William Builds Confidence and Connection at High Road School of East York

At 21, William Pinder is thriving in his final year of school, and his parents, Mark and Christine, are making the most of every milestone before he ages out of High Road School of East York next summer.

“This is his second year, plus the summer program, and we’ve seen so much improvement,” Christine said. “He loves it. He gets up every morning, follows directions and gets on the bus with no problem.”

That enthusiasm for school is something his family does not take for granted.

Finding the Right School Environment

William, who has Down syndrome and autism, had struggled as he got older. Transitions became increasingly difficult, and his previous school placement was no longer meeting his needs. His family learned about High Road School of East York through his coordinator and decided to explore whether the school could be a better fit.

The difference became apparent to his parents over time. William began listening and responding more consistently. He started answering questions that had once been difficult for him and communicating more with his family. Behaviors his parents once wondered whether he could overcome also began improving.

“He’s actually answering us and talking to us when he can. He’s listening more to instructions,” Christine said. “We’re seeing that difference.”

Building Confidence Through Connection

Christine credits much of that progress to a team that has taken the time to understand William and find strategies that work for him. Staff members have also shared suggestions his family can use outside of school, helping provide greater consistency between school and home.

“They understand him,” she said. “It seems like High Road has gotten through to him when no other school has.”

Staying Active Beyond the Classroom

Outside of school, William stays active through Special Olympics, participating in activities including bowling, tennis, and bocce. As he approaches his 22nd birthday next August, his family is thinking about what comes next while appreciating the progress he continues to make during his final year at High Road School of East York.

Encouraging Other Families

Christine has already encouraged other families she knows through Special Olympics to visit High Road School of East York and learn about the program for themselves.

“I tell them, ‘Go look at it and see what you think. Go visit and give it a try,’” she said.

For William’s family, seeing his growth has made his time at High Road School of East York especially meaningful.

“We wish we did this earlier for him,” Christine said.