NEWS:   Students with Autism Gain Skills, Future through Project SEARCH

Making eye contact with others is difficult for 19-year-old Daniel Andres. So is smiling—neither of which are unusual for someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder. But ask him about his rabbit, and he lights up. He slides open his phone to show you the latest photos of Rabby, taken just this morning. Then it’s back to work.

Daniel is one of eight students participating in Project SEARCH Riverview Hospital. One of Noble’s two Project SEARCH sites, Riverview Hospital has warmly welcomed the students from the Noblesville School District into its staff, encouraging the students to take on the tasks and learn the skills they will need to successfully transition from the classroom into the workforce.

Daniel’s first internship takes him all over the third floor of the hospital, where he checks each refrigerator that houses medication to ensure that it is being kept within the correct temperature range. Once he notes the current temperature on a chart attached to the refrigerator, he walks briskly to the next unit. Once his rounds are complete, he starts sweeping the floors and wiping down the handrails along the walls.

Noble Job Coach Patrick Jamison notes that Daniel has come a long way in just a few weeks. While Daniel was initially hesitant to interact with anyone at the hospital and required one-on-one support at first, he now confidently completes all of his tasks and received a glowing review from his Riverview hospital supervisor.

By the end of the school year, Daniel and his seven fellow interns will each have completed three internships in departments ranging from Radiology to Maternity to Food Services—compiling a full resume in the process.

You can help support students like Daniel in achieving their dreams of success by making a donation online. Your gift of $100 helps Noble purchase 6 books for Noble’s Autism Resource Library. A donation of $750 will help us purchase an Autism Assessment Kit. $1,000 provides 6 weeks of Social Skills Classes for 6 teens like Daniel with Autism, while $5,000 helps one adult find a job and work in the community for one year.

Please know that your gift of any amount is very much appreciated and thanks you for supporting Noble of Indiana and the people we serve!