Kim Stagliano

Autism Light #396 is Kim Stagliano.
Happy Mother's Day!

Kim Stagliano is an Autism Mother from Fairfield City, Connecticut. Kim and her husband Mark have three daughters, Mia (age 20), Gianna (age 18), and Bella (age 14), who all have autism. Kim Stagliano is an Autism Light for her dedication as an autism mother, advocate, writer, and for being the managing editor of the popular Age of Autism Website.

Kim Stagliano with daughters Mia, Gianna, and Bella

Kim Stagliano graduated from Boston College in 1985, the same year that Autism Light #86  Doug Flutie graduated from Boston College. According to her Twitter Account @KimStagliano, Kim is a Howard Stern fan, muscle car lover, does Shito-Ryu Karate, and is a Matayoshi Weapons student.

The following is a video where Kim Stagliano talks about her three daughters.

Age of Autism: Kim Stagliano started her role as the Managing Editor of Age of Autism, which is the first Daily Web Newspaper of the Autism Epidemic, in 2007. As Managing Editor, Kim Stagliano is responsible for all daily content, technical work advertising, organization, layout and leads a team that helps with comment moderation.

The following is a video featuring Kim Stagliano that celebrates the 10th Anniversary of Generation Rescue and the work of its founder JB Handley.

Kim has extensive writing experience at online websites that include: Age of Autism , Huffington Post , Debutante Ball, Dallas Morning News Moms Blog , and The Autism File. Kim also speaks at national autism conferences and has appeared on Good Morning America (with the kids!), ABC News, Fox News, The Chicago Tribune, The National Catholic Register, and on blogs around the world (Bio on KimStagliano.com).

Several of her blog posts have gained national attention, including a recent one she did for the Washington Post called "My Three Daughters are Autistic. I Despise Autism Awareness Month". In this article, Kim says:

I dread April, which has been designated as Autism Awareness Month. As mom to three young women with autism – ages 20, 18 and 14 – I eat, sleep and live autism every day. My youngest daughter, Bella, can’t speak a word and was abused on a school bus, leading to a criminal case. My oldest, Mia, had hundreds of grand mal seizures a year from ages 6 to 10. My middle child is wracked with anxiety. For all three, I have to cut their food, tend to their monthly feminine needs, and bathe them. They will need that daily living assistance forever; when I die, a stranger will have to do those things for them. That is why I bristle at the festive tone of April, the suggestion that the circumstances of my daughters’ existences are to be celebrated. For me, this should be a month of solemn acknowledgement and education about a global crisis (Orange You Glad It's April).

Author: Kim Stagliano is the other of the following three books.

• ALL I CAN HANDLE:  In November, 2010, Kim Stagliano's first autism book ALL I CAN HANDLE: I'm No Mother Theresa (A Life Raising Three Daughters with Autism) was published. More information on ALL I CAN HANDLE is available on her website. Her first autism book is filled with humor and Jenny McCarthy wrote the introduction. 
• House of Cards: In January, 2012, Kim Stagliano's book House of Cards was published. More information on House of Cards is available on her website. 
• 101 Tips for the Parents of Girls with Autism: In April, 2014, the most recent book that Kim Stagliano co-wrote along with Tony Lyons was published called 101 Tips for Parents of Girls with Autism.

Faith:  A look at Kim Stagliano's past experience with special education catechism classes in the Catholic Church can be found in the article by Joseph Pronechen called Special Needs, Sanctifying Deeds - Catechizing the Developmentally Disabled that appeared in the National Catholic Register on October 16, 2009.

Advice to Mothers: Kim Stagliano shared this word of encouragement with Autism Light for autism mothers on Mother's Day, "You are NOT alone - we are a close family even when we differ on cause. Autism Moms will always reach out to help one another because we understand the 'walk'."

Treatment Ideas: Autism Light asked Kim Stagliano what treatments for autism may have helped her family over the years and she said that the most important thing is diet. Kim has her daughters on a gluten free diet. Also, she suggests speech that has an OT and sensory component as having the potential to be helpful.

Passions: Kim Stagliano shared with Autism Light her three most important passions about autism advocacy. They are as follows:

1. Safety for all - no matter how old.
2. Prevention - we can't continue at this rate.
3. Treatment to help with aggression, seizures and other aspects of autism that alienate and are life threatening. 

Social Media: You can follow Kim Stagliano and her work as an author and editor on the following pages.

• Facebook Page for All I Can Handle I'm No Mother Theresa
• Facebook Page for Age of Autism
• Twitter for Age of Autism @AgeofAutism
• Twitter for Kim Stagliano @KimStagliano

Special thanks to Kim Stagliano for being an Autism Light. Kim is representative of the dedicated autism mothers who we salute on this Mother's Day 2015. She is also part of a smaller group of autism mothers who have multiple children on the autism spectrum. We wish Kim Stagliano all the best in her role as an autism mother, advocate, and writer. We expect to continue to hear good things in the future about the difference she is making and the light she shines for autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photos: Photos in this post are used with permission of Kim Stagliano.

