Nova Southeastern University

Teens and young adult are assigned to work sites throughout the community in groups of 4 and are supported by a job coach. Both the job coaches and employees are paid by the Children’s Services Council and the Dan Marino Foundation. This summer the young men started their work at Sunset School, maintaining the property from the inside out, and now they are at the Mailman Segal Institute working hard, earning money, and helping out younger individuals much like themselves to learn and grow. The interns work Monday through Friday and all but one take the county bus to work each day.

For July and August, the young men will be assisting MSI professionals with clerical duties, and with the production of materials for MSI’s Autism Consortium to use in Atlanta, GA. The Autism Consortium provides autism training and consulting services to the Atlanta Public Schools and this year, due to additional funding for training and consultation through Economic Stimulus dollars, the number of specialized autism classes in Atlanta will increase from 9 to 30. The young men from Summer STEPS are working diligently preparing supplies for the many classrooms that will be set up in August. Shanti Golden, their Job Coach says, "I love working with the boys and watching them progress. They really enjoy what they do and this is great for building their self-esteem." Although the boys are all working in the same room, they work independently. "When they get a task, they stick to it and they get it done with precision. They never complain. And that says a lot." Says Golden.

Summer STEPS provides the necessary tools for the interns to accomplish their dreams. 19 year old Kenneth, who loves to cook and hopes to travel, said he knows that millions of people are out of work because of the economy, and he feels blessed to be working as a Summer STEPS intern. For 20 year old L'Von and 21 year old John, music is their passion. These young men say they spend their spare time writing music and playing music. They say that they are excited to work at MSI and that their new job at MSI will help them reach their goals in the music and entertainment industry. Sean, is 20 year old with a warm smile and lots of energy. Shane loves taking on new tasks and working hard.

The Summer STEPS interns are very grateful for their jobs and hope to continue to learn and build relationships during their month here at the Mailman Segal institute. Kenneth said, "This is where you become a man, working hard and helping out wherever you can and I’m very thankful for the Dan Marino Foundation and the Mailman Segal Institute."

"When families receive the correct diagnosis for their child at an early age, they are able to find and provide the appropriate early intervention services available in their communities," says Susan Kabot, Ed.D, MSI’s director of clinical programs and director of NSU’s Autism Consortium. "This intervention is crucial for ensuring that children have the best chance for successful school performance later on."

The preliminary screenings are free and available for children ages 12 months to 5 years. They will be given at MSI's Unicorn Children’s Foundation Clinic located at 7600 SW 36th St., on Nova Southeastern University’s main campus in Davie.

In addition to the screenings, experts will be on hand to answer questions, A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts will host a children’s activity corner and snacks will be provided by Whole Foods Market. The University of Miami - Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) Mobile Autism Clinic will also be available to provide information about community resources. UM-NSU CARD is a South Florida non-profit organization, committed to providing free family support, outreach, and educational support services to children and adults who have autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

"Although there is no known cure for autism spectrum disorders, research has shown that the earlier intervention begins for a child with autism, the greater the opportunity that he or she will achieve his or her potential," says Kabot.

There are a limited number of appointments available and parents are encouraged to register their children in advance by calling (954) 262-7111, or for more information contact Susan Kabot at (954) 262-7129.