-Crest's EmployNet, Evan spent one week working at a community zoo. Later that summer, he also had worked at a thrift shop and in a shoe store. The manager of the shoe store was so impressed with Evan that he offered him a part-time position during the school year. Evan's transition plan is really working!
For more information about support services for teenagers in transition, email Donna Clemens at dclemens@kencrest.org
|
