Teen Talk
by Betty Meade
Learning Resource Teacher
Andover Central Middle School
Andover, Kansas
(Dec. 01)

Daniel is a happy, 16 year old boy with high functioning autism. He lives with his parents, older sister, Jessica, and Katy, the family dog. He loves to do art work, whether it's drawing or using the potter's wheel. Daniel is an accomplished artist, who can not only draw freehanded, but has a remarkable ability to create drawings on the computer as well. Daniel enjoys singing, playing the piano, swimming, and camping with his dad. He loves to read maps and go on sightseeing trips with his family.

Daniel attends Andover High School, where he is mainstreamed into Art, Home Ec., and Choir classes. He participates in vocational training by working at Andover Assisted Living Center and the National Bank of Andover. He attends football and basketball games with his parents, where he cheers with the rest of the student body. He enjoys attending his sister's volleyball games so much, that he puts the dates on his calendar and counts the days until her next game.

During the summer, Daniel attends the YES Program, a day camp sponsored by the Sedgwick County ARC. The highlight of his entire summer, however, is attending Camp Determination. While there, he enjoys not only the fishing, swimming, horseback rides, and campfires, but also the companionship of the other teens and the counselors.

Daniel is an enjoyable, fun student to teach. His warm, loving personality makes him a favorite of everyone who works with him.

Artist: Daniel