Student With Autism Shines On Stage

Perkiomen Valley Middle School East student Justin Sartor, starring as Chief in the school’s ‘Peter Pan’ productions earlier this year, caught his mom off guard when he told her he was trying out for the school play.

Not because this student isn’t musical (he’s played the violin since third grade), or he isn’t studious enough to handle it (he’s an honor roll student), but because the Montgomery County resident was diagnosed with pervasive development disorder, in the autism spectrum, at the age of 2, and he also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

“Kids in the autistic spectrum, they don’t normally do things like this,” his mother, Lori Sartor, said. “It’s noisy. There are a lot of people. They’re long days, so their attention usually isn’t there.”

Justin, who is in eighth grade, has difficulties with crowds and loud noises as a result of his autism, a dependence on structure, and has difficulty focusing due to the ADHD.

However, Justin set his mind to it. And when he sets his mind to something—that is that.

“When [kids in the autistic spectrum] chose their path, they excel,” Sartor said. “They find what their passion is, and what motivates them, and if they are allowed to commit to that and use what their gifts are, it’s a spectacular experience.”

While the hours were long, Justin enjoyed preparing for the shows.

“It’s just so awesome,” Justin said. “I like to sing it in it. I experienced eyeliner. I met many friends.”

Sartor said the students, and the staff, embraced Justin.

Musical Director Kathy Gittelman said Justin was a great addition to the cast and is very talented.

“It’s neat that he feels so accepted and supported in his efforts,” Sartor said. “He comes home every day so happy. He loves the experience because he’s so committed, he’s just embraced it.”

“I made a lot of choices throughout the year,” Justin said. “The choice of auditioning was the best one I made.”

Justin said he tried out for the musical because of a variety show he participated in at Evergreen Elementary in fifth grade, but his mother said he has always shied away from the stage other than that.

“This is a kid who would never came out of the basement or out of his room because he didn’t really like to be around people," Sartor said. "And for him to be on stage in front of all these people watching him is just amazing in itself. I'm so proud”

This isn’t the first time Justin surprised his family by following his own path, Sartor said.

Justin decided in first grade, while attending Arrowhead Elementary in the Methacton School District for its autism support class, that he wanted to go to Evergreen Elementary for second grade. He has succeeded in the Perkiomen Valley School District ever since.

“He always does best when he says ‘this is what I want to do,’” Sartor said. “Whenever I was able to follow his lead, he excelled.”

Sartor has a familiar feeling regarding high school. While initially considering a smaller school for next year's move into ninth grade, Justin told his mother he will head to PVHS with the rest of his class next year—and she believes him.

He'll also be in the high school musical.