Cast of Characters
Brian
Age: Relatively Old
aka: Dad, Uncle, Provider, Innovator, Planner, and Disciplinarian
Bobbie
Age: also Relatively Old
aka: Mom, Aunt, Chauffeur, Scheduler, Confidant, and Task Master
Dylan
Age: 23
aka: The Brain, Son, Sibling, Cousin,
Diagnosis: Autism, ADHD, anxiety, and depression.
Aspiration: Studying to become medical billing and coding certified.
Jolee
Age: 21 years
aka: The Artist, Daughter, Sibling, Cousin
Diagnosis: Autism, anxiety, and impulse control
Aspiration: Studying graphic design. Dreams to publish her own cartoon series.
Abby (Alex)
Age: 21
aka: the socializer; niece, sibling, cousin
Diagnosis: bipolar, severe anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
Aspiration: Received certificate in Graphic Design. Alex has moved in with their best friend in South Carolina to test their independence.
James (JJ)
Age: 18
Aka: The Thinker; Nephew, Sibling, Cousin
Diagnosis: Asperger’s, ADHD, and depression.
Aspirations: Graduated high school. Moved back to South Carolina with mom to develop independence skills and plan next steps.
For the last 6 years, we have been a happy, crazy family of six growing up in the suburbs of Chicago. Brian and Bobbie were parents and guardians to four young adults with special needs. Before Covid-19 hit, our 3 oldest were working to navigate community college life and our youngest was finishing high school. The shutdown was both a blessing and a curse. It allowed our college students to take classes online which is their best learning environment and they excelled. On the other hand, our nephew is a hands on, in-person type of learner. The shutdown impaired his learning during his sophomore and junior year. Many people with special needs have difficulty in social situations and our crew is no exception. The lack of social interaction during the pandemic quarantine was detrimental to their mental status, independence, and social skills. Not surprisingly, these are the key areas we will be working to improve. With the world attempting to return to some form of post-Covid normalcy, it felt like we needed to pivot our crew and jump start growth toward meeting these goals.