| They call this grad 'Mr. Information' |
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By: LISA MARCHESONI, Senior Writer
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Posted: Sunday, January 3, 2010 8:34 am
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Tennessee Technology Center student Adam Robertson and teacher Stan Dribble discuss his advanced skills in computers.
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Adam Robertson answers any computer question
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She knows Asperger's first-hand
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Just call Adam Robertson “Mr. Information.”
Robertson, 21, of Murfreesboro, was one of nine graduates in computer information systems last month from the Tennessee Technology Center’s Information Technology Program where he achieved Microsoft certification. The graduates implement networks that make businesses operate.
But what gave Robertson the title was his ability to answer any question about any computer-related topic, said instructor Stan Dribble, who has been in the computer information systems business for 47 years.
“He’s helped me come up with answers I couldn’t find,” Dribble admitted.
Dribble is especially proud of Robertson who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, which is high functioning on the autism spectrum. Asperger’s Syndrome is described as a neurobiological difference in how the brain processes information.
Dena Gassner, an advocate for people with Asperger’s Syndrome, said the condition affects people in different ways. Some people have natural insight into complex problems but struggle with social interaction.
Dribble said Robertson has advanced through his diagnosis. Humans are computers who store information in their heads but he described Robertson as exceptional.
“Ask him a question about anything,” Dribble challenged. “He has the answer to it. He has become the class technical advisor. He’s known as a IT (Information Technology) solutions provider.”
He absorbs information “like a sponge soaking up the ocean.”
Robertson’s background
Robertson graduated in 2007 from Siegel High School.
“I wanted to learn computer repair,” Robertson said.
He enrolled in the TTC CIS program. During the 15-month program, he earned certifications for Server Administration, Microsoft Word 2007, MS Windows XP Desktop, Windows 2000 Professional, Vista Desktop Administration, Macintosh O/S Desktop, PC Concepts, Computer Fundamentals (Win XP) and Microsoft PowerPoint 2007. He also attained certifications in JAVA and Dreamweaver, required for graduation.
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When it comes to understanding Asperger’s Syndrome, Dena Gassner knows first-hand.
At age 38, she was diagnosed with the high-functioning form of autism. She studied the field, enabling her to become an advocate.
Asperger’s Syndrome is a neurobiological difference in how the brain processes information. If affects every person in a different way. The Center for Disease Control gives a ratio of one in 81 with Asperger’s Syndrome.
Some people with Asperger’s Syndrome become highly skilled in a specific area and land a job while others are skilled but can’t function in society and struggle with social interaction.
That’s where Gassner becomes an advocate. She’s a social worker who provides navigation support for people with Asperger’s Syndrome in Williamson and Rutherford counties.
For example, she will attend meetings with the person and help work their way through the school system or Social Security.
“These folks need hand over hand support,” Gassner said.
Gassner provides three support groups:
• A monthly adult support group that’s pretty structured.
• A recreational group for teens from age 14 to high school.
• A weekly women’s support group.
She works with a special education tutorial company in Murfreesboro where private evaluators help clients. For example, they might seek help from the state’s Vocational Rehabilitation Centers.
In her own experiences, Gassner learned to live well with autism and try not to be someone she’s not. She understands how it affects her, makes adjustments and lives with it.
She hopes people will be more tolerant, patient and supportive of people with autism.
The vast majority of people with autism need help to live with they way they are.
“My personal philosophy is to help each person reach their own potential,” Gassner said.
For more information about Gassner, check out her Web site at http://centerforunderstanding.net/.
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Cynthia Hanna, Microsoft’s account manager for sales in higher education, produced a video about Robertson’s class of nine students graduating with more than 80 certificates.
“You are the model,” Hanna told the students, adding the certifications give them a higher chance to get hired, promoted and be successful.
Through the course, the students leaned on Robertson to solve their problems.
“I’ve always loved computers and they’ve always fascinated me,” Robertson said.
He constantly works on the computers lining his bedroom.
Dribble said Robertson knows the answers to programs, databasing, equipment, repair, security, hardware and software.
Robertson spends his time exploring the Internet and doing research.
“I love answering computer-related questions,” Robertson said as his face lights up with enthusiasm.
He gives advice about configuring equipment, places to buy computers and price.
Dribble said Robertson answered questions for every fellow student and knew how to research answers.
Robertson knows how to build a $1,400 computer for under $500. He is off the scale on finding solutions to questions.
“He gets 100 on everything, all 100 percent perfect,” Dribble said.
Robertson’s goal is to use his knowledge and skills in the business world, helping people solve their computer crises in the future in his own consulting business.
“I have a wide range of knowledge in the world of IT,” Robertson said. “I would be the best person to answer questions.”
Dribble said because Robertson has Asperger’s Syndrome, he gives hope to people who think they can’t do something because of the diagnosis, Dribble said. Robertson knows he will succeed with persistence and perseverance.
“Do what you love, do what you’re good at,” Dribble said.
Lisa Marchesoni may be reached at 869-0814 or at lmarchesoni@murfreesboropost.com. |
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