Culinary Institute Of America Creates Special Course For 13-Year-Old Chef With Autism

Orange County, CA – The Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley, California – one of the world’s leading culinary institutes – created a one-off course for cooking show host and aspiring chef Chase Bailey, who was diagnosed with autism as a toddler.

13-year-old Chase from Orange County, California, had always wanted to attend classes at the CIA, following in the footsteps of his food heroes and alumni like Roy Choi and Walter Scheib. Struggling with severe food aversions as a toddler, food became a passion for Chase after stumbling across the cooking channels.  Food and cooking soon became key in helping Chase develop socially and academically.

Home-schooled by his mom Mary Bailey, even his curriculum has food and cooking as a constant theme throughout all subjects.  And Chase has put together his own YouTube cooking show on www.chasenyurface.com

Led by Chef Sandy Sauter, the CIA team put together a special course specifically for Chase to help him develop a range of skills.

This included instruction on using herbs together with a visit to the Institute’s extensive herb garden. Chase also got to practice knife skills and learned how to take cooking from the everyday to haute cuisine. Working alongside other student chefs, Chase was also taught how to make a Provençal Herb Crusted Salmon with Grain Mustard Sauce together with Yellow and Green Squash Noodles – a dish that challenges even the most experienced chef.

Commenting on his visit, Chef Sandy said:

“I was blown away by Chase’s amazing enthusiasm and his intense focus on some very detailed techniques. We were delighted to welcome him to the Institute and look forward to seeing him here again soon.”

For further information, images or interviews please visit www.chasenyurface.com or email sara@madasamarchhare.com  or tweet Sara @twowitwowoo

About Chase

 In many ways, Chase is a regular 13-year-old boy. But he is different and exceptional because he was diagnosed with autism as a toddler.

Even before he started preschool, his mother Mary worked with physicians, therapists and educators to ensure that Chase would receive the kind of specialist therapy he needed to develop the coping skills to allow him to live life to the full.

However, when it came down to his education, it was evident that traditional methods of teaching were not effective in making information and concepts understandable and meaningful to Chase.

Using Chase’s own dreams and aspirations as her guide, Mary decided to leave her corporate position in management and embark on a journey she never could have imagined. This includes home schooling Chase and creating a life curriculum, designed specifically for him – a hands-on approach to learning through experiences that resonate with Chase.

 Academic goals are intricately and inextricably woven into Chase’s everyday life, and are executed in ways tailored to reflect Chase and the way he’s wired and experiences the world. The goals are designed to go beyond academic life, extending into the realms of self-sufficiency, personal fulfillment, developing positive relationships with other people and philanthropy.

ABOUT THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world’s premier culinary college. Dedicated to driving leadership development for the foodservice and hospitality industry, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers associate degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts; bachelor’s degree majors in management, culinary science, and applied food studies; and executive education through its Food Business School. Its conferences and consulting services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry in the areas of health & wellness, sustainability, world cuisines & cultures, and professional excellence & innovation. The college also offers certificate programs and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its worldwide network of 48,000 alumni includes leaders in every area of foodservice and hospitality. The CIA has campuses in New York, California, Texas, and Singapore.

Source: The Culinary Institute of America