Elaine Hall

Autism Light #328 is Elaine Hall.

Elaine Hall (AKA 'Coach E') is a former Hollywood acting coach and the Founder and President of The Miracle Project, a creative arts project for autism students in Los Angeles, California. Elaine Hall's son Neal Katz, who she adopted from an orphanage in Russia, is an adult now who has autism. Elaine Hall is an Autism Light because of how her vision and passion for The Miracle Project has taken positive action to shine a light for autism. Elaine's work is an inspiration to the entire autism community, but especially within the Jewish community.

The New York Times has called Elaine Hall the 'Child Whisperer' for her amazing gift as an acting coach. The Golden Hat Foundation website says this about Elaine Hall.

She has been the subject of articles in The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Jerusalem Post, among many others and has appeared on CNN, CBS News, Oprah Radio and NPR. Elaine has coached children on numerous TV shows and films which include Honey I Blew Up the Kids, The Flintstones, and Akeelah and the Bee (The Golden Hat Foundation Biography for Elaine Hall).

 

Autism Mother: Elaine Hall is first and foremost an Autism Mother who is dedicated to her son Neal Katz, who was adopted from Russia, all the while maintaining an ambitious work that helps other families. The following is an interview Elaine Hall did with Autism Live about her life with her son Neal and her use of the dramatic arts to join his world.


Elaine Hall on Labels: Elaine Hall uses the following illustration to break down the stigma of the high functioning/low functioning labels often used in autism. She says,

I don't believe in the labels 'high functioning/low functioning.'  We are all high functioning in things we enjoy and excel in - and low functioning in areas that we are challenged with.  If you put my son Neal in a noisy classroom with 30 children each clamoring  for the teacher's attention, Neal may put his hands over his ears, run around in circles and appear 'low functioning.' If you place him in the Santa Monica Mountains, he will lead those very same 30 children and the teacher on a long arduous hike with twists and turns that only he can navigate.  High functioning. Same with me! It's easier for me to write a script than to figure out how to copy, collate and where to file it.  I prefer to say, "needing different supports in different environments" rather than "high functioning and low functioning (Elaine Hall, Email to Autism Light, 12/27/2013).

The Miracle Project: The Miracle Project is a theater and film program for autistic children and their siblings and friends that Elaine Hall founded in 2004. The Miracle Project is best understood as a,

Multiplatform socialization program that enables children and teens with autism and other special needs to express themselves through music, dance, acting, story, and writing. ALL children of ALL abilities grow in skill and in spirit while creating and performing in original musicals (The Miracle Project Website).

You can read more about The Miracle Project on their website or their Wikipedia page. Here is the trailer to The Miracle Project.

The Miracle Project Judaica: Elaine Hall has been a wonderful advocate for autism within the Jewish community and she also founded The Miracle Project Judaica in 2011 to offer an inclusive Jewish based theater group for special needs children, including those with autism. The Miracle Project Judaica offers resources for education in the Jewish community, including instructions for a multi-sensory, individualized Bar/Bat Mitzvah for those with special needs.

The Miracle Project Judaica was selected by the prestigious Slingshot Fund naming The Miracle Project Judaica as one of the top 18 Jewish organizations in North America fostering inclusion (Slingshotfund: Disabilities & Inclusion Supplement, 2013/2014).  Here is Elaine Hall explaining about how The Miracle Project Judaica is enriching the Jewish autism community.

 

 

Autism: The Musical: The HBO Documentary on the Miracle Project was called Autism: the Musical. Premiering in 2007, Autism: The Musical was written by Tricia Regan and won two Emmy awards. More information on the film is at their website at www.autismthemusical.com or on the Wikipedia Page for Autism: The Musical. You can watch a video of Autism: The Musical on YouTube.

Author: Elaine Hall is the author of the book Now I See the Moon: A Mother, A Son, and the Miracle of Autism, which is her memoir and was published in 2010. You can purchase her book from the publisher HarperCollins Publishers. Now I See the Moon received praise from two other Autism Lights.

• Dr. Temple Grandin, Autism Light #38, said, "Now I See the Moon provides insightful ways to teach and work with individuals with autism and severe disabilities. It will give parents great hope (HarperCollins Publishers book review)."
• Dr. Stanley Greenspan, Autism Light #189, said, "This magnificent work vividly demonstrates the joy and hope of discovering the creative and emotional capacities which exist in all children, but especially in those children with autism and other special needs (HarperCollins Publishers book review)."

Elaine Hall is also the co-author along with Diane Isaacs of Seven Keys to Unlock Autism: Making Miracles in the Classroom, written in 2012. This book offers help in how to make meaningful connections with children with autism.