Ethan Walmark

Autism Light #309 is Ethan Walmark. 

Ethan Walmark is an 8 year old boy from Westport, Connecticut, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2. His parents call him their "perfectly imperfect son". Ethan has gained national attention for the amazing talent he has at playing the piano. Ethan Walmark is an Autism Light for his demonstration of the extraordinary musical talent that springs forth from someone with autism, and for how that gift is blessing others.

Thousands from both in and outside the autism community were introduced to Ethan Walmark when a video made of him playing Billy Joel's Piano Man went viral on April 25, 2012. Here is an Autism Speaks video of Ethan Walmark performing that same piece at an Autism Speaks to Wall Street: 6th Annual Celebrity Chef Gala in New York City on October 9, 2012.


 
Praise from Billy Joel: Billy Joel has commented on Ethan Walmark's talented use of his music saying, "I think I like his intro to 'Piano Man' better than mine. And this kid plays with a lot more energy than me. Maybe he could teach me a few things  (Read the Billy Joel Quote in the Washington Post)."

Meeting John Mayer: Ethan Walmark was able to meet his idol John Mayer recently. Ethan's mother, Allison Walmark, wrote an article about Ethan meeting John Mayer on an Autism Speaks blog (Read Allison Walmark's Article on John Mayer Meeting Ethan Walmark). The following is the YouTube video prepared when Ethan was inviting John Mayer to meet with him.


NBC's Today Show:  On May 2, 2012, Ethan Walmark was featured on NBC's Today Show. You can learn about that appearance at in an article about Ethan Walmark on the Today Show at the Autism Speaks Website.

Light It Up Blue 2013: Ethan Walmark joined Autism Ambassador Yoko Ono on April 2, 2013, to turn the switch to light up the Empire State Building to start Autism Awareness Month in 2013 (Read More about Light It Up Blue at the She Knows Website).

Fundraisers: Ethan has been scheduled to play at at a variety of fundraisers across the country. On August 8, 2013, he peformed at the Cabinets Furniture & More's fundraiser in Hershey, Pennsylvania benefiting Autism Speaks (Read More at an Article on Ethan Walmark at the Penn Live Website).

Social Media: You can follow Ethan Walmark on the following social media areas:

• Ethan's Mother Allison Walmark's You Tube Channel. His mother's YouTube Channel has other videos of his music.
• Ethan Walmark's Facebook Page

Special thanks to Ethan Walmark for being an Autism Light. Ethan's musical talent is a blessing for the autism community. We wish Ethan Walmark continued success as he develops as a musician. For other individuals with autism who display musical talent visit the Autism Light Music Page.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Dylan Hockley and Anne Marie Murphy

Autism Lights #247 are Dylan Hockley and Anne Marie Murphy. 

Autism Light is honoring Dylan Hockley and Anne Marie Murphy in the same post because of the special relationship they had in life and in death. Dylan Hockley has autism and he kept a picture on his refrigerator of Anne Marie Murphy who was his special education teacher's aide at Sandy Brook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Both died in the shooting that occurred at the school on December 14, 2012.  When they were found Anne Marie Murphy was cradling Dylan in her arms to protect him.

Dylan Hockley's family had moved to the United States from the United Kingdom two years ago. Here is a video statement that the family of Dylan Hockley released.



Dylan's mother asked him "at one time why he flapped his arms when he got excited. She hadn't expected an answer because Dylan has a form of autism that left him with undeveloped language skills. 'Because I am a beautiful butterfly,' he said (Source)."
A Memorial Service was held for Dylan Hockley, age 6, on December 21, 2012 at Walnut Hill Community Church.  Jennifer Swift of the New Haven Register wrote an article on the Celebration of Life for Dylan Hockley. Dylan Hockley is survived by his parents Ian and Nicole Hockley and his older brother Jake. 
Dylan Hockley Memorials: A social media Memorial Page has been set up to remember Dylan Hockley on Facebook.  
The family created the Dylan Hockley Memorial Fund to honor Dylan. Donations to the fund will be used to benefit children with autism and other special needs. Donations to the fund can be made by check to "Dylan Hockley Memorial Fund," and sent to 34 Charter Ridge Drive, Sandy Hook, CT 06482 (Source).  You can also donate to the Dylan Hockley Memorial Fund online at this link. 

Here is a brief video about Anne Marie Murphy honoring her as a hero.

A Memorial Service for Anne Marie Murphy, age 52, was held on December 20, 2012 at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Katonah, New York (Source). Cardinal Timothy Dolan said at her funeral: "Like Jesus, Annie laid down her life for her friends. Like Jesus, Annie's life and death brings light, truth, goodness and love to a world often shrouded in darkness, evil, selfishness and death (Source)."  

