Ron's Story

Ronald grew up in Arcadia, California.  He was first diagnosed as having Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) at age 9.  PWS is a genetic disorder characterized by an insatiable appetite.  Ronald’s preoccupation with food lead to the development of manipulative and often aggressive behaviors designed to obtain food.   

In 1981 Ronald completed a special education curriculum and graduated from high school.  In 1989 Ronald left his mothers house and moved into a group home that assisted him in finding supported employment and helped him keep his diet under control.  However, each of jobs he held were dissolved, largely due to inappropriate behavioral issues surrounding PWS and his obsession with food. 

Ronald moved to San Diego in 1999 into a facility designed to support individuals diagnosed with PWS.  Ronald enrolled in a supportive employment program without success.  The level of independence required by the placement was too much for Ronald and he began to exhibit manipulative and aggressive behaviors; he lost his job and was beginning to exhibit signs of depression.  Ronald was referred to Stein Education Center’s Employment Opportunities Program shortly thereafter.  After being admitted to Stein Education Center, Ronald enrolled in and successfully completed a twelve-week course designed by our job developer, Sylvia Blansett.  Sylvia worked intensively with Ronald for several weeks to find him an appropriate placement at Holiday Inn where he has been successfully employed for nearly two years.  Finding the job at Holiday Inn has dramatically increased Ronald’s self-esteem and feelings of autonomy and has contributed to successful weight loss.