Blogger: You can read articles written by Elaine Hall at the following links.

• Elaine Hall on Huffington Post
• Elaine Hall at the Golden Hat Foundation Website
• Elaine Hall writes for the LA Parent e-newsletter. Her recent articles include:
• 7 Keys for a Successful Holiday Gathering With Special Needs
• 7 Keys to Easing Transition Anxiety

Website: If you want to learn more about Elaine Hall's ongoing work you can check out her website called Coach E on Autism.

Elaine Hall on Empathy: Elaine Hall believes individuals with autism have empathy and she explains what she means in this way,

Some people say that individuals with autism lack in empathy and emotion.  I find the exact opposite to be true.  My friends, students, colleagues with autism are some of the most sensitive people I have ever had the privilege to know.  They may show their affection in different ways than neurotypicals do i.e. my son might smell someone he favors, or will touch someone's shoulder to show he cares.  But the sensitivity is there (Elaine Hall, Email to Autism Light, 12/27/2013).

Social Media: You can follow Elaine Hall on the following social media.

• Twitter for Elaine Hall @CoachE
• Facebook for Elaine Hall
• Google+ for Elaine Hall
• YouTube Channel of Coach Elaine Hall

Speaker: Elaine Hall is available for speaking on autism to groups. For more information you can find contact information for her on her website. She is also is involved in speaker's bureau's including:

• Elaine Hall on HarperCollins Speakers Bureau
• Elaine Hall on American Speaker Bureau

World Autism Day-2013: Elaine Hall spoke at the United Nations for World Autism Day in 2013. A clip of her speech is available in a news story at the Vista Del Mar website.

Special thanks to Elaine Hall for being an Autism Light. Her leadership in The Miracle Project and as a writer, autism mother, and autism advocate is an inspiration to the autism community. Elaine's special projects for the Jewish community serve as an inspiration to those within that community who have autism or special needs.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

The photo in this post is used with permission of Elaine Hall.

Bryan Jepson

Autism Light #277 is Dr. Bryan Jepson.

Dr. Bryan L. Jepson, M.D. is a physician, researcher, author, and internationally known speaker. Dr Bryan Jepson resides in the Austin, Texas area. Trained as a board certified Emergency Physician, the passion and focus of his career turned significantly toward understanding the biomedical treatments for autism after his second son Aaron was diagnosed with autism in 2001. Dr. Bryan Jepson is an Autism Light for being an autism father and for the way in which his work over the years has helped those dealing with autism.

Family:  Dr. Bryan Jepson is married to Laurie Jepson. The couple has four children. Their second child Aaron has autism. In 2008 they adopted an older 7 year old boy named Austin from the foster care system who has autism (Source).

Education: Dr. Bryan Jepson graduated from the University of Utah Medical School in 1995. He completed his emergency medicine residency in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1998.

Experience: Dr. Bryan Jepson has experience as an emergency physician and medical director and has been integral in helping start clinics in Utah and Texas.

• In 2002, Dr. Bryan Jepson and his wife Laurie founded the Children's Biomedical Center of Utah. 
• Dr. Bryan Jepson worked full-time as as an emergency physician until 2006.
• In 2006, Dr. Bryan Jepson helped start The Thoughtful House Center for Children (now known as the Johnson Center for Child Health and Development) in Austin, Texas. He was a medical director, researcher and treated patients when he was a member of the team there from 2006 till about 2011. 
• He returned to being an emergency physician after he concluded his time at the Johnson Center for Child Health and Development.
• Dr. Bryan Jepson is currently serving as the medical director of Integrative Sports and Wellness Medical Center in Austin, Texas.

The following is a video of Dr. Bryan Jepson briefly sharing his background.



Changing the Course of Autism: Dr. Bryan Jepson authored the book Changing the Course of Autism: A Scientific Approach for Parents and Professionals, which was published in 2007. Medical Veritas 4 (2007) reviewed the book and said, "The book reviews the history of autism through its evolution from a purely psychiatric disease model to the current cutting edge biomedical understandings and treatment approaches. Emerging science is cited as to the epigenetic phenomena causing this increasingly prevalent disorder. The text acts as a roadmap for healthcare professionals and parents attempting to understand the intertwined gastrointenstinal, immunological, and neurological issues that are shrouded by an underlying corruption of detoxification systems in these children (Source)." The forward to the book was written by Katie Wright, daughter of the founders of Autism Speaks.

Here is a video of Dr. Jepson discussing his book Changing the Course of Autism.

