Parents worked tirelessly to remove son's roadblocks 9 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Saturday, April 18, 2009 Continued from page 8 "I labelled tables, chairs and he would go up and read them, so he started to develop language that way," she said. "Early intervention and really being on top of it can make a difference. It is a 24hours-a-day thing." He also had speech therapy and occupational therapy in preschool and eventually, in the school environment. The family also paid for an educational assistant in his early years at school before the school board took over the expense. The devotion and dedication of his parents paid off, as Cory's condition was upgraded to Asperger's Syndrome when he was seven. "He was more autistic-like in the beginning, but because of running his (ABA) program, when we took him to a doctor at Sick Kids when he was in Grade 1, they said he didn't meet the criteria for autism anymore and was more like an Asperger's kid," she said. Nancy is proud of her son and hopes others, especially students at his high school, see him for what he is -- a gifted, loving and talented boy. "He's a really good kid. He's a really caring kid. He's really hardworking," she said. "Last year, he was an honours student and he had top marks in English, which is exceptional considering it is a "If people had more understanding, they might have more empathy." Cory's mother, Nancy Morrison communication disorder he has." John said his son takes school seriously. "He works hard and does two or three hours of homework a night," he said. Cory is currently in the transition program at White Oaks Secondary School, which he said is a good fit. He also takes some applied-level Grade 9 classes. His favourite subjects are math, science and music. "My average last year was 82 and this year it is 79," he said. Nancy and Cory are striving towards better awareness of developmental disorders in Ontario schools. "If people had more understanding, they might have more empathy," she said. "Part of the problem with our education system is that we teach about racism and physical disabilities, but we don't educate kids about learning disabilities. It is Cory's and my goal to approach the Ontario Government about adding a portion to the curriculum where they would start to teach kids at a fairly early age that there are different-able people out there." Cory has not yet decided on a career path, although meteorology may be a possibility. He has already decided he will pursue post-secondary education. In the meantime, he is continuing his work as a vocal advocate for greater understanding of Asperger's Syndrome. He has created a website about his condition and experiences, including an essay on what it is like to live with Asperger's Syndrome. The website can be found online at www.myviewonautismessay.webs.com. "If you have autism, Asperger's, Tourette's, you name it, don't ever feel that the bumps on the road will be on that road for long, there are so many opportunities for you to be successful," Cory writes in the closing paragraph of his online essay. "And if you get depressed, it ain't over yet, just keep on going." $139. Includes Delivery within zones TK1849 You call - we deliver, even if you're not home.TM Befo l Program o Scho ~ ~NEeW fter A r / Clanmore Montessori School Preparing children for life through education 18 months - 12 years Unlimited Possibilities Fern Hill School, an independent co-educational school for students in Preschool to Grade 8, is regarded as one of the pre-eminent elementary schools in Canada. Imagine what Fern Hill can do for your child Come and meet us at our OPEN HOUSE Wednesday April 22nd, 2009 from 6:30-8:30 pm : : : : : : Academic Excellence with Enriched Programming Fully Trained, Experienced Certified Staff Fully Equipped Montessori Environments Parent Community Involvement Bright, Sunny Classrooms Beautiful Historic Building Ford Drive Fern Hill School does far more than challenge students academically. Fern Hill focuses on providing students with an exceptional foundation for high school and beyond. From our very youngest students in Preschool to our senior students in Grade 8, Fern Hill provides a well-rounded education that includes art, music, athletics, drama and French. Our learning environment is inviting, well-equipped, and offers students an enriched, customized programme that inspires intellectual curiosity, leadership skills and confidence. Experience the Fern Hill difference at our Summer Camp for children ages 3 to 14. Visit our website to register today. We welcome you to come and visit us and explore the unlimited possibilities available to your child at Fern Hill School. Open House p Saturday, April 25, 2009 | 11 a.m. 2 p.m. Oakville Campus | Preschool - Grade 8 3300 Ninth Line Road, Oakville, ON | 905.257.0022 | admissions@fernhillschool.com Winston Churchill Blvd. Armiger Lane Contact us for more information 2463 Lakeshore Road East 905-842-2200 ext. 300 www.fernhillschool.com