Pope Francis

Autism Light #366 is Pope Francis.

Pope Francis was born with the name Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936 in Argentina and he is the current head of the Catholic Church, holding the title of the Bishop of Rome. He has developed a reputation as a leader who genuinely cares about those who are less fortunate and have special needs. Pope Francis is an Autism Light for his outreach to those with autism in his role as the faith leader of over 1.2 billion worldwide members of the Catholic Church. Under his leadership the Vatican's health care office held the Catholic Church's first ever global gathering on autism on November 20-22, 2014. As part of this conference Pope Francis spoke about autism and met directly with persons with autism and their parents and doctors.

Michele Arbogast, a mother of a child with autism who works for Autism Speaks in New York, said about Pope Francis, "Pope Francis has changed the dynamics. He reaches out to those in need. Words from the Holy Father will reach the smallest villages, touch hearts, change minds and help people to volunteer and help other families (Religion News, November 21, 2014)."

Here is a video of Pope Francis speaking at the International Conference of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers which had as its theme this year, "The Person with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Animating Hope".  Pope Francis spoke to participants at the Persons with Autism Conference on Saturday, November 22, 2014.

The medical conference on autism sponsored by the Catholic Church that Pope Francis spoke at is said by organizers to be "the biggest medical conference of its kind on autism, gathering more than 650 experts from 57 countries (ABC News, November 18, 2014)." Thanks to technology the Pope's words will be heard throughout world and reach people around the world, having an especially influential impact on those who are part of the Catholic Church.

The Rev. P. Augusto Chenci of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers said that the reason Pope Francis spoke directly to those with autism at the conference was to "help break the isolation, and in many cases the stigma, that surrounds people affected by autism spectrum disorders (ABC News, November 18, 2014)."

The following are just two examples of some testimonies that were shared on Twitter about the positive impact Pope Francis is having in the lives of those with autism and their families.

I'm becoming a huge fan of Pope Francis #autism... http://t.co/CH75W5bnbP
— Anne Jovanovic (@ajrahming) November 22, 2014

Dear @Pontifex My 3 girls w AUTISM received Sacraments. Thank U 4 recognizing their DISABILITY. pic.twitter.com/cZPDpqLyKT
— Kim Rossi Stagliano (@KimStagliano) November 19, 2014

Social Media: You can follow Pope Francis on the following social media.

• Facebook Page for Pope Francis
• Google+ Community for Pope Francis
• Twitter @Pontifex
• Wikipedia Page for Pope Francis

Special thanks to Pope Francis for all he is doing to raise awareness of autism in the Catholic Church around the world. His respectful treatment of individuals with autism is shining a light that those with autism can find a home in a faith community.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo of Pope Francis is from Wikipedia Commons.

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.

Jack and Rebecca Sytsema

Autism Light #308 are Jack and Rebecca Sytsema.

Jack and Rebecca Sytsema are ordained Christian ministers who live in Zeeland, Michigan. They have 3 sons and their two oldest (Nicholas and Samuel) have autism. Their youngest son Trey is developing typically. Autism Light first became acquainted with the Sytsema's ministry in December, 2011, when learning of the tremendous impact their ministry called Children of Destiny had made on Julia Boyd, Autism Light #114. Jack and Rebecca Sytsema are Autism Lights because of how their ministry encourages the faith of autism parents and gives them daily hope and encouragement.

The Children of Destiny website lists this description of how Jack and Rebecca Sytsema approach their life with autism:

We first became interested in autism when our then 2-year-old son, Nicholas, was showing signs of developmental delay coupled with intestinal difficulties in mid 2000. In January, 2001, he was diagnosed with autism. We believe in the power of prayer and believe that God’s hand is firmly on Nicholas’ life. We have implemented several other interventions for Nicholas, including the gluten- and casein-free diet, several biomedical interventions, and an intensive program of Applied Behavior Analysis.

