A Graduation and a Song
July 3, 2008 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
19-year-old Erik Weber has graduated from Grossmont College with an associate’s degree and plans to attend Point Loma Nazarene University to get his bachelor’s degree, today’s Sign On San Diego reports. Weber was diagnosed with autism when he was 3 years old and was not really verbal until he was 8. His mother, Sandy Weber, attended college classes with him:
Erik and Sandy, 60, started with physical-education classes – ballroom dance, weight training, tai chi – before moving on to academics. Sometimes she would be in the same room as Erik; sometimes she would be in another part of the building taking her own class. Sandy says she wanted to make him feel comfortable because change can be unnerving for autistic people.
“It’s about creating a comfort zone and transitioning to a different environment,” she said.
Soon it became apparent Erik could handle classes on his own, with the help of large-print and audio books.
Congrats to Erik and his mother, and to 9-year-old David Militello, who recently sang “Ben” by the Jackson Five on America’s Got Talent.
Two talents to shout and sing about.
I loved both stories. They give me great hope… And what a great idea to go to college together with her son! That’s something I’d consider for myself.
Egads! If that story doesn’t give one hope I don’t know what would! Thanks so much for sharing, I am passing this on to all my friends and family.
Now THAT’S a mother’s love in action! The fact that Erik was mostly nonverbal until he was 8 gives me tremendous, tremendous hope and inspiration. Both stories just go to prove that you don’t know what anyone is capable of until they are given the chance to find out!
There was so much in that story—and Erik’s father dying when he was about 8, wow. Talk about learning with one’s child!
I’ll take a mom’s common sense over a handful of “professionals” any day!
Joe
That’s just an awesome story! I remember reading about the mother of a girl, who was differently abled in many senses from a trauma she had as a child, who also went to college with her, in Boston, I think. She read everything to her, wrote for her, wrote the tests her daughter dictated to her. I thought, that is so great, I would do that if I could to help my child. Maybe someday I will! I wouldn’t mind going back to college! No late nights though, in my 60’s!
Thanks for the uplifting story!
Wonderful stories!
My younger son loves NASCAR as well.
I had heard about David Militello the other day and have just gotten the chance to watch the clip. I’m just short of bawling right now! And that song has always made me cry to begin with
That’s awesome about Erik Weber and his mom. BEautiful stories!!