Ross’ Story

Ross, a former student at SCO’s Westbrook Preparatory School, is a motivated and engaging young man who has Asperger syndrome. “I’m actually different from many people with Asperger’s in that I’m a very social guy,” says Ross. “On the other hand, sometimes I am unaware of other people’s feelings. I can be impulsive, and I do get overwhelmed. ”

Ross had difficulty adapting at his previous public school due to these challenges. However, Westbrook’s residential school setting gave Ross the opportunity to work on his social skills and develop strategies to help him avoid feeling overwhelmed.

One key element of life at Westbrook is the internship program. While students find comfort and build confidence living and learning with other teens who have similar challenges, they know that they need to prepare themselves to communicate and work well with all kinds of people. Ross’s first internship was at Sports Authority, and he held another at St. Brigid’s Elementary School Camp where he found talking with children about sports very rewarding.

His interest in sports led Ross to his next internship at WCWP 88.1 FM, the college radio station at CW Post. He ran the audio control sound board at sporting events, made guest appearances on a college sports talk show and researched sports information for use on air. He enjoyed his experience so much that he decided to study communications in college.

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Children’s Community Residences

Our Children’s Community Residences, located in Queens and Long Island, provide a structured, supportive, home-like environment for adolescents who are ready for discharge from higher levels of care such as Residential Treatment Facilities and psychiatric hospitals, but are not yet ready to return home.

While in our program, working in conjunction with their family supports, youth learn the skills necessary to live and function as active members of the community, while learning to adopt the necessary coping, self-care and independent living skills necessary to successfully integrate back to the family home and  community.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Youth with SED needing a structured setting in the community

Age Criteria

10- 18 years of age

How to Access this Program or Service

Referrals go through the Children’s Single Point of Acccess (C-SPOA)

 

 

Success Stories

Adam Graves

"Garden of Dreams is the single most important thing we do.” Learn More

Ross’ Story

Westbrook Preparatory School

“I’m actually different from many people with Asperger’s in that I’m a very social guy” Learn More

340

young adults served by SCO are in college this academic year

We help

2,500

people with special needs develop skills to reach their full potential