Chase Faulingham

Autism Light #384 is Chase Faulingham.

Chase Faulingham is a 5 year old boy with autism from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in Canada. Chase Faulingham is an Autism Light because he heard someone outside in distress and his alertness helped rescue the man.

On Thursday, March 19, 2015, Chase Faulingham was outside walking with his grandfather Thomas Murray. Chase heard a soft cry for Help coming from behind a snowbank. His alertness to the cry for help led to the rescue of the man who had fallen behind a snowbank and was injured (CTV News, March 22, 2015).

Last year Chase could barely speak, but he has had tremendous progress this last year that brought him to the capacity to listen to unusual sounds outside such as a cry for Help. Here is a video of a news story on Chase Faulingham being a hero for this unidentified injured person.

Chase's mother Jamie Mackinnon said, "People when they see a special needs child tend to put limits on him but it just goes to show he's a healthy little 5 year old boy (CTV News, March 22, 2015)."

Special thanks to Chase Faulingham for being an Autism Light. His heroic listening skills that helped rescue a man in distress is an example of the valuable things individuals with autism can do. We wish Chase all the best as he continues to grow and make a difference in the world.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Jason Allison

Autism Light #383 is Jason Allison. 

Jason Allison is the assistant coach for the men's basketball team at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. He was born on July 23, 1976.  Jason is married to Hope (McLaughlin) Allison. Jason Allison is an autism father. His 8 year old soon Riley and 6 year old son Ryder both have autism. Jason Allison is an Autism Light for his advocacy for autism as an assistant basketball coach.

Jason Allison earned his B.A. in Physical Education from Liberty University in 1999. He played basketball at Liberty University from 1995-1998. Jason Allison was hired by Appalachian State University to be the Assistant Coach in 2014. He served from 2005-2014 as the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Virginia Military Institute. You can read the complete details about Jason Allison's experience at the Appalachian State Athletics Website.

Here is a video about the journey of Jason Allison's family in the world of autism that was used by the Appalachian State Men's Basketball program to promote their Autism Awareness Game against Troy on February 7, 2015.



Top Fundraiser in Coaches Powering Forward for Autism: Coaches Powering Forward for Autism partners with Autism Speaks and funds raised benefit the work of Autism Speaks. Appalachian State University participated in the campaign in their game against Troy on February 7, 2015. Thanks in part to Jason and Hope Allison's passion for autism, Jason's head coach Jim Fox was the top fundraiser on the Coaches Powering Forward for Autism campaign for 2015. As of March 28, 2015, Jason Allison had raised $2,457 of the $3,799 raised for autism on behalf of the Appalachian State University Basketball Team.

Jason Allison described part of the autism awareness that arises from the Coaches Powering Forward for Autism campaign that doesn't involve the fundraising. "We wear pins on our suits and it catches people's attention. It's something the rest of America has the opportunity to look at, ask questions, research and learn about. It is one of the better ways that we can draw attention to this on going process (As Quoted by Kayla May, The Appalachian, February 10, 2015)."

Building Autism Awareness for College Students:  Jason Allison said, "[Autism affects] one in 68 children now and the number is increasing. The student body will come in contact with autism at some point in their life, whether it's a family member or their own children. If it's something they can learn about now they can be aware of it. It won't hit them blind like it did me and my wife (As Quoted by Kayla May, The Appalachian, February 10, 2015)."

Social Media:  You can follow Jason Allison on Twitter@JAllison10.

'Autism Awareness in College Hoops' is this weekend. Thx to @CoachPatSkerry for bringing attention to it. My boys! pic.twitter.com/HMl47NpjYU — Jason Allison (@JAllison10) January 31, 2014

Special thanks to Jason Allison for being an Autism Light. His dedication as a father of two boys with autism is an example to other fathers. The way in which he uses his position as an assistant coach to raise autism awareness is a light for the autism community. We wish Jason Allison continued success as an autism father and coach.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Joe McKeown

Autism Light #382 is Joe McKeown.