On her Autism Speaks Tribute page it says, "Anne Marie Murphy was a person who loved the arts and taking walks outdoors. She was the daughter of Hugh and Alice McGowan of Katonah, New York, one of seven children raised. Family was the most import part of Anne Marie’s life. Along with her parents, Anne Marie is survived by her four children, Kelly, Colleen, Paige and Thomas and her devoted husband, Michael (Source)."

Anne Marie Murphy Memorials: Anne Marie Murphy had worked with Autism Speaks and her family designated that in lieu of flowers donations in her memory be sent to Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks has set up a page on their website to honor Anne Marie Murphy and to receive donations. Autism Speaks wrote, "We are humbled to pay tribute to Anne Marie, and will dedicate the funds that are donated in her name to a special initiative which will be designated by her family. If you wish to leave a message of condolence, please email them to newtowntribute@autismspeaks.org or post in this thread, and Autism Speaks will pass it on to Anne Marie's family (Source)."
Dylan Hockley and Anne Marie Murphy will be added today to the Autism Light Memorial Roll and also Dylan will be linked on the page of those with autism. Dylan Hockley also has a page on the Autism Rest blog. As the autism community ponders the loss of this autistic child and special education teacher, may those of us left be inspired to be more dedicated, to be more faithful, and to be more diligent in being advocates and light for autism. Rest in peace Dylan and Anne Marie.

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Special Note: It is the policy of Autism Light not to include photos of individuals unless they are in the Public Domain or permission from the person or family can be obtained. At this time of tragic loss we have not sought out permission for a photo, so not to disturb the privacy of Dylan Hockley and Anne Marie Murphy's family. If in the future an authorized representative would like to give permission for a photo of Dylan or Anne Marie to appear with this respectful tribute, please email AutismLight@Gmail.com or leave information in the comments to this post.  Thank You.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Josephine Grace Gay

Autism Light #246 is Josephine Grace Gay.

Josephine Grace Gay, age 7, was from Newtown, Connecticut and had autism. She was one of the 20 children and 6 adults who died on December 14, 2012 at the Sandy Brook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Josephine Grace Gay is an Autism Light for the impact her brief life had on those who were blessed to know her and because a charitable fund in her memory will continue to help children with autism.

Josephine Grace Gay was survived by her parents Michele and Bob Gay and sisters, Sophia and Maria Gay. Her obituary said of her, "She lived seven years inspiring friends and family with her beautiful smile, loving heart, and playful spirit (Source)." An obituary for Josephine Grace Gay can be found on Legacy.com.

Josephine's parents Bob and Michele Gray wrote a letter about their daughter. This is part of it:

It will help us if others know what a special person she was and how she inspired everyone she met.  Joey was autistic and severely apraxic. She could not speak, yet she touched the lives of so many around her: teachers, therapists, friends, neighbors, all loved and cherished her. Joey was social and affectionate; she smiled, she loved hugs, and she even had a wonderful sense of humor. Her spirit was indomitable. She participated in rigorous therapy and treatment on a daily basis without complaint. She loved to play with her Barbie dolls, iPad, and computer, swim, swing, and be anywhere her sisters were. Josephine loved the color purple (Source).

You may read the full text of the letter that Josephine's parents wrote about her death in an online article at the Framingham Patch called Newtown Family Creates Autism Fund in Memory of Daughter.

Funeral Services: A memorial service was held at St. Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, CT, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, December, 21.  A Mass of Christian Burial is Saturday, December 22 at 11:00am at St. Rose's Church.

Bob and Michele Gray have set up Joey's Fund in their daughters memory through the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism in Framingham. Doug and Laurie Flutie were run the foundation were Autism Lights #86. The fund will be used to help families raising children with autism.

Here are the ways you may give to Joey's Fund. 

Online: Visit www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org. On the donation page please select “in Memory of” and type “Joey’s Fund” in the box for “acknowledgement/address and comments”.  

By Mail: Send checks to: The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism Specify “In Memory of Josephine Gay” on the check. Mailing address: The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism PO Box 767 Framingham, MA 01701
 
PBS provided the following silent tribute to the victims of the Sandy Brook shooting. The children are listed in alphabetical order and Josephine Grace Gay is the 4th child pictured in this presentation.



Josephine Grace Gay will be added today to the Autism Light Memorial Roll and also to the page of those with autism. Josephine Grace Gay also has a page on the Autism Rest blog. Bob and Michele Gray explained how they cope with such a tragic loss of a young child, "Although our family is devastated, we are deeply comforted in the knowledge that she is no longer scared or hurting and rests in the arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is through His sufficient grace that we are able to get through this (Source)." 

