Author inspires, educates in book about autistic son
DCIU holds secondary transition fairs for parents and students this month
Right in time to align with World Autism Month in April, author Cheryl Borrelli released her new book, “He Is A Person.”
With the underlying goal of creating awareness and acceptance, “He Is A Person” gives readers a rare and personal glimpse into the behind the scenes life of a caregiver of an adult with autism.
Borrelli is the full-time caregiver of her son Nicky, 25, whose autism is severe on the spectrum. She journals the ups and downs of their lives together, in the hope of helping others in the same role. She also hopes to create awareness, education, inspiration and advocacy.
“I share in this book how I care for Nicky at home, as his primary caregiver,” Borrelli stated. “I share strategies to try and help other caregivers who care for adults with autism. I express what I expect from people in his life and in our home. Our message is to treat people with autism as they would anyone else, or as they would want to be treated themselves. People with autism are individuals just like anyone. My son understands everything. I treat him with empathy, kindness, understanding and love every day, not only as my son, but as Nicky. He’s his own person with his own interests, personality traits, and strengths.”
Borrelli also shares information about Nicky’s journey with hypotonia.
Hypotonia is low, or weak, muscle tone. Her son developed hypotonia due to his premature birth, at 2 pounds, 7 ounces. She says that his exercise programs through his adult life, were the beginning of the healing journey for his low muscle tone.
“He has made his most progress overall through working with Coach Cameron Price at Fighting Comes First, here in Media for the past year and a half,” the mother/author shared. “Coach developed a consistent exercise and strengthening program for Nicky that has corrected his posture and strengthened his upper body, enabling him to speak more clearly. He is now, over the past year, having spontaneous speech that is not just echolalia. His current life at home, has made him an overall happier adult, with
significant decreased behavioral issues, increased attention span, overall selfconfidence and a desire to communicate.”
The author is straightforward and honest in her book. She does not sugarcoat the situation, but rather is completely open about her and Nicky’s challenges, struggles, joys and victories, in the hope of helping and educating parents, extended family members, home health care workers, direct support professionals and agencies
“I hope this book will be an asset to the autism community, or to anyone who is a caregiver or support professional for an adult at home, especially one on the autism spectrum,” Borrelli said. “I wrote this book to talk about our lives after Nicky graduated from his school program at age 21. I have been blessed with the
opportunity to know my son again, without sending him off to a school or day program. Spending time with him as an adult, and bonding with him through the common interest of exercise and fitness has helped us both to evolve as individuals, and as our own family.”
In addition to “He Is A Person,” Borrelli has written other books about her relationship with Nicky and autism, including “Dear Nicky, Love Mommy: A Memoir of Mother and Son’s Daily Struggles With Autism,” “I Speak With My Heart,” “She Is Still Me,” and “Over The Autism Rainbow.”
All of Cheryl Borrelli’s books are available through Amazon.com.
To reach Borrelli with questions about the books, or to invite her to talk about her books to a group in the community, email cheryl0426@comcast.net.
Delaware County Intermediate Unit holds Secondary Transition Fair
The Delaware County Intermediate Unit will host
two open house events, April 9 and 10, to support post-secondary transition planning for adolescents and young adults receiving special education services in Delaware County. The events, one for students and one for parents/families/ guardians, will both take place at the DCIU, 200 Yale Ave., Morton.
Agencies and community organizations will be present to share information and resources about post-secondary education, independent living, and employment. This event will be an opportunity for families and individuals to connect with service providers to ensure a successful transition to adulthood.
Parents, families, and guardians of students with disabilities in Delaware County are invited Tuesday, April 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to connect with over 40 agencies and community organizations with resources for post-secondary education, independent living and employment.
Students are invited to take a field trip to DCIU in Morton for an engaging open house event on Wednesday, April 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to learn more about what happens after high school. Students will have an opportunity to meet with agencies and community partners to learn about ways to get a job, live independently, or continue their educational journeys.
For questions on either event, call the DCIU at 610938-9000.
Delco Symphony presents chamber concert for all ages
Ragtime music and a symphony for toys are featured in this fun, family friendly event presented at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14 at Neumann University’s Meagher Theatre.
With guest conductor Dr. Roberta Winemiller, the Delaware County Symphony Chamber Ensemble will perform “The Toy Symphony” and a selection of ragtime arrangements from 1912, colloquially known as the “Red Back Book.”
Also performing is Maxwell Brown, a finalist from the DCS Youth Concerto Competition. He is playing “Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25” by Pablo de Sarasate on violin. The final chamber concert of the season is for concertgoers of all ages.
Tickets for the concert may be purchased at http:// dcsmusic.org/tickets.
Local high schools announce reunions
• Monsignor BonnerArchbishop Prendergast Class of 1974 is planning a 50th Class Reunion on Friday, Sept. 27 from 6 to 10 p.m.at Paxon Hollow Country Club, 850 Paxon Hollow
Road, Broomall.
The Reunion Committee is currently searching for current email addresses to send out notices with the details. Class members are asked to send name and email address to bonnerprendie50threunion@ gmail.com.
• Chichester Class of 1964 will be celebrating its 60th reunion on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Irish Eyes Pub, 213 Anglers Road, Lewes, Delaware. Other Chichester classes and their guests are also invited.
Cost is $60, which includes a buffet. There’s a cash bar. To attend, make checks payable to Beverly Massey and mail before September to 5301 Chichester Ave, Upper Chichester PA 19014.
• Cardinal O’Hara High School is planning a 50th reunion for the Class of 1974 on Oct. 19 at Llanerch Country Club. For more information or to update an email and mailing address, contact John Caramanico at jcaramanico56@gmail.com or 610-633-0783.
Kids can register to attend Penn State Extension 4-H Junior Master Gardener Summer Camp
Children and youth between the ages of 8 and 11 interested in gardening and learning more about native
plants, can register to attend the Junior Master Gardener Summer Camp from June 24-27.
Co-hosted by the Penn State Extension Delaware County 4-H and Master Gardeners, the camp will engage campers in handson gardening and learning activities on topics such as the importance of plants, parts of a plant and what it needs to grow, planning a garden, friends and foes of the garden, and healthy eating choices.
The half-day camp will run from 8:30 a.m. to noon each day at the Environmental Center at Smedley Park, 20 Paper Mill Road, Springfield. The cost for registration is $75.
Families with two or more campers registering
will receive a $15 per camper discount. All campers are encouraged to bring snacks if needed, and a water bottle. No food will be provided.
Camp is limited to 20 youth. Participants are selected on a first-come, firstserve basis.
To learn more about the Junior Master Gardener Summer Camp and to register, contact Lauren Kauffman, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, at lyr5015@psu.edu or 484472-5113. The registration deadline is June 1.