   

Autism Organizations: Dr. Bryan Jepson is a member of the Treatment Advisory Board at Autism Speaks. He has also served as a "clinical advisor to Autism Research Institute and co-coordinator of their clinician training seminars (Source)."

Conference Speaker: Dr. Bryan Jepson was a frequent speaker autism related medical conferences.

• In 2006, Dr. Bryan Jepson presented  at the National Autism Association Conference. His presentation is online and was called Autism: The Evolution of a Disease.
• The Autism One Website uploaded in 2010 a full length presentation by Dr. Bryan Jepson called Treating Autism: Understanding Biomedical Treatment Options that one can listen to free of charge.

Hobbies: Exercise is one of Dr. Bryan Jepson's hobbies. "He has completed in amateur bike races, running races and triathlons for the last 10 years (Source)."

Special thanks to Dr. Bryan Jepson for the difference he has made in the lives of thousands of families with autism through his work with research into biomedical treatment options. This post will also be linked to the Autism Light Medical Page.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Deron and Amy Williams

Autism Lights #265 are Deron and Amy Williams. 

Deron and Amy Williams are Autism Parents from Brooklyn, New York. Their adopted son D.J. has autism. Deron Williams is an NBA All-Star who plays for the Brooklyn Nets Professional Basketball Team. Deron and Amy Williams are able to help autism families in their community through special projects associated with their Point of Hope Foundation. Deron and Amy Williams are Autism Lights because of their dedication to their son D.J. and their desire to shine a light to other families in their community who are struggling with autism.

The following was a video that Deron Williams did for NBA Cares about his passion for autism.


Deron and Amy Williams adopted their son D.J. from an agency in Utah, but their son D.J. was actually born in Brooklyn, New York at Maimonides Medical Center, the official hospital of the Brooklyn Nets. In part to provide stability for his son, Deron Williams recently signed a 5 year contract to play with the Brooklyn Nets.

Deron Williams said this about his son's diagnosis of autism.

It was tough because you start thinking. 'Is he going to have a normal life?' Is he ever going to get married? Is he going to be able to play sports?' It was sad, tough on us for a while. It's been awakening. And you have to learn to be a little bit more patient (Source).

Basketball Career: Deron Williams played college basketball for the University of Illinois. In 2005 he led Illinois to the NCAA Championship game where they finished runner-up. Deron Williams has played in the NBA for 7 seasons and is currently an All-Star Guard for the Brooklyn Nets. You can see his career stats at this link.

Here is a video of when Deron Williams set an NBA record for 9 three pointers in a half of a game on March 8, 2013 against the Washington Wizards.


Kia Community Assist Award: In November, 2012, Deron Williams won the Kia Community Assist Award (Source). He won the award "in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community and his ongoing philanthropic and charitable work (Source)."

Point of Hope Foundation: Deron and Amy Williams founded the Point of Hope Foundation in 2007. Their website says that,

Point of Hope creates opportunities to help raise funds that can directly impact the lives of children in need. The foundation has supported cancer research, children with autism, different scholarship funds, single mother organizations, Boys & Girls Club, and a number of different children organizations through grants and donations (Source).

Here is a video of the Point of Hope Foundation giving to the community.


On December 22, 2012, Deron and Amy Williams hosted a special holiday party at the Distilled in New York City to shine a light for single mothers of children with autism who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy (Source). The Point of Hope Foundation partnered with Autism Speaks in the holiday event. 30 families had their holiday brightened by this event and, "The families were also gifted with toys, some of which were featured on the Toys "R" Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids and the Ten Toys that Speak to Autism (Source)." Toys "R" Us was featured on this blog as Autism Light #8.

More Information: For more information on Deron and Amy Williams visit these Websites.

• Wikipedia - Deron Williams
• www.deronwilliams.com
• NY Daily News Article by Stefan Bondy

Social Media: You can follow Deron Williams on the following social media.

• Facebook Page
• Twitter @DeronWilliams

Special thanks to Deron and Amy Williams for the light they shine for Autism. We wish their family the best and look forward to hearing how the Point of Hope Foundation helps needy children, including some with autism, in the years ahead. Deron Williams' post at Autism Light will be linked on the Autism Light Sports Page, where he becomes the first NBA player listed who is also an autism father.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

The photo of Deron Williams is in the Creative Commons of Wikipedia.

Jamie Grover

Autism Light #224 is Jamie Grover.



