A RHS instructor on a Mission

By: Brittany Alexander
The Rams Horn
Tuesday, January 01, 2008

"Most of you know that Noah is special needs and has been diagnosed with Pervasive Development Delay (PDD), which is on the Autism spectrum," says Mr. Savick who has been teaching math at RHS for five years.

Mr. Savick’s six year old son, Noah, attends a special needs school in Ruxton Ridge County. He sees a physical therapist once a week for an hour. Although he is six-years old, Noah has the cognitive level of a two-year old. His physical ability is also on the same level of a two-year old.

As a member of The Organization for Autistic Research (OAR), Mr. Savick has been working hard to raise money for autistic research. "I have raised $1,025," says Mr. Savick.

OAR is an organization formed in December 2001 by parents and grandparents of children and adults with autism. It is a national non-profit organization that provides practical information to the autism community by funding research studies. The research offers new insights into the development of individuals with autism.

OAR’s programs provide guidance on the best therapies and treatments for those living with autism.

"The organization has been around for years, but I began in June," notes Mr. Savick.

Mr. Savick first began participating in this organization after competing in a triathlon. "I will be competing in my second triathlon, the Baltimore half-marathon on Oct. 13, 2007," he says.

Autism affects over 1.7 million individuals in the United States. Autism is a complex developmental disorder that appears in the first three years of life, although it is sometimes diagnosed much later. It affects the brain’s normal development of social and communication skills. Most parents of autistic children suspect that something is wrong by the time the child is two years old. Children with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and nonverbal communication, social interactions, and pretend play. The aim of all of Mr. Savick’s fundraising is to help raise awareness about autistic children.

Mr. Savick has received support from many members of the RHS family who have "contributed to my last triathlon."

For their support, Mr. Savick says, "…I appreciate your giving. Together we can make a difference."

If you would like to assist Mr. Savick, he is still accepting donations www.firstgiving.com\davidsavick.