Joe McKeown is the coach of the women's basketball team at Northwestern University near Chicago, Illinois. He was born on May 12, 1956. Joe McKeown is also an Autism Father. His 20 year old son Joey has autism. Joe McKeown is an Autism Light in part for how he uses his position as the coach of a Division I NCAA basketball program to spread autism awareness. But ultimately Joe is an Autism Light because of his dedication to place his role as an autism father above his coaching career.

Joe McKeown has been a women's basketball coach since 1986. In June, 2008, Joe McKeown unexpectedly left his highly successful position as the women's basketball coach at George Washington University to take over as the coach for a struggling Northwestern program. His move was not to advance his career, but it was for his son Joey to have better educational opportunities available him in the Chicagoland area.

Those closest to McKeown knew his decision to take over Northwestern's long-struggling program had nothing to do with basketball. McKeown was leaving because his high school-bound son, Joey, had been diagnosed with autism and educational resources were lacking in Northern Virginia (The Washington Post, Gene Wang, February 28, 2015).

Being a coach in a rebuilding program is a challenge. After several average years at Northwestern, coach Joe McKeown had a breakthrough year in the 2014-2015 season where his team won 23 games and they were selected for a birth in the Women's NCAA Tournament, losing in the first round to Arkansas. During this season he passed 600 wins in his coaching career. Here is a video congratulating Joe McKeown on the milestone of 600 wins.

Autism Awareness:  In 2008, Joe McKeown brought a case to Congress to battle for autism awareness. Although he lost that fight with the government he was determined after that to do what he could to raise awareness as a coach (Northwestern Wears Blue for Autism, Chicago Talks, May 12, 2014).  Kaitlyn Cubacub wrote about the autism awareness legacy that Coach Joe McKeown brought with him to Northwestern in 2008,

This was wear Northwestern sports made their turnaround. The women's basketball team changed their game plan, it wasn't so much about winning anymore, it was deeper than a victory. Their mission now was to create autism awareness at every game they could. Whether it be wearing autism awareness pins or holding fundraisers throughout the season, the team made sure that every opportunity didn't go untouched (Kaitlyn Cubacub, Northwestern Wears Blue for Autism, Chicago Talks, May 12, 2014)

Under Coach Joe McKeown's leadership, the Northwestern University Women's Basketball Team has an annual Autism Awareness Game. During this home game the Northwestern fans are encouraged to wear blue for autism awareness. They also open the event to autism families in the Chicagoland to enjoy a special day with their kids in a wonderful atmosphere. In addition, the team participates with other Northwestern athletes in an annual walk for autism at Chicago's Soldier Field.

Playing Career: The Northwestern Sports website says that,

As a player, McKeown earned Junior College National Small Player of the Year honors at Mercer College in Trenton, N.J. He helped the team to a 33-1 record and a spot in the NJCAA Championship game. McKeown transferred to Kent State the following season, where was the co-captain of the Golden Flashes as a senior and earned honorable mention All-Mid-American Conference honors. His school-record 15 assists in a game still stands (Northwestern Sports, Joe McKeown Bio).

.@jasondorow writes that Joe McKeown has #Northwestern ready to compete on the big stage: http://t.co/mV65MELyov pic.twitter.com/Li2eZbtUKa
— Inside NU (@insidenu) March 3, 2015

On Dealing With Schools:  Joe McKeown said this about the difficulty faced by autism parents in educating their special needs children.

We've all fought over the years just trying to create awareness and trying to get the kids better opportunities and schools and not be pushed to the side. That's still our biggest fight. The principals and education systems. Every school you talk to is broke. Every state in the country is broke. The laws are there. It's just being able to enforce the laws and make sure these kids get the money that's supposed to be allocated (Joe McKeown as Quoted by Neil Hayes, November 23, 2012).

Other Information: You can read more about Joe McKeown and his work with autism in these online news stories:

• At Northwestern, Joe McKeown Balances Family and Winning (Washington Post, February 28, 2015)
• Northwestern Wears Blue for Autism (Chicago Talks, May 12, 2014)
• Women's Basketball to Host Autism Awareness Game (Inside Northwestern Sports, November 23, 2012)
• Coach, Family Find Right Fit at NU (ESPN.com, February 2, 2011)

Wikipedia: The Wikipedia Page for Joe McKeown has more information on his life and coaching career statistics.

