As we start the final month of the 2013 MADKAP initiative, it seems fitting to introduce one of the central characters in this ongoing play....my son, Ryan. Ryan is a big-hearted guy with a knack for imitating and quoting seemingly anything/everything. His Asperger's diagnosis was rendered at ~4yo. Thanks to many great resources both within and in addition to Ryan's schools, he completed elementary and secondary education without the assistance of classroom aides and earned a diploma from one of the US's top 50 public schools, Hume-Fogg Magnet High School (HFA).
As his Dad - and admitting the obvious bias - I'm a big fan of Ryan, love his good-hearted nature, and am ever thankful that he is part of an academic community that truly feels like home away from home to him. Given that I could write a novel about the young man, what I'd like to do is ask if you, as MADKAP supporters, would like to know some specific things about Ryan - initial diagnosis, therapy, schooling, home life, etc. - and I'll gladly add a follow-up article. Please post a comment if so.
That said, onward....we'll let the folks from KAP provide a brief introduction and then share some Q&A with Ryan.
Introduction by KAP: Ryan is finishing his freshman year at WKU and has really enjoyed the opportunity to live independently on a college campus. Ryan has become a staff favorite due to his witty personality and humor. He is a hard worker and very dedicated to his studies. KAP especially enjoys Ryan's participation in our video game nights. He keeps the whole group entertained with his enthusiasm and love of games. KAP has really enjoyed seeing Ryan grow during his first year and we look forward to many more!
Q: What year are you at WKU and what is your major?
Ryan H: I just completed my freshman year and I am currently undeclared.
Q: Where are you from?
Ryan H: I am from Nashville, Tennessee.
Q: Will you tell us a bit about you?
Ryan H: I have one sister, Anna, and a miniature dachshund, Sofi. I do my best to stay ahead of the game in school by taking lots of notes on my netbook during classes. While I do work hard, I also like to relax. A relaxed mind is a healthy mind. I have enjoyed all of the schools I've attended - Julia Green Elementary, Meigs Magnet Middle, and HFA....and now WKU. It's something I'm very thankful for.
Q: Why did you select WKU?
Ryan H: I picked WKU because of KAP. KAP was like the ultimate accommodation for someone of my needs. KAP allows me time to get away from my normal environment and get into a place that is meant for work. I even have my own office for studying!
Q: When you think of yourself as someone who lives with Asperger's Syndrome, what does that mean to you?
Ryan H: It means that I need a few more accommodations to perform comfortably in academic terms.
Q: How would you describe your experience transitioning from home to college?
Ryan H: I was very reluctant at first....very reluctant. At first it was very lonely, but after a week I started feeling better. Going to any college is going to be a very lonely thing because everything you know is gone. Getting used to campus and learning where things were helped, and KAP helped me transition into it as well.
Q: What are your biggest challenges with college?
Ryan H: Keeping up with all the work. And the initial change in environment took time to get used to. Trains running by the dorm made it difficult to get into a normal sleep pattern. Everyone has been really nice to me at WKU.
Q: What does KAP provide for you?
Ryan H: KAP provides more time to work. They provide instructional help when I need it. And people who I can trust and talk to.
Q: What do you want to do with your education after you graduate from WKU?
Ryan H: Perhaps something with voice work or acting - like the video game industry - and contribute to an industry that was a big influence during my childhood.
Q: What are your hobbies and favorite things to do?
Ryan H: Playing video games is the biggest one. I love my dog....I miss her greatly when I'm at school. Hanging out with friends. I enjoy movies, especially funny ones (and hate ones with no coherent plot). I enjoy being able to go on vacation since I don't have many opportunities to do that now that I'm in college.
Q: What do you most want potential supporters of KAP to know?
Ryan H: Without the program, it would be a lot harder to be motivated to work hard. Getting stuff done is a lot easier with them around. It'll take time and it'll take effort, but I will be able to graduate from college with KAP's assistance. It would be a lot harder without KAP. I honestly think this program should be expanded into more schools because of how it helps people like me get our work done and remain hard-working students. I was lucky enough to live close to this program, but more people need it. I am certain that graduation rates would increase if this program was in every college in America.
