Student Phill defies all the odds

[Guest guest]

Student Phill defies all the odds

8:00am Saturday 21st August 2010

A STUDENT is looking forward to a bright future after battling more than most

to graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Phill , from Hartford, has achieved an upper second class honours degree

from Manchester Metropolitan University, despite fighting autism, dyslexia and

dyspraxia.

At Mid Cheshire College, Phill studied a National Diploma in Mechanical

Engineering, with the help and support of staff from the additional support

unit.

Parks, a mentor at the college who specialises in working with students

on the autism spectrum, said: “Because Phill was prepared to trust me, he taught

me so much about how he saw the world and how we should communicate with him.

“Phill really helped me to learn how to work with others on the autism spectrum

and to be open to learning from them too. He was also a great person to work

with.”

Phill, 21, has been shortlisted to study for a PhD based on research connected

with Railway Vehicle Dynamics within the Rail Technology Unit at Manchester

Metropolitan University.

“I am happy to know that my achievement may help to encourage other people on

the autism spectrum to pursue their dream career,” said Phill.