[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Pages 9452-9453]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        TRIBUTE TO MATTHEW ROSS

 Mr. NELSON of Florida. Mr. President, I rise to commend an 
outstanding young Floridian. Matthew Ross is an 11-year-old who has 
overcome tough circumstances and has succeeded. He recently won the 
prestigious national award, the Temple Grandin Award, for achievement 
in autism, became the first autistic child to serve as a page in the 
Florida House of Representatives and won the Special Olympics District 
Tournament Golfing Regionals in his area. What a year.
  I had the privilege of meeting Matt recently. I was impressed by his 
polite demeanor and his interest in special education issues.
  A little over a year ago, Matt was in special education classes 
because by his own words, he had ``trouble with

[[Page 9453]]

the way my brain processes information.'' He had been diagnosed with 
Asperger's Syndrome and, earlier, his mother had even considered 
placing him in a group home. But, now just some 12-13 months later he 
has blossomed. He is no longer in special education classes, and as I 
understand it has political aspirations. I give high praise to his 
mother, Susan Ross, who has steadfastly stood by Matt and made it 
possible for him to succeed.
  I wish Matt all the luck and blessings in the world. Keep it up, 
Matt.

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