The following is an excerpt from The Sawinery the complete article is found at: https://www.sawinery.net/…/gregory-chabolla-story-from-spe…/ 
the author/owner asked if we would share:

GREGORY CHABOLLA’S STORY –
Back in 1998, 3 ½ years old Gregory was diagnosed with a form of autism called the Pervasive Development Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified or PDD-NOS. We asked his mom, Michelle, about Gregory’s growing up years and how he was able to handle his condition.

Michelle: At this time (1998) the diagnosis was 1 in 10,000 children. So this question is hard to answer, both he and I were battling society, schools and everything it brings along with it together. So “handling” it at that time was pure survival. Sorry there is not short answer what he and I went through during those next 15 years of school and growing up. His diagnosis from several so called “specialists” was he will never speak, dress himself, feed himself, much less write, read or learn, so take him home and love him.

(with the support of his family, Gregory did not let the diagnosis define his life. He was able to accomplish much more than what was “predicted” for him by his doctors, and proceeded to take interest in, and become a talented and accomplished woodworker)

Michelle: He is amazing. As you can see, he is a very successful scroll saw artist and works at Einstein Bagels on the weekends. He has two jobs, one is his own business.

(an encounter with a woodworker is what sparked his interest)

Gregory: I saw my Grandma and Grandpa’s neighbor, Patsy Williams, making crosses on a saw and thought it was great and looked fun.

(his woodworking business grew across Texas and online too, especially when his website and Facebook allowed people to easily reach him for orders or even just to express their admiration of his works. He is also very active in art shows and festivals. Beyond being able to create and showcase his talents as a woodworker, his interaction with his customers and family through his woodwork brings joy into his life)

Gregory: It makes me very happy to make friends, family and customers smile when they see my work. They are amazed and it makes me smile. I make a lot of friends at my art festivals when they come to my booth. Woodworking gives me a way to work in my own special way on my own.

Michelle: It has helped his self-confidence, self-esteem and it gives him a purpose which he has always wanted. He is happier, has less anxiety and worries less about what he is going to do with his life, he also keeps his mind and body in shape. Contributing to his income is a great achievement for him.

Gregory: Woodworking is good for anyone that can be calm and focus, not all people can do that.

(always remember that following proper safety precautions and necessary guidance is of utmost importance. In Gregory’s case, it’s his own focused mind and careful steps that allow him to stay safe while working on pieces, even when working with a scroll saw, his favorite power tool)

Michelle: There is always a concern for safety, but he is so careful and never hurries and takes safety very serious. So I am very comfortable with him on the saw.

(www.gregorysgifts.com)
(https://www.facebook.com/gregorygifts/)