While each intervention has helped Nicholas come to new levels of success, we firmly hold to the belief that the most powerful intervention we have brought into our son’s life has been to give him over to God and Him to order our steps concerning Nicholas. Although the path has been a difficult one, we have seen steady progress as God works new miracles day by day. God has yet to disappoint us in any area with which we have fully trusted Him (Read More at the About Us Section of the Children of Destiny Website)!

Jack Sytsema:  Jack Sytsema is currently the Executive Vice President of Finance for the International Child Development Resource Center (ICDRC) and Creation's Own (CO). The ICDRC is non-profit organization founded by Dr. J. Jeff Bradstreet in order to foster treatment, education, and research to cure autism. Jack Sytsema received his Bachelor's Degree from Calvin College and his Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. 

Rebecca Sytsema: Rebecca Sytsema is the Director of Children of Destiny. She is an autism mother and has also co-authored eight Christian books. You can see a list of the books she has written at the Book List on the Children of Destiny Website.

Children of Destiny: Children of Destiny is a faith based ministry that has been in operation for the past 11 years. Their website says they are Defeating Autism in the Name of Jesus. Their mission is as follows:

Children of Destiny is a Christian ministry dedicated to bringing God's hope, life, and restoration to families and individuals struggling with autism and related disorders through the development and promotion of effective prayer, inspirational messages, and spiritual support (Read More at the Introduction of the Children of Destiny Website).

Children of Destiny lists on their Website that they provide these spiritual services and free materials:

• Daily Prayer: Click this link to sign up to receive Daily Prayer via Email.
• Daily Prayer Journal
• Inspirational Articles
• Turning the Tide! Prayer Thrust for Autism Awareness Month: Held for past 6 years in April.
• Autism Strategic Prayer Network
• Bulletin Inserts/Handouts

To learn more about Children of Destiny visit their website at www.childrenofdestiny.org.

Unlocking Autism: Jack and Rebecca Sytsema are on the Honorary Board of Advisors for Unlocking Autism. Unlocking Autism is an autism organization that was founded in 1999.

Social Media: You can follow Children of Destiny at the following social media areas:

• Children of Destiny Twitter Page @DailyPrayer4U
• Children of Destiny Facebook Page

Special thanks to Jack and Rebecca Sytsema for being Autism Lights. Their ministry of encouraging prayer in and for the autism community is a shining light for those that receive help from their Christian faith to cope with autism everyday. Christian autism families and churches are blessed to have these faith-based autism resources available from Children of Destiny. We wish Jack and Rebecca Sytsema all the best in their ministry and in serving as autism parents to two boys with autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Ivan and Charika Corea

Autism Lights #146 are Ivan and Charika Corea.

Charin Corea

Ivan and Charika Corea are from London, England in the United Kingdom. Their teenage son Charin has autism and inspired them to become autism advocates. They are responsible for launching Autism Awareness Year in the UK in 2002 and founding Autism Sunday, which has grown into an international observance of autism awareness in the religious faith community. Ivan and Charika Corea are Autism Lights for their influential advocacy for autism. Their groundbreaking autism awareness work has not always been easy, but with hearts of true heroes they are compelled to fight for those that have no voice.

Ivan Corea wrote this about Autism Sunday: 'We want to thank God for the life of our son Charin. He is a wonderful son and has been such a blessing. Charin made me get out of my comfort zone and campaign on autism. He is the inspiration behind Autism Sunday. We have done all of this - not for money - but for love. Autism Sunday has become a global event because it comes from the heart - it's all about love.'

Autism Sunday:  2012 will be the 10th anniversary of Autism Sunday. It also known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism & Asperger's Syndrome.  This year it will be observed on Sunday, February 12, 2012. Cathedrals, churches, and religious organizations are being encouraged to remember in their worship the over 67 million people worldwide who are living with autism. In concert with Autism Sunday there will be a Autism Sunday 2012 Twitter Storm. People are encouraged to use the hashtag #autismsunday when they tweet on Twitter during February 12, 2012.

Here is a video featuring a poem by Janice Cox and a song by Kirk Franklin from the worship service in London for Autism Sunday in 2010. Families are being encouraged to upload their personal autism videos like this one on YouTube to mark Autism Sunday 2012.

