Florence High School Valedictorian Christian Robertson attributes autism to making him ‘naturally academic, productive’
Quote:
COAL CREEK – Florence High School Valedictorian Christian Robertson says being named valedictorian doesn’t prove one’s intelligence, but rather one’s perseverance, effort and ambition.
“If we all live our lives with full dedication, we are all valedictorians,” he said during his graduation speech Friday night at FHS. “… every single one of us has the power to be productive, to leave an imprint on the world.”
Robertson, 18, the son of Clint and Michelle Robertson, attributes his diagnosis of high functioning autism to making him “naturally academic and productive.” He said his diagnosis is what keeps him focused.
His is a gift,” Michelle Robertson said. “His autism makes him very focused, which enables him to do what he does.”
She said nobody can outwork her son who spends many, many hours working on his drawings and doing his homework.
Most of his work is done on a white table desk neatly stationed in the room that he received when he was 5.
“Ever since I was 5, every assignment and every drawing I’ve ever done was on that desk,” he said.
He started out building houses and cities with blocks and Legos and later progressed to drawing houses and eventually skyscrapers. He has large sketch pads filled with pencil drawings and a laptop that holds all of his digital projects.
Robertson spent his entire academic career in the Florence-Penrose School District. Math and science are his favorite subjects, and he has won two first-place state titles in the architectural drafting division of the annual Skills USA State Leadership Competition in Colorado Springs. He will advance to the National Skills USA Competition in June in Louisville, Ky.
He said his most recent award-winning house design likely will be built through the FHS Building Trades class next year.
During his time at FHS, Robertson was involved in the chess club, Knowledge Bowl, National Honor Society and Skills USA. He already has received a certification in Revit construction software.
He started out building houses and cities with blocks and Legos and later progressed to drawing houses and eventually skyscrapers. He has large sketch pads filled with pencil drawings and a laptop that holds all of his digital projects.
Robertson spent his entire academic career in the Florence-Penrose School District. Math and science are his favorite subjects, and he has won two first-place state titles in the architectural drafting division of the annual Skills USA State Leadership Competition in Colorado Springs. He will advance to the National Skills USA Competition in June in Louisville, Ky.
He said his most recent award-winning house design likely will be built through the FHS Building Trades class next year.
During his time at FHS, Robertson was involved in the chess club, Knowledge Bowl, National Honor Society and Skills USA. He already has received a certification in Revit construction software.
_________________
“Self Acceptance is a process not a performance”
“You are autistic enough. And you always have been”
Professionally Identified and joined WP August 26, 2013
DSM 5: Autism Spectrum Disorder, DSM IV: Aspergers Moderate Severity.
20 May 2019, 1:14 am
