When John Engelking walked through the doors of our NeuroRestorative Chicago Academy in 2022, he carried more than a backpack—he carried the weight of years spent feeling misunderstood. Raised by a devoted father and grandparents who sought the right environment to help him flourish, John arrived closed off, navigating life with Autism Spectrum Disorder and searching for a place where he could truly be seen.
When John Engelking walked through the doors of our NeuroRestorative Chicago Academy in 2022, he carried more than a backpack—he carried the weight of years spent feeling misunderstood. Raised by a devoted father and grandparents who sought the right environment to help him flourish, John arrived closed off, navigating life with Autism Spectrum Disorder and searching for a place where he could truly be seen.
After our team got to know John, we began tailoring his supports and services to his interests. The breakthrough began in the music therapy room. For John, the melodies provided a sanctuary. “I would calm down,” he recalls, noting how the music helped bridge the gap between his internal world and the one around him.
As he found his rhythm, John began to open up. His therapists and case managers provided patience, something other providers had lacked in the past. By giving him the space to explain himself and truly listening, our therapists were able to provide John with the tools to truly be himself. This environment of care allowed John to find a hobby that could expand into a career.
John’s passion is uniquely practical: plumbing. Coming from a family of plumbers, he finds a deep sense of peace in the mechanical logic of pipes and drains. He loves the process of digging down to find the “root of the problem.” When asked if he finds the work messy or gross, he simply shrugs with a smile.
“It’s just what my hobby is. It’s something I live daily.” This mindset—always asking what happened? to find the source of a leak or a blockage—has become a metaphor for his life. John doesn’t just fix pipes; enjoys solving problems. This technical curiosity led his therapist to connect him with Bob, Program Manager. Now, John shadows Bob on projects, learning the inner workings of the building he calls home.
John’s transformation over the last four years is nothing short of remarkable. The student who once stayed in the shadows now leads visitor tours, greeting strangers with a confidence that once seemed impossible. His growth is evidenced by his success in the workforce. After participating in a mock interview at the academy to learn the ropes of the job hunt, John secured a position at a local grocery store. He has been a dedicated employee there for two years, proving his reliability and work ethic week after week.
As we congratulate John for graduating this May, John is looking toward a future where he can give back. His ultimate goal is to return to the academy as a member of the maintenance team, ensuring the facility runs smoothly for the next generation of students. When asked about his proudest moment, John finds it hard to pick just one. “There are so many of them now,” he says. But above all, he is proud of his voice. He can now walk into a room full of strangers, start a conversation, and build a genuine connection.
John’s advice for new students is forward-focused. “Just keep your head up and work towards your goals. Look ahead to the future and see where you want to go.”
Our Program Director, Camelia Botez, summarizes his impact perfectly: “John is one of our stars. Thank you, John, for giving us a view of the world not often seen by others. It is truly a remarkable and extraordinary journey.”