Supporters of Autism Sunday:  Hundreds of organizations and dozens of dignitaries in the United Kingdom are backing Autism Sunday. According to the press release on the event sent to Autism Light, "Among those who have wished Autism Sunday well are HRH Prince William and HRH Prince Harry, His Holiness the Pope, Sir Cliff Richard, Pastor Rick Warren, Deputy British Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband, the Bishop of London Rt.Rev Richard Chartres and the Archbishop of York, Rt. Rev. Dr. John Sentamu." British Prime Minister David Cameron also is supportive of the initiative.

For more information about Autism Sunday visits these websites and social media areas:

• Autism Sunday Official Website
• Autism Sunday Wikipedia page
• Autism Sunday on Twitter
• Autism Sunday on Facebook
• Autism Sunday Channel on YouTube

UK Autism Foundation: The UK Autism Foundation is a charity for autism in the United Kingdom. Ivan Corea continues to lead the work of the foundation that he started. The UK Autism Foundation has information about their work on their website.

The following is Ivan Corea speaking about the UK Autism Foundation's mission of encouraging help for the poor who have children with autism.

Special thanks to Ivan and Charika Corea for being Autism Lights. The autism community is very blessed to have their leadership in a project that calls us to pray and ask God to help give mercy in dealing with autism. Autism Sunday is needed now more than ever as autism is impacting millions of more people now than could have ever been imagined on that first Autism Sunday ten years ago.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photos in this post are used with the permission of Ivan Corea.

Gateways: Access to Jewish Education

Autism Light #110 is Gateways: Access to Jewish Education.

Gateways: Access to Jewish Education is an organization located in Boston, Massachusetts.  It was created in 2006 when Etgar L'Noar and The Jewish Special Education Collaborative merged to work together in service to Jewish children with disabilities, including autism. Gateways: Access to Jewish Education is an Autism Light because they are providing important opportunities for Jewish children with autism to learn their faith and traditions. 

It is noteworthy that Gateways was named one of the top 50 most innovative Jewish nonprofits in the United States. In the Fall of 2010 they received a grant from the Slingshot Fund. The following is a musical video students at Gatways submited to JewishBoston.com about why it is great to be Jewish and live in Boston. It won 2nd place. 

Arlene Remz is the Executive Director of Gateways: Access to Jewish Education. According to their website their mission is, "to ensure that Jewish children with a full range of learning styles, abilities and challenges succeed academically, socially, and spiritually to their fullest potential." For more information on Gateways: Access to Jewish Education visit their website at http://jgateways.org/.

The following is the story of a boy named Ethan who was in the Gateways program. This presentation is when Ethan had his Bar-Mitzvah.

Social Media: You can follow Gateways: Access to Jewish Education at the following social media areas.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube Channel

Special thanks to Gateways: Access to Jewish Education for being a light for Jewish children with autism to work out their faith. Mazel tov!

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The logo with this post is used with the permission of Gateways: Access to Jewish Education.

Karen Jackson

Autism Light #106 is Karen Jackson.

Gray Puryear, Vice-President with Karen Jackson, President (Faith Inclusion Network)

Karen Jackson is from Norfolk, Virginia. She is a band director for a private K-8 school and is the mother of three children, including a daughter Samantha who has autism. Karen Jackson is also the Founder and Director of the Faith Inclusion Network. Karen Jackson is an Autism Light because of her leadership of the Faith Inclusion Network and her advocacy for faith opportunities for autistic people.


Karen Jackson founded the Faith Inclusion Network in 2008. Karen Jackson and her family go to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Norfolk, Virginia, where she serves as a Parish Advocate. The board of directors of the Faith Inclusion Network represent a variety of different faith communities. Karen was inspired to start the Faith Inclusion Network (FIN) by her daughter Samantha who has autism and continues to strive to successfully work out her faith as a teenager in the Catholic Church. The hope since FIN's conception is to bring together experienced people and inclusive churches to help families integrate their disabled members into a faith community of their choice.


