By Jonathan Jones | Observer Contributor
Former MWCC student and current Mrs. Massachusetts-International 2012, Jennifer Salvatelli is using her success to raise awareness for ADHD, a disorder that currently affects 8% of the nation’s youth.
“Most of my charity work has revolved around children,” said Salvatelli. “However, most recently I have seen the struggles that my sister and her family go through with her son, who has been diagnosed with ADHD, and I see the problems they face with getting him the help and services he needs.”
Salvatelli also said that because this disorder is newly labeled, that may be a reason it is not taken seriously or diagnosed early enough. Because of Salvatelli’s employment as the Co-Owner and Director of Education at Teaching Wonders Child Learning Center, she has seen first-hand that children can show the symptoms at a very early age.
In addition to Salvatelli’s work as the Worcester Chapter Director for Queens for a Day, a non- profit organization that offers parties for pediatric cancer patients aged one to twenty-one, she is also working with the local Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD) organization.
“I want to help parents as well so they are not afraid of having a child that is labeled, and let them know that there are services and organizations like CHADD available to them,” said Salvatelli.
According to the Center for Disease Control, 5.2 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their childhood. In the same study, the CDC reports that ADHD affects 11% of adolescent boys compared to 6% of adolescent girls.
Salvatelli graduated from Mount Wachusett Community College in 1998. She received her Associates Degree in Child Study and the Child Curriculum Award for her detail in age appropriate activities and program planning.
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