As the autism community ponders the loss of this autistic child, may those of us left be inspired to be more dedicated, to be more faithful, and to be more diligent in being advocates and light for autism. Rest in peace Josephine.

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Special Note: It is the policy of Autism Light not to include photos of individuals unless they are in the Public Domain or permission from the person or family can be obtained. At this time of tragic loss we have not sought out permission for a photo, so not to disturb the privacy of Josephine Grace Gay's family. If in the future an authorized representative would like to give permission for a photo of Josephine to appear with this respectful tribute, please email AutismLight@Gmail.com or leave information in the comments to this post.  Thank You.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Rachel D'Avino

Autism Light #245 is Rachel D'Avino.

Rachel D'Avino of Bethlehem, Connecticut was born on July 17,1983. She was a behavioral therapist who was taking advanced studies in autism and had just recently started working at Sandy Brook Elementary School. Rachel D'Avino was shot and killed along with 25 others at her school on December 14, 2012, while working as a teacher's aide for special needs students at Sandy Brook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. Rachel D'Avino is an Autism Light for her dedication to teach children with autism and her inspiration to others who work tirelessly in the field of behavioral therapy for autism.

The Chicago Tribune said, "D'Avino specialized in special education and formerly worked as a therapist for autistic children (Source)." A message on a Facebook memorial page posted in the early morning of December 18, 2012, said of Rachel that, "She loved karate, cooking, animals, baking and photography but her foremost passion was her work in behavioral therapy with children with autism (Source)."

John Molteni, the director of the Institute for Autism and Behavioral Studies at the University of St. Joseph shared on Facebook that Rachel D'Avino had recently finished the requirements for taking her certification exam. John Molteni said of Rachel D'Avino that when she was shot, "She was a paraprofessional working with a student with special needs, something she had dedicated her life to doing (Source)."

Lovetere Stone was a mother whose autistic son had been helped tremendously by his therapy with Rachel D'Avino and the extra effort she took to help him in life. "I think she taught me more about how to be a good mother to a special needs child than anyone else ever had," said Lovetere Stone (Source).

Rachel D'Avino's life was full of hope and promise.  Rachel was unaware of something exciting that was about to happen in her life. Two days before the shooting her boyfriend Anthony Cerritelli had asked her parents permission to marry her and he planned to ask her on Christmas Eve (Source).

The following is the coaches and artists of The Voice singing Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah in memory of Rachel D'Avino and all the victims of the Sandy Hook shooting.

Social Media Tributes:  

The Rest In Peace Rachel D'Avino Fund page has been set up on Facebook.

Here are a few Twitter tweets in memory of her.

Rachel Davino, 29, Dawn Hochsprung, 47, Anne Marie Murphy, 52.Lauren Russeau, 30,Mary Sherlach, 56, Victoria Soto, 27. RIP
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 15, 2012

Rachel Davino, 29. Taken too soon. Rest in Peace.
— Replay 1D. (@REPLAYLOUDER) December 15, 2012

Here is a YouTube video in honor of Rachel D'Avino.



Words can not express the loss that the autism community feels in losing this promising young educator who was specializing in autism. May Rachel D'Avino's story inspire other young people to dedicate their life to making the world brighter for people with autism by becoming autism behavioral therapists.

An obituary on Rachel D'Avino with more information on her life was published by the Associated Press for Legacy.com. Rachel D'Avino will be added today to the Autism Light Memorial Roll and her post here will be updated as more information to remember her by becomes available.

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Special Note: It is the policy of Autism Light not to include photos of individuals unless they are in the Public Domain or permission from the person or family can be obtained. At this time of tragic loss we have not sought out permission for a photo, so not to disturb the privacy of Rachel D'Avino's family. If in the future an authorized representative would like to give permission for a photo of Rachel to appear with this respectful tribute, please email AutismLight@Gmail.com or leave information in the comments to this post.  Thank You.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Connecticut Lights

The State of Connecticut is the home currently to 14 Autism Lights. They include parents, grandparents, an uncle, educators, and individuals with autism. Some of the country's most influential autism advocates call the state of Connecticut home. Several who died in the Sandy Brook Elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14, 2012 are Autism Lights as well.

Connecticut Autism Lights

Individuals with Autism:

1. Josephine Grace Gay was a 7 year old with autism from Newtown, Connecticut who died in the school shooting there on December 14, 2012. 
2. Dylan Hockley was a 6 year old with autism from Newtown, Connecticut who died in the school shooting there on December 14, 2012. 
3. Eytan Nisizweig is a young adult who has autism and has a gift for art and music. He is from Riverside, Connecticut and his work can be purchased at EytanArt. 
4. Ethan Walmark is an 8 year old who has autism and has a gift for music. He is from Westport, Connecticut.

