Security guard with Autism inspiring students to pursue their goals
PHARR, Texas April 12 2019 – According to PSJA ISD officials, nearly 400 students are currently diagnosed with Autism. In honor of Autism Awareness Month, an autistic PSJA ISD security guard shares his story hoping to encourage others to pursue their dreams regardless of being autistic.
“I always tell myself, Anthony the challenges are coming, just don’t stop and keep on going.”
Anthony Salinas is a security guard at PSJA ISD. He was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was four years old. However, he knew that wouldn’t stop him from pursuing his dreams.
“I have Autism. I didn’t not stop me to reach my goals into law enforcement, into the law enforcement community.” Salinas graduated from PSJA Early College High School and obtained a Level 2 Security Guard Certification from South Texas College last year but says his career doesn’t stop here. “I want to be the first firefighter in the state of Texas with Autism.”
PSJA’s Special Education program director, who is also Anthony’s mother, says common signs of autism are repetitive flapping of hands, spinning, rocking, and isolation from others. She adds, early intervention is important to ensure students success.
“Early intervention, we always try to tell our parents, is the best thing. Once we get a student specially at the age of 3 or 4 we can start teaching them to follow rules and be accepted into the mainstream.”
Anthony Salinas says he hopes to inspire others with his story and has a special message for autistic students.
“Children with autism, look at me now. I’m working with PSJA with the security department. The kids with autism in middle school, high school. The kids that tell you stuff. Don’t listen to them, just follow your dreams.”
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, boys are more likely to be diagnosed with Autism than girls.
KVEO
