Page 3 - Florida Sentinel 4-28-17

Feature
Student Has Dream Of Becoming An Architect
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
For all practical purposes,
Delvin “DJ” Collins, Jr.,
is a typical teenager. He knows what he wants to do with his life.
And, most likely, “DJ” will accomplish his goals. But, the 16-year-old may take a less traditional path to achieving his goals.
“DJ” was diagnosed with autism at the age of 5. Prior to having been diagnosed, he suffered from seizures and other medical issues.
And, while he is considered on the low end of the syn- drome, it still affects him. His mother, Mrs. Erica Collins said, “He just processes things differently.”
Mrs. Collins remembers she wasn’t always so matter-
of-fact about her son’s condi- tion. “I first realized some- thing was wrong when he was about 10-months-old, but I was in denial.
“He didn’t talk, but he was able to get his message across. He never cried, he was just a happy baby. He would point and he said sim- ple words, but no sentences.
“I didn’t want to admit something was wrong with my baby. And, when my neighbor forced me to see it, I was ready to fight. I was so angry at her. But she was right.”
She said the biggest obsta- cle is parents to accept some- thing is wrong with their child and get help.
Mrs. Collins said they re- ally begin the series of tests the child takes until they are around 5. And, at that age, “DJ” wasn’t talking.
DELVIN “DJ” COLLINS, JR.
says he has friends,” she said. Mrs. Collins said autistic children have special gifts and for “DJ” those gifts are Math and dancing. He also loves Genie and Lava lamps and has an entire collection. He earned 4 As, 2Bs, and 2Cs on his most recent Progress Report.
After graduation, “DJ” plans to attend college. His goal is to become an Archi- tect and draw the blueprints for houses.
Mrs. Collins has advice for parents who may be trav- eling on the path she has al- ready traveled. “Stop being in denial and get the help you need. Stay on top of their ed- ucation and keep them ac- tive. Find out what your child excels in and encourage them. You have to be an in- volved parent when your child has autism.”
He underwent the series of tests and was diagnosed. When he began school, he was dually enrolled in regu- lar and Special Education classes until third grade. After that, he was placed in a regular classroom setting.
“DJ” still takes speech
therapy classes and Reading. He struggles with compre- hension, and the school gives him extra time for test tak- ing. But, that is where the special treatment ends.
“He has to do his classroom work and assignments on his own. He is still a loner, but he
FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2017 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 3-A