Hi my name is Phillip

[mrphillip]

Hi my name is Phillip, I have been working with individuals with disabilities for 25 years. I started when I was 15 at a camp, where my first experience was with a 7 year old boy who had spina-bifida and autism. Yes it was quite the combo for a 15 year old with absolutely no training. Needless to say, I look back at it as one of several great experiences.

I have worked in a variety of jobs such as life skills, job coach, preschool aide, after school program director, camp director, development director, consultant, case manager, respite counselor and most recently transition consultant.

I became most interested in autism during my years of case management, in which I was also a respite counselor. I learned so much from the parents. I have seen just about every "treatment" for autism on the planet. I have been directly involved with the lives of individuals diagnosed with autism and the decisions their families make.

The school age population of individuals with disabilities is my primary focus, although I have had experience in preschool and adulthood. My kids that I case managed are now starting to graduate from school and we have all seen a lot of progress.

I am going back to school now to pursue a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. I will be focusing on Leisure Education and Recreational Participation for individuals with autism and camping opportunties for all individuals.

I have also started a website to fund social and recreational opportunties for individuals with disabilities. With the permission of the board administrator I will put a link to it in my signature.

Sorry to ramble!

[tpigford]

Sounds wonderful what you have learned, experienced and given to the autism society. We can certainly learn from you and welcome any advice or input.

[AutMom]

[QUOTE=mrphillip]
I became most interested in autism during my years of case management, in which I was also a respite counselor. I learned so much from the parents.
Sorry to ramble![/QUOTE]
I am just curious. Do you know why you became "most interested in autism?"

[shannonc91]

Hello and Welcome. I have a son who is 5 dx with Aspergers Syndrome. As I started researching upon his dx I too became very interested with the spectrum. I know my son has it easier than others on the spectrum but also has very many difficulties that prove to be very challenging but I love the way he looks at life and the world.

[mrphillip]

I am just curious. Do you know why you became "most interested in autism?"

Because autism was the diagnosis that posed the most array of therapies, uniqueness of individual and the parents that I was working with were very eager to participate and learn.