Autism Parents

1. Darlene Boore is an autism mother from Manchester, Connecticut. She is the co-founder of All Seasons Community, a nonprofit autism organization in Connecticut. 
2. Gary James is an autism father who is from England but now lives in Connecticut. He is the founder of Apps for Children with Special Needs and has been instrumental in promoting the helpfulness of the iPad for autism families around the world. 
3. Susan Nisizweig is an autism mother who founded EytanArt to help share her son Eytan's ability to make the world a better place. She is from Riverside, Connecticut. 
4. Kim Stagliano is an autism mother from Fairfield City, Connecticut. She has three daughters who have autism and is Managing Editor of Age of Autism. 
5. Dan and Carey Tedesco are autism parents from Shelton, Connecticut. They along with Rob Tedesco founded the business HandHoldAdaptive to produce iPad Apps that would help people with autism communicate better.

Autism Grandparents

1. Bob and Suzanne Wright are from Fairfield, Connecticut. They founded Autism Speaks and are autism grandparents.
2. Jim Calhoun is now retired but he was the long time men's basketball coach for the University of Connecticut.  He lives in Connecticut and is an autism grandfather. 

Autism Uncle

1. Rob Tedesco is an autism uncle form Shelton, Connecticut. Along with Dan and Carey Tedesco he founded HandHoldAdaptive to produce iPad Apps that would help people with autism communicate better. 

Autism Teachers

1. Rachel D'Avino was an autism behavioral therapist in Newtown, Connecticut who died in the school shooting there on December 14, 2012. 
2. Anne Marie Murphy was the special education teacher in Newtown, Connecticut who died in the school shooting there on December 14, 2012. 

You may reach all these posts by searching the blog through the "Connecticut" Label.

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The map of Connecticut is from the Wikipedia Commons.

Bob and Suzanne Wright

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In Memoriam
Updated on July 30, 2016

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Suzanne Wright (Autism Light #177) passed away on July 29, 2016, after a 9 month battle with pancreatic cancer. Her obituary was released by Autism Speaks. This post will remain at Autism Light in her memory and as a tribute to her husband Bob Wright who was featured jointly with her. Suzanne Wright's name will be placed on the Autism Light Memorial Roll today.

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Autism Lights #177 are Bob and Suzanne Wright.

Bob and Suzanne Wright have been longtime residents of Fairfield, Connecticut. Bob Wright is a businessman who is a former CEO of NBC Universal (1986-2007) as well as a former Vice-President of General Electric. In 2004 their grandson Christian was diagnosed with autism. After seeing the need for a national advocacy organization for autism, they co-founded Autism Speaks in February, 2005. Bob and Suzanne Wright are Autism Lights for founding the Autism Speaks organization that has touched thousands of lives by raising awareness of autism from the halls of Congress to the plains of the heartland.

The following is a video about Autism Speaks and the role that Bob and Suzanne Wright had in starting this autism organization.

Autism Speaks: Autism Speaks has been a critical part of the Autism Light blog since the beginning, but we wanted to wait for World Autism Awareness Day to recognize their founders. Over 25% of our previous subjects that have been honored on this blog in the past are in some way involved with or using the resources that are made possible by the leadership of this important organization to autism. One of the notable Autism Lights is Kerry Magro who was Autism Light #119. Kerry Magro serves on staff of Autism Speaks and was a leader of the "Light It Up Blue" Campaign in 2012.

According to the Autism Speaks website,

Autism Speaks has grown into the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

You can access the multitude of resources from Autism Speaks on their website at www.autismspeaks.org. On the website Bob and Suzanne Wright give a message to visitors that says, "We created this organization because of our grandson Christian and for the millions of children in the world just like him. Everyday they serve as our inspiration as we continue on our journey to find the missing pieces of the autism puzzle. Thank you for joining us in this pursuit (Source)."

The following is a video of the ceremony where Bob and Suzanne Wright received the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from St. Johns University on May 16, 2010.

Social Media: You can follow the work of Bob and Suzanne Wright and Autism Speaks at the following social media areas:

• Facebook
• Twitter @AutismSpeaks
• Twitter@BobWrightAS
• Twitter @SuzanneWrightAS
• YouTube Channel

Biography Pages: You can read more about Bob Wright at the following pages:

• Wikipedia
• All American Speakers

Special thanks to Bob and Suzanne Wright for having the vision and dedication to found Autism Speaks in 2005. May Autism Speaks continue to shine forth as a light in the future and carry forth the work that Bob and Suzanne Wright started.. Light It Up Blue!

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Dan, Carey, and Rob Tedesco

Autism Lights #156 are Dan, Carey, and Rob Tedesco.

Dan and Carey Tedesco

Rob Tedesco

The Tedesco's are from Shelton, Connecticut. Dan and Carey Tedesco are the parents of a son named Evan who has autism. Rob Tedesco is Evan's Uncle. In August, 2008 the trio founded a family business called HandHold Adpative to help provide mobile app needs for autism and special needs. Dan and Carey Tedesco and Rob Tedesco are Autism Lights because of the way in which HandHold Adaptive is meeting communication needs in the autism community.

