My name is Jeremy Pieklo, a former student at Checkered Door. I am very fortunate to have learned many skills and tools that help me to manage my adult life. Using “Zones of Regulation”, I am now able to identify my emotions and use the correct tools to self regulate moods. “Social Behaviour Mapping” – the concept of accepted behaviours verses unaccepted behaviours has helped me to learn mature behavioural skills in shared spaces whether it’s going to the mall with my friends, on an outing with my family or going out for dinner or to the movies. One of the greatest things I have learned is how to problem solve a situation. I may still need to ask for help sometimes but I now have a method to try on my own first and make a decision. I also know that I may not get it right the first time but that we are all learning and I am doing my best. As a result of learning and demonstrating these skills, I am now employed in a job that I love, as the main custodian for a local company. The skills I have learned at Checkered Door, continue to help me to be, The Best of Me That I Can Be!

After years of searching for a program that would benefit and be suitable for young adults with developmental disorders I finally found Checkered Door. Since finishing High School my daughter Jenn tried several programs that were either nothing more than babysitting or geared towards autism rather than developmental disorders. She so badly wanted to acquire adult skills like her siblings but didn’t have the tools to do so. Jenn began the program with cautious optimism but quickly became secure. Finally, her development into adulthood had begun! She happily attended her classes and her progress and maturity were notable by all. This program successfully fills gaps between adolescence and adulthood and I can only hope it becomes available across Canada.