Jamie Grover is from Orlando, Florida and serves as the Group Director for Autism on the Seas. He also is a writer and a certified assistance dog trainer. Jamie has an adopted son named Dennis who has autism. Jamie Grover is an Autism Light for the diverse ways he has contributed to the autism community. His life is a life full with autism, whether he is facilitating recreation for hero autism families or hanging out with his adopted son between cruises.

Most autism fathers would say they didn't choose autism, but autism chose them.  However, for Jamie Grover, it was a personal choice to make the lifetime commitment to be an autism father. His son, Dennis Rudd-Grover, was a teenager who had autism at the time that Jamie adopted him as his son. The two's relationship started in a Best Buddies program in Dennis' middle school and it became evident that the two were meant to be a family. Dennis also works on staff with Autism on the Seas and has the opportunity to travel with his father on cruises.

"It used to upset me when asked if I adopted my son knowing he was autistic," said Jamie Grover. "I've had some ask, "Why?" when I say, "Yes." And I've been asked why I adopted outside my race. With all the children in the world that need loving homes, special needs children often grow up in foster care homes never knowing what it's like having a family of their own. I highly recommend adopting a loving special needs child. My son, now 23 years old, is the greatest gift God could have ever bestowed upon me. I cannot imagine my life without having this remarkable young man in my life. Adopting an autistic young adult has not always been easy, but I would not hesitate for a second to do it again!"

Certified Dog Trainer:  Jamie Grover served as the West Coast Representative for the North Star Foundation, an organization which pairs children with autism and other special needs with trained service dogs. He worked with North Star Foundation for 8 years and is a certified North Star dog trainer. He has trained dogs for several autism situations, including a family with triplets who all have autism. For more information on the North Star Foundation visit their website a www.northstardogs.com/.
Autism on the Seas: Jamie Grover has served as the Group Director of Autism on the Seas since 2006. Autism on the Seas conducts 15-20 cruises per year and cruises will have programs geared specifically to meet needs of people with autism and virtually any congnitive, intellectual, or developmental impairment--of any age.  Jamie Grover is responsible for the autism program on the cruise. He arranges for staff who will work with those with autism during Autism on the Seas cruises. Staff may include special education teachers, BCBA's, occupational therapists, or students, and the ratio of staff to children is kept at 1:3 or 1:4. Note also that the cruise can accommodate individuals with autism of any age and they have had adults with autism experience this unique vacation as well.

Jamie Grover wrote this about his passion for serving families on Autism on the Seas.

I’m the father of a special needs child myself, so I understand some of the challenges that you go through. We really wanted to provide a total vacation, not only for the child on the autism spectrum or with Down syndrome or whatever the special need is, but we really wanted to provide a vacation for the moms and dads and the siblings (Source).

The following is a video about some of the activities on an Autism on the Seas cruise.

  The YouTube user The AutismDaddy wrote this about Jamie Grover on a comment to the above video.

I wish we had someone with Jamie’s heart heading our schools and teaching our school officials, he’s just that amazing of a human being. Hands down the most amazing vacation we’ve ever had! We cannot wait to cruise again with Autism on the Seas next year. I strongly recommend to anyone with a special needs child not cheat themselves out of this experience!

If you are an autism family and would like to experience a cruise with Autism on the Seas visit their website at www.autismontheseas.com for more information.

Social Media: You can follow the work of Autism on the Seas at the following social media sites.

• Autism on the Seas Facebook Page
• @Autismontheseas Twitter
• Autism on the Seas YouTube Channel

Writer: Jamie Grover worked for the University Center for Developmental Disabilities at California State University-San Bernadino for 12 years. He was the programs Project Coordinator and Editor of the centers quarterly publication "The UCCD Voice."  Jamie has written and published many articles related to the special needs of children on the autism spectrum and their families. Here are a couple of samples of his writings:

• On the High Seas. UCDD (University Center for Developmental Disabilities) Voice Publication - Summer 2008. This is a recounting of the first Autism on the Seas cruise Jamie Grover led as Group Director.
• Parent-Teacher Teamwork. Special Education Advisor, August, 2012. This is an article that gives wisdom from Jamie Grover's experience as an educator and understanding the perspective of both a parent and an educator.

Group Counselor: Jamie Grover has been a parent group counselor and has taught workshops, including positive parenting techniques, parent communication and wellness, and IEP planning & strategies.

Special thanks to Jamie Grover for the light that he brings to the autism community. Whether he's tirelessly facilitating Autism on the Seas cruises for families to receive some much needed rest and relaxation, writing about the needs of people with autism, or just hanging out with his son Dennis, Jamie Grover's life is shining to make the world a better place for those with autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo's: The photos in this post were used with permisson of Lisa Kaslyn of Autism on the Seas.