HandHold Adpative has created several important apps that are available for the autism community. According to their website the mission of HandHoldAdaptive is to "'bridge the divide' between the special needs community and a dynamic world, by innovating technologies that make life easier for people with disabilities and their caregivers."

The following is a news story done about HandHold Adaptive's creation of the iPrompts App.

Carey Tedesco uses a mobile phone with her son Evan

HandHold Adpative has created the following Apps for mobile phones and the iPad that may be of interest to the autism community:

• Autism Track--their newest app is a journaling tool that allows caregivers of people with autism to track interventions, behaviors, and symptoms.
• iPrompts--their original app is a visual support tool that allows people with autism to communicate better. Wade Wingler of the INDATA Project with Easter Seals Crossroads in Indiana did a demonstration of iPrompts for the iPad in a video on YouTube. 

Dan Tedesco said the following about the potential importance of mobile apps to people with autism.

We believe that the autism community needs mobile apps to enable better integration in society. Managing anxieties, communication, data tracking, and ultimately real-time job coaching are all things that can be accomplished in discrete, non-stigmatizing, dynamic and adaptable ways by employing mobile devices (Rob Tedesco).

Partnerships: Handhold Adaptive has partnerships with Autism Speaks, Els for Autism, Southern Connecticut State University's Autism Center. In addition, some exciting new partnerships are being planned as well with some Ivy League schools.

Dan and Carey Tedesco came up with the ideas for their autism Apps because of needs they encountered during the every day care and education of their son Evan who has autism. Rob Tedesco writes,

Dan and Carey are inspired to create tools based on real-life needs in the household in the ordinary course of caring for Evan, who has autism, e.g., we need to track data more efficiently, so we invented Autism Track. We worked with our developers to prototype and test, and also secure grant funding. Under grants and research contracts, we work with universities to study efficacy and improve the apps.

Social Media: Dan and Carey Tedesco and HandHold Adaptive can be followed on the following social media areas:

• Facebook (iPrompts)
• Facebook (Dan Tedesco)
• YouTube (HandHold Adaptive)
• Twitter (HandHold Adaptive)
• Twitter (iPrompts)
• Twitter (Rob Tedesco)

Special thanks to Dan and Carey Tedesco and Rob Tedesco for creating a business that provides mobile technology apps that are making a difference for people with autism. We are grateful that the love they have for their son and nephew inspired them to share a resource with other parents and people with autism as well. If you liked this post you may wish to read the other Autism Light posts with the label iPad on them.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo in this post are used with permission of the Tedesco Family.

This post went into syndication on Autisable.

Jim Calhoun

Autism Light #105 is Jim Calhoun.

Jim Calhoun is the former Men's Head Basketball Coach for the University of Connecticut who retired in September, 2012. He lives in Connecticut and has two grandchildren with autism. Jim Calhoun is an Autism Light because he has become a spokesperson for autism awareness.

Jim Calhoun has over 850 wins in college basketball. In 2005 he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. On April 4, 2011 he won his third National Championship as a coach with the University of Connecticut. The others came in 1999 and 2004. This third championship puts him in a group with only four other coaches in history who have accomplished this feat.

Jim Calhoun's granddaughter Reese and grandson Sam have autism. In honor of his two special needs grandchildren he has in recent years become a spokesperson for autism awareness. He won the 2010 Distinguished Public Service Award from the Connecticut Bar Association (Source).

The following is the video where Jim Calhoun is speaking at the Connecticut state capital for Autism Awareness Day in 2008.

Jim Calhoun wears an autism awareness lapel pin every day to help him advocate.  Jim Calhoun said regarding the pin, "Everybody asks me what the pin is for, and they get half an hour. If they don't like it they get an hour (Source)."

Jim Calhoun began raising awareness for autism research through Autism Speaks in 2006. In 2011 he produced the following Public Service Announcement for Walk Now for Autism Speaks.

Some online articles on Jim Calhoun's activism for autism can be found a these links.

• NBC Sports (2007)
• Jim Calhoun's Wikipedia Page

Social Media: You can follow Jim Calhoun a the following social media areas.

• Facebook

For more information on Jim Calhoun visit his official website at www.coachjimcalhoun.com.

Special thanks to Jim Calhoun for spreading autism awareness and being a light for autism. He has continued to fight for autism despite himself having cancer in both 2003 and 2008 as well as another undisclosed health problem in 2010.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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Photo: The photo in the post is in the Public Domain and was obtained from Wikipedia.

This Autism Light post went into syndication on Autisable. 

Darlene Borre

Autism Light #77 is Darlene Borre.

