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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Recreation Program

Westbrook offers a vibrant and varied recreation program designed to broaden our students’ interests as well as encourage social interaction and interest-based friendships.  Our program is designed by a recreational therapist and consists of two main components, daily activities and full weekend schedules.

Each afternoon students participate in engaging activities that take place either on campus or out in the community.  These activities are exceptionally wide-ranging and include physical, intellectual, imaginative, artistic and musical opportunities.  This wide variety supports existing leisure pursuits, offers opportunities for growth and development, and keeps each month’s recreation calendar fresh and exciting.  Additionally, recurrent activities are offered each evening.  These include visits to a local gym for those students who would like to work out, visits to the local public library, and a weekly open mic night at local music spots for our music lovers who enjoy performing or spectating.

Weekend recreation allows for longer day excursions to a variety of sites on Long Island, Queens or Manhattan.  These trips are arranged specifically for the students who will be spending the weekend at Westbrook and accommodate their interests and needs.  Our recreational therapist, along with residential counselors, accompany our students on these outings to ensure safe and enriching experiences.

Examples of other recreational activities include:

  • laser tag
  • rock climbing
  • local walks
  • movies
  • swimming
  • arcade
  • HorseAbility
  • Zumba
  • pottery
  • basketball
  • volleyball
  • local fairs
  • and so much more!

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This program is associated with...

Westbrook Preparatory School

Westbrook Preparatory School is the first residential New York State Regents junior/senior high school for students with a classification of Autism, Other Health Impairment, or Emotional Disability and related conditions. Read More

Success Stories

Rachel’s Story

Westbrook Preparatory School

“Attending Westbrook was the first time I felt comfortable with other kids.” 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

We provide

14,000

families and individuals with support services and community activities

88%

of young adults in foster care (18+) are enrolled in school or working

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