As the President and Founder of the Faith Inclusion Network, Karen Jackson is instrumental in helping to develop and accomplish the mission and goals of the 501c3 organization. The Faith Inclusion Network provides support for people with disabilities to be integrated into faith communities in the South Hamptons Road, Virginia area. According to their website, their mission is "helping faith communities to develop inclusive ministries for people with disabilities and helping families affected by disability to find welcoming and accessible places to worship in South Hampton Roads, Virginia."

The Faith Inclusion Network (FIN) website has several helpful sections. There are sections about FIN's mission and history, resources, a listing of participating faith communities divided by geographical area, and stories. One of the practical resources featured on the website is a link to a detailed publication on faith based ministry with disabled persons called Dimensions of Faith. For more information on the Faith Inclusion Network and the resources they provide visit their website at www.faithinclusionnetwork.org.

One of Karen Jackson's stories of a time when her autistic daughter Samantha taught her about God was featured on a blog at Beliefnet written by Amy Julia Becker. In the story Karen Jackson explains how an occasion when Samantha said sincerely and clearly that "God is Great" taught her a valuable spiritual lesson. She says this about that incident:

But then I got a wonderful little moment from God, a few well chosen words from my daughter who speaks so seldom. I had to agree. God is great. And I realized once again that I am blessed to be a part of Samantha's world and blessed to be reminded of some of the simplest lessons. God is great and God is good. And I thank God for the many blessings in my life...especially for the one wrapped up in the special package of my beautiful daughter Samantha (Source).

Special thanks to Karen Jackson for helping diverse faith communities to be inviting to people with autism. Perhaps this type of network will be duplicated in other parts of the Nation and World. If you are interested in discussing the Faith Inclusion Network with Karen Jackson email her at Faithinclusionnetwork@gmail.com.


Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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Photo: The photos in this post are used with permission of Karen Jackson of Faith Inclusion Network.

St. Peter Roman Catholic Church

Autism Light #89 is St. Peter Roman Catholic Church.

St. Peter Roman Catholic Church is located at 350 Fair Street in Warwick, Rhode Island.  The church was established in 1933 and the present pastor of the church is Rev. Roger C. Cagne. St. Peter Roman Catholic Church is an Autism Light because they have a special autism program that helps Catholic individuals with autism in Rhode Island to experience the Sacraments.

History: In the Fall of 2008, St. Peters began the program of offering Autism & the Sacraments as part of their Faith Formation offerings. The program is part of several like it in the Catholic Church, but it is the first of its kind in the state of Rhode Island. In March of 2009 an article was written by the Associated Press on this unique autism program by the church. More information on this successful and ongoing program can be found on their website at http://stpeterswarwick.com/autism-program/.

Program:  As part of the program, children meet every two weeks to learn about their faith. To develop the program volunteers were used that come from the Catholic faith but who also have professional experience in working with autistic students outside of the church.Anyone interested in having their child enroll should call Margaret Andreozzi, who is the elementary faith formation coordinator.  Her number is 401/461-5691. There is a waiting list to get into the program.

Mass: 3 Masses (worship services) are celebrated with the families in the Autism & the Sacraments program.  These Masses have been led by the church's pastor, Rev. Roger Cagne. Some of the changes he makes to these special Masses is the hour-long liturgy is shortened to 15 minutes, by skipping music, making prayers optional, and having only a brief message. Rev. Roger Cagne said about this program, "The whole point is Jesus is totally inclusive. He directs his followers to do the same (Source)."

Social Media:  You can follow St. Peters Church on their Facebook page.

For more information on St. Peters Church visit their website at http://stpeterswarwick.com. Special thanks to St. Peter Roman Catholic Church in Warwick, Rhode Island for helping those with autism to be able to participate in the Catholic religious faith.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

First Baptist Church of Plano

Autism Light #84 is the First Baptist Church of Plano. 

The First Baptist Church of Plano is located at 1300 East 15th Street in Plano, Texas.  The church was started in 1872. Dr. Jerry Carlisle has served as the pastor of the church since 2002. The First Baptist Church of Plano is an Autism Light because one of their ministries is an Autism Book Club.