Darlene Borre is from Manchester, Connecticut. Her son Ben is in 4th grade and has autism. Darlene Borre is a former attorney and presently works from home as a claims adjuster. Darlene Borre is the co-founder of All Seasons Community (All Seasons Academy), a nonprofit with the mission to build capacity to be able to supply housing needs for adults with autism in the West Hartford, Connecticut area. Darlene Borre is an Autism Light because of her fundraising efforts on behalf of families with autism.

Motivated by her own experiences as a mother of a son with autism, Darlene's immediate goal for All Seasons Community is to raise funds to give free 'sensory home makeovers' for families with children with autism.  Darlene Borre wrote this about her fundraising passion:

I have a job, so if we have to get an indoor swing, I'll get an indoor swing. But not everyone can afford it, or even know that they need it (Source).

On Saturday, October 29, 2011, All Seasons Community, will hold its first Harvest fundraiser to raise funds for these 'sensory home makeovers'. It will be held at the following location.

Zachs Community Room at University of Connecticut's School of Social Work

179 Asylum Avenue

West Hartford, Connecticut

The event will be a catered meal from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include a Silent Auction. Admission is only $20. If you are in the West Hartford, Connecticut area please consider participating in this event.

If you would like to nominate a family for the home makeover send their name to info@allseasonacademy.org. Makeovers may include equipment such as swings or weighted blankets as well as home renovations such as painting walls. Marie Mancini and Melissa Broxton, occupational therapists with Advanced Therapy Solutions in Wethersfield, Connecticut, have volunteered to do free at-home consultations with this project.

More information on Darlene Bore and her fundraising efforts can be found at the following links.

• Hartford Courant Article on Oct. 25, 2011
• Guest Blog for Hartford Courant (2009)
• All Seasons Academy Blog

Social Media:  You can follow All Seasons Community on the following social media.

• Facebook - All Seasons Community
• Facebook - Darlene Borre

Thank you Darlene Borre for being an Autism Light and raising money for 'sensory home makeovers'. You are truly representative of a group of parents taking it upon themselves to raise money to assist other parents, who have children with autism but do not have the financial resources to be able to afford all of autism's tremendous costs.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

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This Autism Light post was mentioned in the CANadda Daily on October 28, 2011.
This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

Eytan Nisinzweig - Susan Nisinzweig

Autism Lights #76 are Eytan Nisinzweig and Susan Nisinzweig.

Eytan Nisinzweig and his mother Susan

Today we honor Eytan Nisinzweig and his mother Susan.  The Nisinzweig family is from Riverside, Connecticut. Eytan has autism and is gifted in art and music. Seeing this artistic talent Eytan's mother Susan created the business known as EytanArt.

• Eytan Nisinzweig is an autism light because of the ways in which he is using his art and music as inspiration to make a difference in the world as he lives with autism.  
• Susan Nisinzweig is an autism light for finding a creative way as a parent to take the necessary steps required to help her son with autism build a business that will increase his independence as well as change the world with positive messages.

EytanArt:  EytanArt features some of Eytan's orginal artistic designs. Susan Nisinzweig writes this about the origin of EytanArt.

About a year ago, I decided it was time to start sharing Eytan's delightful artwork with others.  An inspiration led me to pair his designs with messages about respecting differences, discovering similarities and about making a difference in the world.  I created a website and started a business called EytanArt™ whose "tag line" is Designs About Difference.  The 5 designs and messages that are currently on the site have been a big hit and there will be more to come.  The exciting thing is that these designs and messages are shifting attitudes around the country and around the globe each time someone wears an EytanArt t-shirt, hangs a poster in their classroom or office, mails a note card to someone they care about, etc. 

Eytan:  Eytan will be 26 on November 1, 2011 and he is very involved in his community.  Susan Nisinzweig again writes this about her son: 

In addition to Eytan's artwork, he also contributes to our community each week through his musical talent.  He volunteers at a nursing home weekly where he plays songs from the 30's through the 70's, as well as show tunes and some classical music.  He is hired by our school district to do weekly sing-along sessions with the preschool classes and he also hired monthly to do the same at a local church pre-school.  Because of this, Eytan is well known, appreciated and loved throughout our town.  Although Eytan doesn't fully understand the impact he is having on so many people,  he is happy, he does what he loves to do, and his life has real meaning and purpose.  To learn more about Eytan and to see clips of his piano playing visit www.EytanArt.com/about-eytan

Here is Eytan Nisinzweig singing and playing Elton John's "Your Song".  This is one of his favorite songs.

Susan:  Susan Nisinzweig is the founder of EytanArt and Eytan's mother. She is also the writer of the blog "On a Better Note" that is part of EytanArt's website.  Susan writes this about her blog:

I named the blog on the EytanArt website "On A Better Note", in an effort to counter-act all of the negativity that we so often see, hear and read in the media.  I use it as a platform to share life lessons, tips and information that has been  inspired by bringing up Eytan and that I believe would be useful to parents, teachers, therapists, and everyone else who lives with or works with children - with or without special needs.   

