Maurice Snell, 
Easter Seals National Ambassador

Maurice Snell is a young man living with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Maurice, who just celebrated his 24th birthday, was recently named Easter Seals National Ambassador.  He graduated from Saint Xavier University in Chicago and this will be his first position since graduating.  He received a degree in Liberal Arts and minors in Spanish and Concert Band.  Maurice attended Easter Seals Therapeutic School in Chicago which prepared him for public high school and life in general.  He received help in speech, communication, and music.  He is also a  member of a jazz and rhythm and blues band.  His dream to work at Easter Seals, his former school, has come true.  
                      
                                Facts About Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder which affects social and communication skills and, to a greater or lesser degree, motor and language skills.  Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction, problems with verbal and nonverbal communication, and unusual, repetitive or severely limited activities and interests.  About 1 in 1000 children in the United States are affected.  

                                     
 Dr. Davis, Superintendent                                        Maurice Snell
of Decatur Public Schools                                    Speaking at Easter Seals
and Maurice Snell                                                       Central Illinois

                                                                                                                   
Randy Jess, Easter Seals Board
Member, Maurice Snell, and Mike Johnston,
Easter Seals Board Member