When Joey Voto of Billerica was 6, his first-grade teacher at the Dutile Elementary School knew there was something special about him. She recommended his parents, Joe and Melissa, take Joey to see his pediatrician. The doctor didn’t agree there was an issue, so Joey’s parents took him to see a neuropsychologist, a specialist who studies the structure and function of the brain as they relate to specific psychological processes and behaviors.
And Joey’s journey with Asperger’s began.
Joey was reading when he was 3, and when he reached elementary school he read at an advanced level, but his teachers realized he didn’t comprehend what he read. Melissa Voto credits Parker Elementary School Compass teacher Lori Ann McLaughlin (“my savior,” Melissa says) with helping Joey strive to do all he could do. Today Joey is an 11-year-old sixth-grader at the Locke Middle School who splits his school days between mainstream and special education classes. He has been a student in the Compass Program since 2008 after being diagnosed in 2007. He has an aide and access to an iPad, all part of his Individual Education Program (IEP).
Joey is a member of the BATV Video Club, and he loves to make movies, and teaches his parents how to improve their video skills. On Autism Speaks Night, on Friday, Sept. 7, Joey shouted out “Play Ball!” at Fenway Park before the Red Sox took on the Toronto Blue Jays. Although the Sox lost, it was a memorable evening for the Voto family.
Melissa Voto has turned her son’s condition into a cause: she’s chairman of Team Jigsaw, one of the top fundraising groups at the annual Greater Boston Walk; she is also chairman of the Greater Boston Greater Boston Walk Now for Autism Speaks Committee. This annual event will be held at Suffolk Downs in East Boston on Sept. 30. Last year, Joey played the keyboard for the walkers, and this year the team is gearing up for the 2012 event. To date, they have raised $10,850 toward their $12,500 goal. Twenty-five walkers will circle the racetrack at Suffolk Downs to make sure Team Jigsaw hits its target. Earlier this year, $7,500 was raised toward the goal at Guns and Hoses, a hockey game between Fire and Police. Melissa and the team have gotten donations from family, friends, neighbors, elementary school friends, Facebook friends and strangers who have contributed generously.
Melissa’s primary goal for the Walk is raising awareness of Asperger’s and other autism spectrum conditions.
“Walking through the aisles of Market Basket, we get looks all the time because of his behavior. He can’t help it and I am not a bad parent who doesn’t discipline my child. I would like to raise awareness and support in our community. So far, the children in our schools have been the most understanding, taking their time to help Joey out with his locker or getting his supplies organized. I just wish all residents in our town could see past the behaviors and see the outstanding individuals these kids and adults are,” she said.
Contributions in support of Team Jigsaw’s fundraising efforts may be made online, at: walknowforautismspeaks.orggreaterboston.