Susan Nisinzweig has also written an insightful article about how she started her business that is called "How I Did It" and is found on Maria Shiver.com.

Social Media:  You may follow EytanArt on these social media areas:

• Twitter
• Facebook
• EytanArt YouTube Channel

For more information on EytanArt visit their website at www.EytanArt.com. Special thanks to Susan Nisinzweig for the use of such helpful and detailed quotations to help us truly understand these Autism Lights. One of the unique things about this post today is that it is the first time that a mother and her adult son were honored together. Susan is representative of the many mothers who never stop loving and are there to provide an extra helping hand to their adult children with autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

Photo: Photos in this post used with permission of Susan Nisinzweig.

Gary James

Autism Light #55 is Gary James.

Gary James is from England and in 1992 moved to the United States. He now lives in Connecticut. He is the parent of two children with autism. He is also the founder of two companies that specialize in helping families with children with special needs. Gary James is an Autism Light because of his commitment to help families with children with autism, whether it be with Nanny needs or to utilize App resources of the iPad.

Gary James left his job working for Rolling Stone Magazine after his son Benjamin was diagnosed with autism, in order to dedicate his time to helping families with special needs children.  He first formed a company that located and screened Nannies for families with special needs children. Nannies for Children with Special Needs is a free service of Connecticut Domestics.

Then after seeing what the iPad did to change the life of his own children, he started A4CWSN, which stands for Apps for Children With Special Needs. Through A4CWSN Gary James has quickly become an expert on iPad apps for special needs children and his website had over a million visitors in the span of a year. Gary James says this about the iPad, "from one father to all the Fathers and Mothers out there, if you can afford to get an iPad, get one. It's going to change your life (Source)."

The following video is Gary James being interviewed by Craig Evans at Autism Hangout. Craig Evans was Autism Light #178.  In the interview, Gary James reveals that he feels the tablet technology is the future of education, especially for special needs children.

This quote by Gary James is a practical explanation of why he is so invested in Apps for Children with Special Needs.

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum (ASD) particularly need to be taught in a way where they can literally touch the words and watch what the characters do when under their control. Apps on an iPad provide a huge benefit, allowing a match to be made between the pace of reading and interacting that works for an ASD child's unique style and needs (Source).

A4WCSN has had many programs over the years to help families that need an iPad or information on Apps. Some initiatives have been completed and some are ongoing. They including the following:

• 40 iPads in 40 Days was announced by Gary James on his Facebook page on June 3, 2012. You need to subscribe to his Family email list to be eligible for free codes and opportunities to win an iPad in this current campaign.
• Demonstrations of Apps for children with special needs, so that parents and educators can see how they work before purchasing them. Excellent video demonstrations about the most common Apps are featured on his website or YouTube Channel. Gary James does not rate Apps because he realizes that every App could be good for someone, so he just explains how they work and positive aspects of them. Gary James writes on his website, "Our aim is that these videos, along with relevant information and advice from an independent source you can trust, provides valuable insight into whether a product is suitable for its intended purpose or not, enabling sensible buying decisions to be made."
• App Parties where Gary James makes available codes from App companies that allow them to be acquired either for free or at discounts. These are normally conducted via the A4CWSN Facebook page.  App Parties take place often and the best way to find out when the next one is taking place is to stay in touch with the A4CWSN website or follow their status on Facebook. 
• IPads 4 U Campaign to offer subsidized iPads to needy families. Families pay $199 and Gary James is securing donors for the rest of the cost.  iPads are being subsidized as money is available and their is a waiting list of people set to receive future iPads.
• 50 States/50 iPads Campaign where Gary James is raising money to give away 50 iPads (one in each state in the United States). Gary James is personally delivering each iPad to a needy family as funds are available to do this. The following is a news story on Gary James program to deliver 50 iPads to special needs children in 50 States.

Social Media: The following are ways to follow Gary James on Social Media or other online areas.

• Official Website
• ITunes
• Facebook
• Twitter (A4CWSN)
• Twitter (A4CWSN News)
• YouTube

Support: There are many ways too support A4CWSN.  One can give direct donations or purchase products through the links on the A4CWSN page.

Contact: I personally contacted Gary James via his email at gary@a4cwsn.com regarding a technical question before I purchased the first iPad for my son with autism. Gary provided a very quick and helpful response. I had asked him what size of an iPad to purchase and he indicated the entry level with 16G memory will work because one can upload programs to the iPad from the computer as needed, but he said the more memory one can get will make it more convenient.

Special thanks to Gary James for helping special needs children and their families secure the right Apps for their iPad and for helping some of the most needy to receive a free iPad for their child.  

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: Photo in this post used with permission of Gary James.

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