Special thanks to Joe McKeown for spreading autism awareness.  As a legendary coach of a top team in the nation he has a remarkable opportunity to raise autism awareness. His dedication as an autism father is an example to others who have children with autism. We wish Joe McKeown continued success as an autism father and coach.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Tom Herrion

Autism Light #381 is Tom Herrion.

Tom Herrion is the Assistant Coach of the men's basketball team at Georgia Tech. He was born on November 13, 1967. Tom Herrion is also an Autism Father. His 9 year old son Robert has autism. Tom Herrion is an Autism Light for his willingness to use his role as an autism father and an assistant coach of a Division I NCAA basketball program to spread autism awareness.

Basketball Career: Tom Herrion played basketball in college for Merrimack College from 1985-1986. Tom Herrion was hired by Georgia Tech Coach Brian Gregory to be his assistant coach on September 18, 2014. He has 147 career wins as a head coach at College of Charleston and Marshall University. Follow the future success of his team at the Georgia Tech Men's Basketball Page.

Coaches Powering Forward for Autism: Tom Herrion and Pat Skerry started the Coaches Powering Forward for Autism campaign in 2014. Both coach Herrion and Skerry have sons with autism. In 2014 they presented their fellow coaches across the NCAA with the request to wear the Autism Speaks blue puzzle piece during televised games the first weekend of February. In its first year (2014), "More than 82 NCAA coaches and broadcasters took to the sidelines and airwaves throughout the weekend wearing the pin (Autism Speaks Press Release, January 15, 2015)."

Coaches Powering Forward for Autism partners with Autism Speaks and funds raised benefit the work of Autism Speaks. The campaign was in place in 2015 for the televised games on the weekend of February 6-8, 2015. The Coaches Powering Forward for Autism fundraising page lists the coaching leaders in this autism awareness campaign in 2015. The top 3 coaches in 2015 in fundraising for autism as of March 23, 2015 are:

1. Coach Jim Fox, Appalachian State University
2. Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Duke University
3. Coach Mike Brey, Notre Dame University

Both Duke and Notre Dame have teams that are experiencing success on the court in the 2015 NCAA Final Four Tournament as well.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said, "There's so many good things that have happened for these youngsters, and so to help in some way is an easy thing to do. And Tom's a great guy, and so we'll participate in that, definitely, and feel proud and honored to do it  (Atlanta Constitution, February 5, 2015).

Liz Feld, president of Autism Speaks said, "Pat (Skerry) and Tom (Herrion) are advocates in every sense of the word. Last year's campaign was a true grassroots effort, and it continues to grow under the Coaches Powering Forward for Autism banner with far more coaches and broadcasters engaged. In addition, Pat and Tom have become great ambassadors for Autism Speaks attending events across the country that demonstrate the importance of participation and volunteerism (Autism Speaks Press Release, January 15, 2015)."

Here is a video of Tom Herrion giving a speech at an Autism Speaks event.

Other Information: You can read more about Tom Herrion and his work with autism in these online news stories:

• Georgia Tech Assistant Coach Driving Autism Awareness (Atlanta Constitution, February 5, 2015)
• GT Assistant Coach Tom Herrion's Belief Helped Create this Weekend's Coaches Powering Forward for Autism (Georgia Tech Sports, February 6, 2015)
• Coach with Son on the Spectrum Raising Autism Awareness (Autism Speaks, February 6, 2015)

Wikipedia: The Wikipedia Page for Tom Herrion has more information on his life and coaching career statistics.

Social Media: You can follow Tom Herrion on Twitter at @CoachTomHerrion.

Special thanks to Tom Herrion for spreading autism awareness. His leadership in Coaches Powering Forward for Autism has indeed had an impact around the United States. We wish Tom Herrion all the best in the future as an autism father, coach, and autism advocate.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Pat Skerry

Autism Light #380 is Pat Skerry.

