Participants

Jack Bradshaw

Project Manager

Hi! my name is Jack, I am 60 years old. I graduated from high school in 1975 in Lebanon, Tennessee. I am an unknown poet and I really enjoy writing poetry. Some are good enough for songs too. In 1985 I received a very serious concussion and it almost took my life. It affected my short term memory, and I'm ADD, and ADHD. I am interested in working as a defensive coach in college football. I love predicting how the plays will work out while I'm watching a game. I come from a long line of professional horse shoe trainers in American Saddlebreds and Morgan horses. I have 25+ years in production work. In a 3-4 year period, I had more grand championships and reserve grand championships than any member of my family. I love to learn. I like to work with others and I'm a team player.

Don J Thorpe
Associate Project Manager

My name is Don J. Thorpe. At 41, many look at me and think, why don’t you have a career in place? These were my constant thoughts everyday, until I learned that I was autistic! It wasn’t until November of last year, that I was properly diagnosed! It is a huge relief to me that even though I struggle with everyday tasks, I also have great abilities! This diagnosis has revealed that I have very strong visual skills, for I am a visual thinker! My plans are to go into Drafting, and specialize one day in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design. I enjoy 3D modeling because it comes natural for me! This also explains why I got my bachelor’s degree in 3D modeling from UVU in 2007. I had the opportunity to attend the NextWork NeuroVersity program and quickly learned Tremble SketchUp this last spring, and thoroughly enjoyed them. I am also working with Cheryl Wright in making a new manual based on Ancient Egypt! I am so thankful for this program, for it is helping me learn about myself, and my skills, but also helping learn about Autism, what it is, and how I can use it one day to my advantage.

John Staples
Lead Designer

My name is John. I am a 30 year old individual with high functioning autism. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of 7. My autism has made me struggle with things in my life and is the reason why I’m not yet independent and still don’t have a job or a career. My favorite hobby is playing video games, so my career interest is working in the gaming industry. My skills specialize in computer graphic design and I have a certificate, proving I have an education in the media design field. I also have experience in the use of Tremble Sketchup, a 3D model design software. My recognition in Sketchup design got me a place in the Neuroversity school program. My hope is to one day be able to not only have my dream career as a video game designer but also be recognized as an individual who is capable of being very creative, even with my disabilities.

Jessica Wadsworth
Associate Designer

My name is Jessica. I like computer games and I am almost finished with the Digitability software. I love MahJong, puzzles, and complex connect the dots books. Some of these books have over 1000 dots! My favorite place on earth is Disneyland.  I haven’t had a job yet, but I’m an artist and I spend my days at Turn’s City Center for the Arts. My work has been in art shows in multiple galleries and at the County Fair.

Doug Groeger
Web Tester

My name is Doug, I’m an autistic adult that struggles with tourette's, autism and ADHD. I enjoy watching videos online that entertain me. I enjoy my job because I like earning money so I can buy a bike and go to the water park to swim and play. I also enjoy listening to rock-n-roll, pop-rock, and watching movies, I enjoy taking walks around the block and going to parks.

Evan Kachocki
Photo/Video Manager

Hi, I’m Evan /Black Cat Etc.

I like movies games and more. I’m 20 years old, I just had a b-day party. I went bowling and BBQ then opened presents.My favorite team is the Anaheim Ducks ‘cause it reminds me of the movie “The Mighty Ducks.”  For college, I like USU.

Alexandra Self
Content Manager/ Lead Writer

If life was a play, I would be the stage crew. I’m a discoverer that places high value on knowledge. The world is a story and I want to be part of creating the content. Often mistaken for neurotypical has given me a great privilege into understanding what lies behind human behaviors and social customs. With a bachelor’s in psychology and a determination to earn a Ph.D, I’m ready to take on new challenges. I’m a smiler, engaging, and a lover of animals, outdoor recreation, self improvement, food, research and classes.