Nicholas C.

My name is Nick Campanella and I’m currently living in Astoria, NY. I’m 26 years old, I have a Master’s in Creative Writing, and I have a lifetime’s worth of experience working with children on the spectrum. I have two younger brothers who are both on the spectrum. One is very high-functioning and the other is very low-functioning and non-verbal. On top of that, he has Downs Syndrome, a significant heart defect, and a seizure disorder that requires regular administering of multiple medications.

For most, it’s a lot to handle, but for me, it’s been my life. I thoroughly enjoy helping my brother whenever I can. My parents trust me completely with him. I’ve picked him up from school, spent the day watching him play the same video on his iPad for hours at a time, I cook for him and get him to eat despite being the pickiest eater alive, and I can take him to the bathroom and bathe him. My brother, Peter, is essentially a giant, 24-year-old infant, but I love him and I would show that same love for your child.

My youngest brother, like I mentioned, is higher functioning, in college, and can take care of himself, but he has no friends and finds social interactions awkward and anxiety-inducing. Often-times, he’ll have a friend over and leave the room while his friend sits around wondering what just happened. He’s a great kid and I also make a point of spending time with him whenever I can. I learned to be extremely patient, understanding, and empathetic regarding his social issues. If he doesn’t want to go out, I don’t take it personally; if he has a fit, I calm him down and remind him everything’s okay.

I also have experience outside of my immediate family. I worked as a substitute teacher in Levittown Public Schools and often worked in ABA classrooms. The students had a wide range of issues. Some were non-verbal, others were high-functioning, but not quite high enough for a “normal” classroom environment, and others simply had health problems who needed round-the-clock attention. I loved this work and experienced first hand what it must have been like to work with my own brothers.

Additional services: Meal preparation, Laundry, Light housekeeping, and Crafts.

Rate: $20/hour – $30/hour

Child Ages:

1 year - 14 years

Smoker:

No

CPR Certified:

No

Hours of Operation:

Early morning: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Late morning: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Early afternoon: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Late afternoon: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Early evening: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Late evening: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Overnight: Saturday and Sunday.