Pat Skerry is the head coach of the men's basketball team at Towson University in Maryland. He was born on January 21, 1970. Pat Skerry is also an Autism Father. His 5 year old son Owen has autism. Pat Skerry is an Autism Light for his willingness to use his role as an autism father and coach of a Division I NCAA basketball program to spread autism awareness.

Basketball Career: Pat Skerry played college basketball at Tufts University from 1988-1992 and set the career record for assists (634) and the season record (198) at Tufts. Pat Skerry has served as the coach of Towson University Tigers' men's basketball team since the 2011-2012 season. He has 80 career wins as a head coach, including two years coaching at Curry College. Follow the future success of his team at the Towson Athletic Website.

Coaches Powering Forward for Autism: Pat Skerry and Tom Herrion started the Coaches Powering Forward for Autism campaign in 2014. Both coach Skerry and Herrion have sons with autism. In 2014 they presented their fellow coaches across the NCAA with the request to wear the Autism Speaks blue puzzle piece during televised games the first weekend of February. In its first year (2014), "More than 82 NCAA coaches and broadcasters took to the sidelines and airwaves throughout the weekend wearing the pin (Autism Speaks Press Release, January 15, 2015)."

Coaches Powering Forward for Autism partners with Autism Speaks and funds raised benefit the work of Autism Speaks. The campaign was in place in 2015 for the televised games on the weekend of February 6-8, 2015. The Coaches Powering Forward for Autism fundraising page lists the coaching leaders in this autism awareness campaign in 2015. The top 3 coaches in 2015 in fundraising for autism as of March 22, 2015 are:

1. Coach Jim Fox, Appalachian State University
2. Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Duke University
3. Coach Mike Brey, Notre Dame University

Both Duke and Notre Dame have teams that are experiencing success on the court in the 2015 NCAA Final Four Tournament as well.

Liz Feld, president of Autism Speaks said, "Pat (Skerry) and Tom (Herrion) are advocates in every sense of the word. Last year's campaign was a true grassroots effort, and it continues to grow under the Coaches Powering Forward for Autism banner with far more coaches and broadcasters engaged. In addition, Pat and Tom have become great ambassadors for Autism Speaks attending events across the country that demonstrate the importance of participation and volunteerism (Autism Speaks Press Release, January 15, 2015)."

The following is a news story on Pat Skerry's work with autism awareness at Towson University.

Other Information: You can read more about Pat Skerry and his work with autism in these online news stories:

• NCAA Basketball Coaches and Fans Team Up for Autism, January 15, 2015
• Towson University Coach Puts Spotlight on Autism, WBALTV.com, February 3, 2015
• Coach Shares Why He Wants to Spread Autism Awareness, February 4, 2015
• Towson Coach Pat Skerry Speaks About Autism, Baltimore Sun, February 6, 2015 (Video)

Wikipedia: The Wikipedia Page for Pat Skerry has more information on his life and coaching career statistics.

Social Media: You can follow Pat Skerry on Twitter at @CoachPatSkerry.

Hats off to #JMUDukes on a thrilling win and many thanks to all who came out to support #AutismAwareness @Towson_MBB
— Pat Skerry (@CoachPatSkerry) February 7, 2015

Special thanks to Pat Skerry for spreading autism awareness. His leadership in Coaches Powering Forward for Autism has indeed had an impact around the United States. We wish Pat Skerry all the best in the future as an autism father, coach, and autism advocate.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Stan Lee

In Memoriam
Updated on November 12, 2018

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Stan Lee (Autism Light #379) passed away on November 12, 2018, at the age of 95.  The New York Times published Stan Lee's Obituary. Stan Lee's name will be placed on the Autism Light Memorial Roll today.

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Autism Light #379 is Stan Lee.

Stan Lee

Stan Lee lives in Hollywood, California and is an American comic book writer, editor, publisher, actor, and former president of Marvel Comics. Stan Lee co-created many of the famous comic book characters such as Spider-Man, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Thor, and the X-Men. He was born on December 28, 1922. Stan Lee is an Autism Light because he drew Spider-Man for a birthday present for an 8 year old fan with autism named Jamel Hunter.

