[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 94 (Thursday, June 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E790-E791]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            EMBRACING AUTISM

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2018

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, transitioning into adulthood from high 
school to college can be a difficult time for anyone. Balancing things 
such as what classes to take for your major, meeting new people, and 
finding time to study can be overwhelming. Now imagine doing all of 
those things while having autism.
   Shaelynn ``Shae'' Castle was initially diagnosed with attention-
deficit/hyperactivity disorder in elementary school. It wasn't until 
middle school when she was properly diagnosed with autism. Shae 
struggled socially and academically, but with the support of her family 
and the Humble ISD Mosaic Program, she worked hard to learn the skills 
to advocate for herself.
   The Mosaic Program helps people with disabilities from ages 18 to 21 
transition from high school to become more independent adults. While 
attending Mosaic, students have

[[Page E791]]

the option of participating in programs at Lone Star College-Kingwood. 
They are taught about the disability services that are available and 
the accommodations to support them in class. With guidance, these 
students have the option to be successful college students.
   At the age of 23, Shae graduated from Lone Star College-Kingwood on 
May 12 of this year with an associate's degree in education. She has 
big plans for her future. She does not let her diagnosis limit or 
define her. Shae utilizes the advocacy skills she learned to help 
students at Whispering Pines Elementary School, where she works as a 
tutor for special needs students. She intends on paying it forward by 
becoming a math teacher who helps special needs students like herself. 
When asked why she wants to be a special needs teacher, Shae replied 
``My experiences help me to help other children who are struggling. I 
can say to them, `I know what you're going through.' ''
   Despite a large obstacle, Shae has embraced her uniqueness and 
always finds a way to accomplish her goals. She has the strength and 
willingness to overcome, and that is a quality that not all people 
possess. Congratulations, Shae, on all that you have accomplished and 
the best of luck with conquering the professional world.
   And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________