How did Kim, Roman, Renee and James develop their skills through experiences in the community?
"Horse-back riding was the one thing I was successful at," explains Kim. Riding competitively helped her develop her confidence and her adaptability. "In competition I learned that what happens, happens. You have to deal with it and move on." Kim says that now nothing makes her nervous—even speaking about learning disabilities in front of large groups of people, something she does regularly. Kim developed organizational and other skills by fund-raising for the homeless and setting up blood donor clinics at her high school.
During high school, Roman began volunteering at a hospital in order to branch out and overcome his discomfort in dealing with people. "I've learned the art of small talk," he says, a useful skill in work situa¬tions. Roman notes, "Volunteering is like work, only on your own terms." Roman continues to volunteer at a campus radio station, the Red Cross, and as the editor of an autism newsletter. Volunteering has helped him develop his social, organizational and administrative skills