thedrifter
06-24-09, 06:59 AM
Young Marines helps 10-year-old beat the odds
By Kimberly Scherer
Voice Reporter
One year ago is like night and day compared to the present for the Kasprzak family. If someone had told Jennifer Kasprzak of Chesterfield Township that her Autistic son would be joining groups like the Young Marines, she would have laughed at them. But what she thought could never be possible is now a reality.
When Kasprzak's now 10-year-old son, Alyx, was very young he was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, which is a high functioning form of Autism.
"When he was really little we knew something was different. We thought he had ADHD," she said.
His diagnosis floored Kasprzak. "I didn't know anything about that diagnosis. It just knocks you off your feet," she said.
Kasprzak said he had developmental and social delays and tended to prefer the company of adults. School had become a struggle for Alyx; the last school year was particularly difficult. Kasprzak said her son's interests were different from his peers. He enjoys cooking, gardening and scrapbooking. The last school year, when he was in fourth grade at Higgins Elementary, he dreaded school. He missed many days and often spent his time in the counselor's office because he was too upset to remain in the classroom.
"He did well at home, just not at school," Kasprzak said.
Finally she said the principal agreed to homebound teaching. Alyx and his teacher would meet after the traditional school day at the library.
Soon after that Kasprzak said Alyx started therapy with a psychologist and was put on different medication. From there, he began to blossom into what she says is a whole new kid.
"Within a week he was starting to get better," she said. "He didn't feel comfortable in group things and now he was asking to go."
Alyx became even bolder and asked to join the Young Marines after overhearing a conversation about it.
"We looked online and he wanted to do it. Ok, I'll let him try it," Kasprzak said.
"I just thought it would be fun," Alyx said of the group.
After 13 weeks of boot camp, Alyx graduated and Kasprzak has since joined as a leader.
"It's helped his self esteem," she said, adding that he has also joined choir and the school's gardening club.
"He's trying to get kids from school to join - it's something we never thought he'd be interested in," she said.
In fact, Alyx was able to get his 13-year-old brother Nick to join the Young Marines as well.
"He won't admit it (but he likes it)," Alyx said of his older brother.
Kasprzak said Alyx has made more progress thanks to his fifth-grade teacher understanding his needs and her patience with him.
"His teacher this year was awesome, Mrs. Kirk, she's just phenomenal and really helped to build his self esteem," she said. "It took a teacher that really went the extra step."
A few months ago a letter came from the school and Kasprzak thought it was something negative but was instead surprised. Alyx received the Higgins Elementary Hall of Fame for Outstanding Positive School Behavior. The awards didn't stop there, either. He took home a MEAP award, was Author of the Month for April and received his Junior Master Gardener certificate. He has also completed 80 hours of community service for the Young Marines. The requirement was 50 hours by this October. Alyx said his goal is 100 hours.
"It's just a complete 360 from a year ago. Now I know he'll be ok with therapy and medication."
She was once worried about middle school for him but now knows that he'll be ok.
"Now he's excited, there's so many opportunities," she said.
Kasprzak attributes the positive influence of the Young Marines to her son's success as well.
"There's so much structure, that's given him the edge. Everybody behaves there...everyone is on the same wavelength," she said.
Instead of feeling like an outsider back at school, she said Alyx's classmates want to know about what he does and are interested in what he has to say.
"It's definitely a big progress from where he's been. Parents need to know that there's a light at the end of the tunnel," she said of parents who have children with similar situations.
"I think he's on a good road," she said.
Ellie
By Kimberly Scherer
Voice Reporter
One year ago is like night and day compared to the present for the Kasprzak family. If someone had told Jennifer Kasprzak of Chesterfield Township that her Autistic son would be joining groups like the Young Marines, she would have laughed at them. But what she thought could never be possible is now a reality.
When Kasprzak's now 10-year-old son, Alyx, was very young he was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, which is a high functioning form of Autism.
"When he was really little we knew something was different. We thought he had ADHD," she said.
His diagnosis floored Kasprzak. "I didn't know anything about that diagnosis. It just knocks you off your feet," she said.
Kasprzak said he had developmental and social delays and tended to prefer the company of adults. School had become a struggle for Alyx; the last school year was particularly difficult. Kasprzak said her son's interests were different from his peers. He enjoys cooking, gardening and scrapbooking. The last school year, when he was in fourth grade at Higgins Elementary, he dreaded school. He missed many days and often spent his time in the counselor's office because he was too upset to remain in the classroom.
"He did well at home, just not at school," Kasprzak said.
Finally she said the principal agreed to homebound teaching. Alyx and his teacher would meet after the traditional school day at the library.
Soon after that Kasprzak said Alyx started therapy with a psychologist and was put on different medication. From there, he began to blossom into what she says is a whole new kid.
"Within a week he was starting to get better," she said. "He didn't feel comfortable in group things and now he was asking to go."
Alyx became even bolder and asked to join the Young Marines after overhearing a conversation about it.
"We looked online and he wanted to do it. Ok, I'll let him try it," Kasprzak said.
"I just thought it would be fun," Alyx said of the group.
After 13 weeks of boot camp, Alyx graduated and Kasprzak has since joined as a leader.
"It's helped his self esteem," she said, adding that he has also joined choir and the school's gardening club.
"He's trying to get kids from school to join - it's something we never thought he'd be interested in," she said.
In fact, Alyx was able to get his 13-year-old brother Nick to join the Young Marines as well.
"He won't admit it (but he likes it)," Alyx said of his older brother.
Kasprzak said Alyx has made more progress thanks to his fifth-grade teacher understanding his needs and her patience with him.
"His teacher this year was awesome, Mrs. Kirk, she's just phenomenal and really helped to build his self esteem," she said. "It took a teacher that really went the extra step."
A few months ago a letter came from the school and Kasprzak thought it was something negative but was instead surprised. Alyx received the Higgins Elementary Hall of Fame for Outstanding Positive School Behavior. The awards didn't stop there, either. He took home a MEAP award, was Author of the Month for April and received his Junior Master Gardener certificate. He has also completed 80 hours of community service for the Young Marines. The requirement was 50 hours by this October. Alyx said his goal is 100 hours.
"It's just a complete 360 from a year ago. Now I know he'll be ok with therapy and medication."
She was once worried about middle school for him but now knows that he'll be ok.
"Now he's excited, there's so many opportunities," she said.
Kasprzak attributes the positive influence of the Young Marines to her son's success as well.
"There's so much structure, that's given him the edge. Everybody behaves there...everyone is on the same wavelength," she said.
Instead of feeling like an outsider back at school, she said Alyx's classmates want to know about what he does and are interested in what he has to say.
"It's definitely a big progress from where he's been. Parents need to know that there's a light at the end of the tunnel," she said of parents who have children with similar situations.
"I think he's on a good road," she said.
Ellie