Success stories
At LA Speech and Language Therapy Center and The Wiley Center for Speech and Language Development, our students are empowered to live beyond the label of autism to achieve their dreams. Here is what our students have to say about their experience.
Xen Martin: “Hello, everyone. My name is Xen Martin and I am 23. I started services with Dr. Wiley when I was 17 months. Right now, I’m studying in college to be a zoology professor, trying to get my doctorate degree.”
Joseph Banks: “Hello, my name is Joseph Banks. I’m currently 28 years old. I started at Dr. Wiley’s Center at the age of 8 and since then I have actually graduated from Cal State Dominguez Hills with a degree in psychology and working full-time.”
Ben Adams: “My name is Benjamin Adams. I am currently 28 years old. I started at The Wiley Center when I was 2 and a half. I’ve been with them ever since. The first 7 and a half years was speech therapy and going to the camps. And then volunteering afterward, ultimately working for them on a professional level as well. I’m currently in grad school, pursuing a degree in clinical psychology, the spiritual and depth specialization, ultimately to become a marriage family therapist who treats primarily kids like me. None of it would have been possible had The Wiley Center had not stepped in when I was little as a 2 and a half year old speaking in 2 word sentences. Autism is just a label. It does not define my potential. Thank you.”
Cameron Williams: “Hello, my name is Cameron Williams, 30 years old. I went to West LA College, graduated in 2020. I got 3 AA degrees. I started at The Wiley Center when I believe I was about 18 years old and now I moved to Illinois to be with my long distance girlfriend. Now it’s 3 years strong. And I’ve been looking for work. That’s what I’ve been doing, what I’ve been up to.”
Roger Brian Hill II: “This is Roger Brian Hill II aka DJ Roger Dodger aka Roger Dodger aka Mr. Atypical. I work at the Hollywood Bowl. I’ve been there for 10 seasons now and it’s been on of the greatest experiences of my life. I’m proud to announce that I have landed a career as behavior specialist where I am tasked with sitting in a classroom with one individual kid, monitoring his behavior, and giving him a good motivational push in class to make sure that he is the most successful that he can be, to make sure he has the best grades possible. I am also an artist as well. I have a song called “Jelly” and it’s out on all streaming platforms. A wise lady once told me, ‘autism is only a label, it does not define your potential on how great you can be in life.’ If somebody tells me I can’t, I say, ‘I can.’ And I’m officially sounding off saying, ‘Roger that. Over and out.’”
Joseph Carbrera: “Hi, everyone, my name is Joseph Cabrera. I just turned 26 and I started at the Wiley Center when I was 19 years old. In March of 2022 I participated in the Brother’s Keepers Carpentry program. Once I finished my training, I went on to work full-time and I have been working construction for 2 1/2 years. Now, I am a 4th stage apprentice and member of local union 323. I make great money. I have full medical benefits and vacation pay. Two weeks ago, I passed another one of my training classes and just got my 3rd raise. I attend our union functions and enjoy my time with my union brothers. I also volunteer with them in the community. I’m looking forward to moving up in the industry and developing my skills. I was trained by Wesley Crunt and I will always be grateful to him. To this day, Wesley continues to encourage, train and help me to be the best that I can be. I am very blessed to have him as a friend and my union brother. Thank you, Wesley, for everything that you have done for me. I want everyone to know that autism is just a label; it doesn’t define my potential. Thanks, everyone!”
Brandon Alvarez: “Hello, everybody, I am Brandon Alvarez. I am 28 years old. I started with LA Speech when I was 10 with their Reading with Friends. I am currently working at their different locations as a teacher assistant. I graduated from West LA College and got my diploma and my teacher associate degree. Thank you. And I am DJ Michael for any events or locations, Please let me know or my mom know or LA Speech. Thank you.”
Daniel Delgadillo: “Hi. My name is Daniel Delgadillo, I am 26 years old and I started with the Wiley Center when I was 5 years old. I am a 2D animator and a story artist today. My journey started when I went to college at Otis College of Art and Design. I graduated in 2020. During the pandemic, I decided to join a few indie studios, NuBoom Studios and also Lonely Bros Studios. After that, I landed a gig at a studio called Neko Productions and so from there I have been working. Now,I’m also developing a pitch one day for a series of my own, an animated series. So that’s where I am in my life. I want everyone to know, autism doesn’t define your potential.”
RJ Peete: “Hey, I’m RJ Peete. I’m 27 years old. I started working with Dr. Wiley when I was 5 years old. I’m currently a clubhouse attendant for the World Series Champions Los Angeles Dodgers and I’ve been working there for 9 seasons. Autism is a label and it does not define my potential.”
Zachary Roney: “Hi. My name is Zachary Roney and I’m 22 years old. I started with the Wiley Center when I was about 4 or 5 years old. Today, I’m a Masters student, studying film and media at Johns Hopkins University, the same university where I received my undergraduate degree from. On the side, I am running track and field my last year of eligibility and I am writer, who working on publishing fiction stories. I want everyone to know that autism is a label. It does not define my potential.”
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