In November, 2014, a disabled mother named Phyllis Atwood put on a special birthday party for her 8 year old son Jamel Hunter in East Harlem, New York. Jamel loves Spider-Man so his mother gave him a Spider-Man themed party (New York Times, December 24, 2014).

Jazz musician Corky Hale, who is a neighbor of Stan Lee, heard about the love Jamel Hunter has for Spider-Man. She asked Lee to do a drawing of Spider-Man for Jamel.  Lee agreed and the sketch was signed and sent to New York Times writer Michael Wilson to personally deliver to Jamel Hunter. The account of that heartwarming gift being presented was featured in an article Michael Wilson wrote on February 20, 2015 in the New York Times.

Stan Lee told the New York Times that he wrote the Spider-Man comics, but did not draw the characters. "This was a unique experience. I'm not known as an artist, which is lucky for the world (CBS News, February 24, 2015)."

Here is a Wochit news video on Stan Lee drawing spider man for Jamel Hunter.



Wikipedia: The Wikipedia Page for Stan Lee has more information on his life.

Social Media: You can follow Stan Lee (AKA The Real Stan Lee) on the following social media areas.

• Facebook Page for Stan Lee
• Twitter @TheRealStanLee

Special thanks to Stan Lee for the personal attention he gave to make a special present for a boy with autism. This act of kindness is an example to others of how it is possible to make dreams come true for people with autism when one truly cares. 

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

Photo: The photo of Stan Lee is from the Wikipedia Commons and was taken by Edward Liu.

Joey Travolta

Autism Light #378 is Joey Travolta.

Joey Travolta is a 64 year old actor, singer, producer, director and screenwriter from California. He was born on October 14, 1950, in Englewood, New Jersey.  Joey Travolta is the founder of Inclusion Films and he has conducted camps for 15 years to give children with autism opportunities to create films. Joey Travolta is an Autism Light for spreading autism awareness and providing camps where people with autism can cultivate their talents in the film industry.

Education: Joey Travolta graduated with a degree in special education from what is now William Paterson University in New Jersey.  Joey Travolta has worked as a special education teacher in New Jersey.

Inclusion Films: Joey Travolta is the Founder and Creative Director for Inclusion Films. Inclusion Films currently has locations in Burbank, Bakersfield, Livermore, and Sacramento, California as their workshops "seek to promote the creative skills and strong work ethic of film makers with developmental disabilities, ultimately allowing them to become more independent, self confident, and well-rounded individuals (Inclusion Films Website)." The following is a video of Joey Travolta explaining the employment opportunities that have come from alumni of Inclusion Films short film camps.

Inclusion Films camps have recently been held at locations in St. Mary's College in California, Pittsburgh, New Jersey, and at Oakland University in Michigan. The following is a video of the project at Oakland University that partners with The Futures Foundation.

Family: Joey Travolta is married to Wendy Shawn and they have a daughter named Rachel. Joey Travolta is also an autism uncle. His younger brother John Travolta had a son named Jett who according to his mother Kelly Preston had autism (Huffington Post, November 20, 2012). Jett Travolta passed away in 2009 and the public revelation of his autism was announced posthumously.

Actor/Producer: To read about the dozens of film credits that Joey Travolta has been involved in over the years visit the Joey Travolta IMDb page.

Other Resources: 

• Autism Live Interview: Joey Travolta Interview done by Autism Live.
• Wikipedia: Joey Travolta Wikipedia page.

Social Media: If you want to follow Joey Travolta's work at Inclusion Films visit the following social media pages.

• Facebook Page for Inclusion Films
• Twitter @Inclusion_Films (Tweets are Protected)
• Twitter @InclusionFilms (Inclusion Films Bakersfield)
• YouTube Channel for Inclusion Films

Special thanks to Joey Travolta for the work he has done to give individuals with autism an opportunity to develop in the film and production world. Joey Travolta's work is benefiting both the individuals with autism and the short film industry. The autism community is blessed to have Joey Travolta and Inclusion Films in their corner.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.