Burstein, 18, has a rare chromosomal disorder called Trisomy 9, meaning he has an extra chromosome. As a result, he has developmental delays "across the board," his mother, Billie Burstein, said. He has poor motor and cognitive skills and speaks very little.

"He really needs to have tasks broken down to very small steps," Billie Burstein said. "He`s very happy, a little stubborn, pretty easygoing, very friendly. He`s very well-liked."

Burstein`s father, Joe Burstein, is a black belt, and his older brother took tae kwon do lessons at Carrasco Tae Kwon Do on Highland Avenue, which piqued Burstein`s interest in the martial arts, wanting to emulate his heroes. Burstein is now in his fourth year of taking private tae kwon do lessons.

"It`s good for him," Billie Burstein said. "It gives him a lot of self-confidence, helps him be stronger and improves his coordination."

Mark Orlove, along with Steve Carrasco, train Burstein. Carrasco began Burstein`s training, and Orlove, who was a tae kwon do instructor at Boston University, has been working with him for about two months. While at BU, Orlove, nicknamed "Master O," trained folks with physical disabilities, including a blind woman and a deaf man. He is also a lawyer, focusing on disability rights.

"Aaron is unique and challenging," Orlove said. "But in my experience, nothing extraordinary [to handle]. My personal goal for Aaron is to keep him physically and mentally active and focused."

Orlove, who first took tae kwon do to improve his concentration for law school, tries to push Burstein as much as possible, and both he and Carrasco are firm with him when his stubborn nature starts to show, challenging Burstein with multiple movements of blocking, punching and kicking.

"He has a rather astute level of understanding and retention," Orlove said. "We take him further than he`s willing to go. But first and foremost, we let him have fun."

Burstein`s mother said her son enjoys his lessons. She feels Carrasco`s firm yet nice approach is perfect for her son.

Burstein is entering his senior year at Needham High School, where he is in the special education program. After high school, Burstein will get some post-graduate education until he is 22. The goal is for him to have a job, something meaningful. He`s been doing vocational training through the high school and worked at the Needham Public Library last year, doing some dusting and cleaning tables.

"It was a good experience for him," Billie Burstein said. "It incorporated as much learning as they can in the job. He had to interact with people at the library, ask for cleaning supplies and do physical work."

Orlove believes tae kwon do can also prepare Burstein for life after school.

"Tae kwon do is not about kicking and punching anymore," Orlove said. "It builds self-esteem, respect. It turns [people] into responsible adults. It pushes Aaron to his capabilities and maybe beyond what he thinks he`s capable of."

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