Never Give Up Hope

Never Give Up Hope

Jeremy Sicile-Kira's High School Commencement Speech

Jeremy graduated from Torrey Pines High School with a 3.70 GPA on June 18, 2010. Jeremy is autistic with little verbal speech and gave this commencement address using voice output technology. His sister, Rebecca, graduated form Canyon Crest Academy on the same day. Congratulations to them both. Jim Sicile shot and edited this short movie.


This video was shared in the Autism Literacy Workshop I attended.  There was good discussion about technology.  There are new technology devices created every year.  New applications for iPhones, Macs, iPads and other devices.  Never stop looking and searching for the right fit for your non-verbal child with autism.  There is a way to get them communicate.  Never stop looking for that method. 


Also, Jeremy was aware of everything going on in his environment.  And while, it looked like he might be low cognitively and could not be included with his typical peers.  After getting a method to communicate, it was apparent that the whole time Jeremy was listening.  He might not have responded, but he was there.  Never stop advocating for having your student in the general education classroom.  Even if it is only for PE, music, art, and recess.