About Nicholas Krishnan
Nicholas is a snow skier, golfer, gymnast, swimmer, horseback rider, soccer player, baseball player, basketball
player, bowler, water skier, singer, guitar player, percussionist, and an activist for the rights of 6.5 million
students with disabilities in America.
Nicholas was born a sweet, bright, and adorable little boy. He talked, giggled, and played; just like any baby
and toddler would. But, a little before he was two years old, Nicholas was taken hostage by autism. His
parents were grief-stricken. Nicholas lost all of his language and the twinkle in his eyes.
The only times that people could hear Nicholas' sweet little voice was when he sang Raffi and Peter, Paul,
and Mary songs. The only times that their eyes could connect with Nicholas' was when they were drumming.
After many years, Nicholas' regained some language. At 16 years old, he can now communicate, but
conversing remains an ongoing, and at times frustrating, challenge for Nicholas.
The Avondale School District has been wonderful to Nicholas. There are educators and administrators who
have been amazingly kind; and the paraprofessionals pull it all together so that it is possible for Nicholas to
have as normal of a life as possible. The key to having things work for him in school has always been to
carefully select the right people, with the right skills and right personalities, to Nicholas. Relationships are
everything. The people who know and like Nicholas are best able to figure out how to make the learning
speak to him.
At home, Nicholas is a very easy and fun child to live with. His parents adore him and are very proud of
everything that Nicholas does and how far he has come over the years. They are grateful to everyone who has
contributed to making Nicholas the young man that he is today.
Nicholas goes to Washington, D.C. and other places, carrying with him the message that even students with
autism, as severe as his, can learn and do much better in life when they do!
Nicholas is a snow skier, golfer, gymnast, swimmer, horseback rider, soccer player, baseball player, basketball
player, bowler, water skier, singer, guitar player, percussionist, and an activist for the rights of 6.5 million
students with disabilities in America.
Nicholas was born a sweet, bright, and adorable little boy. He talked, giggled, and played; just like any baby
and toddler would. But, a little before he was two years old, Nicholas was taken hostage by autism. His
parents were grief-stricken. Nicholas lost all of his language and the twinkle in his eyes.
The only times that people could hear Nicholas' sweet little voice was when he sang Raffi and Peter, Paul,
and Mary songs. The only times that their eyes could connect with Nicholas' was when they were drumming.
After many years, Nicholas' regained some language. At 16 years old, he can now communicate, but
conversing remains an ongoing, and at times frustrating, challenge for Nicholas.
The Avondale School District has been wonderful to Nicholas. There are educators and administrators who
have been amazingly kind; and the paraprofessionals pull it all together so that it is possible for Nicholas to
have as normal of a life as possible. The key to having things work for him in school has always been to
carefully select the right people, with the right skills and right personalities, to Nicholas. Relationships are
everything. The people who know and like Nicholas are best able to figure out how to make the learning
speak to him.
At home, Nicholas is a very easy and fun child to live with. His parents adore him and are very proud of
everything that Nicholas does and how far he has come over the years. They are grateful to everyone who has
contributed to making Nicholas the young man that he is today.
Nicholas goes to Washington, D.C. and other places, carrying with him the message that even students with
autism, as severe as his, can learn and do much better in life when they do!
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| It will be easy for you to Get to Know Nicholas by visiting this digital photo album. It contains some current and old photos of Nicholas doing some of the things he loves to do! Getting to Know Nicholas |
ABOUT NICK