My brother: The kid that never stops believing
Highlights
- Children experiencing autism
- The boys swim team: a place where he can just be himself
- The importance of a wonderful education: Brehm Academy
My Inspiration
Scotty Heebink is not only a wonderful brother, but he is also an extremely determined, intelligent, and funny sixteen year-old. He is currently a freshman at Whitefish Bay High School and he is an avid member of the boys swim team.
For the majority, entering high school is an exciting stage in one's life; however, for Scotty, high school is pretty much everything but exciting. At age four, Scotty was diagnosed with a severe learning disability that was closely associated with autism, which indicated that Scotty would have to work ten times hard than the average student, and both his reading and math abilities would never meet the required standard.
I witness this all at firsthand.
According to Scotty, "School is really hard. I can never keep up with my teacher and everyone is writing so fast."
Although Scotty will have to experience living as an autistic individual for the remainder of his life, he has developed amazing talents that he is truly passionate about. For instance, he really enjoys fishing at our cabin in Northern Wisc. and he is a great ping pong player--ping pong tournaments are a norm at the Heebink household these days. Also, like I stated before, these past couple of months Scotty has become very involved in his swim team by attending every swim meet, team dinners, and Green Bay Packer parties. This is an extremely large step for Scotty because he has a really difficult time adjusting to groups and socializing with others. The boys on the team have accepted Scotty as an enlightening addition to their team, and truly admire his courage.
I for one, cannot tell you how I proud I am of my brother. Looking back, I never thought he would make this far as such a growing teenager. Regardless of his learning setbacks, I know Scotty is capable of doing anything he sets his mind to. Next year, Scotty will be attending a boarding school called Brehm Academy to help him improve his academic lifestyle and prepare him for the real world prior to high school. Although it is very difficult for me to see him go, I know this school will build his confidence and support his academic needs. I am really looking forward to seeing how he will grow as a strong and intelligent individual. I am extremely fortunate to have a such an amazing brother in my life. I love you so much Scotty!
For the majority, entering high school is an exciting stage in one's life; however, for Scotty, high school is pretty much everything but exciting. At age four, Scotty was diagnosed with a severe learning disability that was closely associated with autism, which indicated that Scotty would have to work ten times hard than the average student, and both his reading and math abilities would never meet the required standard.
I witness this all at firsthand.
According to Scotty, "School is really hard. I can never keep up with my teacher and everyone is writing so fast."
Although Scotty will have to experience living as an autistic individual for the remainder of his life, he has developed amazing talents that he is truly passionate about. For instance, he really enjoys fishing at our cabin in Northern Wisc. and he is a great ping pong player--ping pong tournaments are a norm at the Heebink household these days. Also, like I stated before, these past couple of months Scotty has become very involved in his swim team by attending every swim meet, team dinners, and Green Bay Packer parties. This is an extremely large step for Scotty because he has a really difficult time adjusting to groups and socializing with others. The boys on the team have accepted Scotty as an enlightening addition to their team, and truly admire his courage.
I for one, cannot tell you how I proud I am of my brother. Looking back, I never thought he would make this far as such a growing teenager. Regardless of his learning setbacks, I know Scotty is capable of doing anything he sets his mind to. Next year, Scotty will be attending a boarding school called Brehm Academy to help him improve his academic lifestyle and prepare him for the real world prior to high school. Although it is very difficult for me to see him go, I know this school will build his confidence and support his academic needs. I am really looking forward to seeing how he will grow as a strong and intelligent individual. I am extremely fortunate to have a such an amazing brother in my life. I love you so much Scotty!
