Press Releases
ABC 7 Chicago Highlights Autistic SXU Student's Success
SXU student Maurice Snell and SXU grad and autism consultant Georgianne Gerber featured on Sept. 11 newscast
CHICAGO (Sept. 9, 2003) -- Thursday, Sept. 11 will be a sad day for our nation. But taking a break from recounts of that tragic day in 2001,
ABC-7 Chicago’s 11:30 a.m. newscast will feature the story of a successful Saint Xavier University student with Autism Spectrum Disorder and the autism consultant who never gave up on the student’s dream to attend college.
Maurice Snell’s story is one of hope and triumph. Most of all, it is the story of how his family, his clinical team and Saint Xavier University continued to assist Maurice Snell in as he made his goal to attend college a reality.
“Maurice choose SXU because when he was about 9 years old he asked me where I went to college and I told him,” said Georgianne Gerber, his autism consultant, mentor and friend. “Maurice told me that is the school he was going to attend.”
Though Gerber informed Snell of college’s challenges, he was determined.
A clinical team spent many hours in identifying a learning plan for Snell, who had little language and limited social skills.
Once the team understood his learning style, Snell attended Benito Juarez High School, in the Chicago Public School system. Snell graduated with honors and was in the concert band, ROTC and church activities.
After his high school success, Snell was accepted to Saint Xavier University. The university continues to serve Snell’s individual learning style with its learning center and tutoring services.
Working with Project Respect, a community outreach and resource program for persons with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and their families, Snell has found success at Saint Xavier. Dr. Sandra Burkhardt is director of Project Respect, which operates through Saint Xavier University’s Community Counseling Service.
Georgianne Gerber is a 1972 graduate of Saint Xavier University and a tireless spokesperson for children and families with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
She is a board member of the Chicago South Side Autism Chapter of the Illinois Autism Society, the Hope Project and the 0-3 Department of Human Service Grant Program.
She is also a well-known expert in family support and social interaction groups. Her expertise extends to the area of consulting for schools and community agencies.
“Georgianne is so commited to children and families with autism spectrum disorder. She never refuses any parent’s request,” said Wanda Satkas, president of the South Side Autism Chapter.
“When I cannot help a parent, I will call Georgianne and she will do everything to assist that family no matter what it takes. She is an outstanding professional and respected for her expertise in autism but also her perseverance and compassion for families.”