Post Hurricane Irma, a 21-year-old St. Maartener by the name of Isaiah Nadal decided to help rebuild his local church. Described as well mannered, friendly and inquisitive, Isaiah volunteered six months of his time during this period and consequently found himself really interested in constructing.
While cutting, hammering and assembling is not for everyone, Isaiah grew a curiosity in carpentry and proved to be an exemplary young person, earnestly pursuing his interests despite challenges. As a seven year old, Isaiah was diagnosed with autism.
Autism is a developmental disorder often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder or “being on the spectrum.” It is a spectrum because autism isn’t the same for everyone affected. Some symptoms of autism include little to no eye contact, not speaking, behavioural disturbances and fixation on objects. But that doesn’t mean someone with autism will have all of these signs or any of these signs. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says one in 59 children will be diagnosed with autism and it is four times more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls.
Isaiah has a background in practical training as he graduated from St. Maarten Vocational Training School in 2017. In April 2018, he joined Sister Basilia Center (White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation) for support, and his mentors there teach him social and life management skills, such as cleaning and cooking, as well as manners and conflict resolution. His mentors also took notice and saw an opportunity for Isaiah in K1 Britannia Foundation’s fully sponsored carpentry course at National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA) based on his displayed interest in building.
In January, Isaiah joined K1’s six-month carpentry course that was made possible through the main sponsorship of Holland America Line and the Dutch Disaster Fund. The course is specially held for young people and the aim is to provide them with new skills in the area of carpentry. The course is certified by MIC Institution of Technology out of Trinidad and will offer the opportunity for certification that can translate in employability or entrepreneurship possibilities for the participants.
Isaiah has high self-esteem and is not afraid of challenges. This is proven to be true through his perseverance in the course. His work ethic shines through his effort, and is always available to assist his peers when needed. Isaiah was also one of the students who volunteered to assist in K1’s “Build Little Free Libraries project” for SXM DOET. Chiaira Bowers, K1-SXM DOET Project Manager shared, “Isaiah displayed a great deal of willingness to help, attention to detail and punctuality – which are great building blocks to a great future. Even though it was a volunteer project, Isaiah showed up on time and showed commitment to getting the job done in the right way.”
Isaiah copes with his autism by asking questions when something is not clear; he is also known to be very precise and excels in a predictable environment. We can all learn the importance of detail from Isaiah by wanting to grasp details and knowing exactly where, what, who, how and when!
After three months in the course, Isaiah reflected on his journey saying that he now feels that he is being given the opportunity to experience new things and meet new people – a leap from his past of feeling isolated. Indeed, they are a few challenges, like difficulty calculating measurements and understanding the imperial system. He also mentioned that his classmates sometimes find him to be confused, but this is because he can find it difficult to comprehend what it being said. Nevertheless, Isaiah works hard and is always available to assist when needed.
One of his classmates, Shenauri Carty, added: “Isaiah is very observant and patient. He amazes me with his very direct comments, but in no way shape or form intends to be rude. We get along very well even though it requires a little extra patience. But he has allowed me to learn how to be patient in and outside the classroom.”
Isaiah shares his experiences as a dream come true, a goal he accomplished and his supporters’ hearts are so full. His goals going forward are to continue to learn about the safety rules on a construction site, complete the course and work on a construction site.
As April was National Autism Awareness Month, it is up to each of us to be aware and advocate for autism awareness. Isaiah’s journey is not without challenges and it is our duty as a community to support our youth and families coping with autism. The family and friends, mentors at the Sister Basilia Center, K1 Britannia Foundation, and instructors & classmates at NIPA are privileged to be on this journey with Isaiah and they look forward to continue to create an environment of inclusion for all.
