Autistic Teen's Rare Opportunity
Donation protected
14 Year old, Autistics Dream is to Attend the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in Lowel, Massachusetts June 29-July1, 2018.
Please help get Joseph to the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in Lowel, Massachusetts. It is a rare and unique opportunity for this high school student. The congress is an honors-only program for high school students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering or mathematics and must maintain a 3.5 GPA or better. Joseph is to represent Lindhurst High School based on his academic achievement, leadership potential and a passion for science and technology.
Joseph is a 14 year old teen, who has Autism, severe food allergies, (wheat, dairy, gluten and artificial coloring) with some medical issues. Due to these issues Joseph has never been invited to anything or really participated in anything. When he got the invitation to the Congress in the beginning of December 2017, he was so excited because he finally being recognized for all of his hard work over the years. He was even suprised for the invite till his usual dread set in. He asked will they accept him and let him attend since no one else does. Good news was to be had once we contacted them via phone. Not only were they accepting, they asked what and any accomodations he needed. Once he heard the good news, he called his dad and his dad immediately paid his tuition and offered to pay some towards his transportation. I've never seen such excitement from Joseph before. . He has never wanted to do anything before so this is a huge milestone for him.
Unfortunately, Joseph almost lost his chance to go to the Congress. In December there was an incident that happened at the school that left Joseph with scars physically and emotionally. His behavior changed and his grades dropped to C's, D's and even an F. That was the red flag for me (mother) since he has never had less than a 3.5 GPA. Due to Joseph's Autism it took nearly 2 months to tell/express to me he was scared to go to school and afraid that he will be hurt again. A fear he couldn't explain with words and emotionally it took a lot out of him. Once I made the school aware of his fear they got involved with helping Joseph cope with those fears and anxieties. Joseph has improved both behaviorally and grade wise. He brought his grades up to a 3.83 GPA in little over a month, got his GPA verification filled out from the school and accepted by Congress.
We just need to get Joseph there. Due to Joseph's Autism, food allergies and medical problems he has requested that we drive cross country. He is afraid if he flies and has a meltdown he will be put on the no fly list since no one cares about his disability. Financially it cost more to do it this way but it will be the only way for Joseph to attend. The funds we are raising is for transportation, food and lodging.
Joseph is doing his part and has started an in person fundraiser to where he is collecting locally and sorting CRV recyclables and exchanging for money. Its a start but he needs more help.
Please join us in our effort to help him achieve his wish.
Let's help show all his hard work was worth it. Any amount will help us out and if you can't help out finacially please share his campaign and even give words of encouragement.
Please help get Joseph to Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders
Please help get Joseph to the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in Lowel, Massachusetts. It is a rare and unique opportunity for this high school student. The congress is an honors-only program for high school students who are passionate about science, technology, engineering or mathematics and must maintain a 3.5 GPA or better. Joseph is to represent Lindhurst High School based on his academic achievement, leadership potential and a passion for science and technology.
Joseph is a 14 year old teen, who has Autism, severe food allergies, (wheat, dairy, gluten and artificial coloring) with some medical issues. Due to these issues Joseph has never been invited to anything or really participated in anything. When he got the invitation to the Congress in the beginning of December 2017, he was so excited because he finally being recognized for all of his hard work over the years. He was even suprised for the invite till his usual dread set in. He asked will they accept him and let him attend since no one else does. Good news was to be had once we contacted them via phone. Not only were they accepting, they asked what and any accomodations he needed. Once he heard the good news, he called his dad and his dad immediately paid his tuition and offered to pay some towards his transportation. I've never seen such excitement from Joseph before. . He has never wanted to do anything before so this is a huge milestone for him.
Unfortunately, Joseph almost lost his chance to go to the Congress. In December there was an incident that happened at the school that left Joseph with scars physically and emotionally. His behavior changed and his grades dropped to C's, D's and even an F. That was the red flag for me (mother) since he has never had less than a 3.5 GPA. Due to Joseph's Autism it took nearly 2 months to tell/express to me he was scared to go to school and afraid that he will be hurt again. A fear he couldn't explain with words and emotionally it took a lot out of him. Once I made the school aware of his fear they got involved with helping Joseph cope with those fears and anxieties. Joseph has improved both behaviorally and grade wise. He brought his grades up to a 3.83 GPA in little over a month, got his GPA verification filled out from the school and accepted by Congress.
We just need to get Joseph there. Due to Joseph's Autism, food allergies and medical problems he has requested that we drive cross country. He is afraid if he flies and has a meltdown he will be put on the no fly list since no one cares about his disability. Financially it cost more to do it this way but it will be the only way for Joseph to attend. The funds we are raising is for transportation, food and lodging.
Joseph is doing his part and has started an in person fundraiser to where he is collecting locally and sorting CRV recyclables and exchanging for money. Its a start but he needs more help.
Please join us in our effort to help him achieve his wish.
Let's help show all his hard work was worth it. Any amount will help us out and if you can't help out finacially please share his campaign and even give words of encouragement.
Please help get Joseph to Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders
Fundraising team: Autism Acceptance (2)
Cassandra Pettet
Organizer
Marysville, CA
Joseph Hagerman
Team member