The Autism Book Club is one of the small group ministries of the First Baptist Church of Plano. Their website provides this introduction to the Autism Book Club.

Learning to cope with a diagnosis and treatment options for children with autism is a daunting process. Every journey in our life has a purpose, and even in the tough times there is so much God can teach us. We can enjoy our children and our role as parents as we learn to help our children conquer their challenges and celebrate their strengths and accomplishments. The purpose of this group is to find the hope, healing, and learning that comes through faith and trust in God. Our focus will be to find the inspiration that we receive when looking at and sharing the scriptures, and encouraging one another through the challenges of being parents and caregivers of special needs children (First Baptist Church of Plano Website).

The Autism Book Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm at the First Baptist Church of Plano and is led by Rose Henke.  The following are some of the books they are studying between August, 2011 and August, 2012:

• Raindrops on Roman
• Life Without Limits
• Autism's Hidden Blessings
• Joni: An Unforgettable Story
• A Friend Like Henry
• Life Interrupted: Navigating the Unexpected

The format for the Autism Book Club is they discuss the above books every other month and on the other months they are going through Max Lucado's Life Lesson Series.  On August 10, 2011 the group also had the special opportunity to meet Bobbi Sheahan and Dr. Kathy DeOrnellas discuss their book What I Wish I'd Known About Raising a Child with Autism.  For more information on this program visit www.fbcplano.org/autism-book-club.

For more information about the First Baptist Church of Plano visit their website at www.fbcplano.org.  The First Baptist Church of Plano's Facebook page is another source of ongoing information via social media.

Special thanks to the First Baptist Church of Plano for sponsoring an Autism Book Club that can be a spiritual inspiration for those people impacted by the autism of a loved one.  Perhaps this program can serve as an idea for other churches as well as other types of groups to consider undertaking on behalf of autism support and awareness.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Jewish Autism Trust

Autism Light #68 is the Jewish Autism Trust.

The Jewish Autism Trust is a charitable organization located in London, England in the area known as Edgeware. The Jewish Autism Trust is an Autism Light because of the work they do to support people with autism in the Jewish community in London.

According to their website, the mission of the Jewish Autism Trust is to "exchange ideas and experiences and to give each other mutual support."  It is aim is to help those in the Jewish community who are touched by autism. They meet once a month in members homes and offer encouragement through special speakers, special events, and ongoing email communication.

Special Speakers:  One of the ways they accomplish their mission is through arranging for special speakers to give sessions of interest to the autism community. The Jewish Autism Trust has training program on autism in 2011 included the following:

• Mental Health and Autism Spectrum Condition
• Autism and Sensory Issues
• Sex and the Autism Spectrum

For more information on their training programs visit the training section of their website.

Special Events:  The Jewish Autism Trust sponsors monthly activities for its members. These include social events and autism related seminars. On December 11, 2012 there will be a Chanukah Party.  For more information visit the event section of their website.

To find out more details about the Jewish Autism Trust visit their website.  Special thanks to the Jewish Autism Trust for supporting those with autism in the Jewish community in the London, England area and being an excellent model for how an autism organization that is faith-based can reach out to its community. It seems that their model could be applied to other groups around the world.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts

Autism Light #49 is the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts is an Autism Light because they have demonstrated a commitment and compassion for autism by creating a faith based program for people with autism called A Special Grace. This program is an excellent demonstration of inclusion for those people with autism in Massachusetts who want to participate in religion through the Episcopal Church.

Services: A Special Grace is a religious program for people with autism and it is sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.  The program is hosted currently in the Epiphany Episcopal Church in Walpole, Massachusetts. On the first Sunday of every month at 2:00pm EST they hold a service and offer the Eucharist for those on the Autism spectrum and their families. These services take place at the Epiphany Episcopal Church in Walpole, Massachusetts located at 62 Front Street in Walpole, MA (directions are available at a link on their website).  Some of the features of the service outlined on this page of their website include:

• Sensory Spaces
• Sensory Diet Aids
• Gluten Free Wafers for the Eucharist
• A Parent Guide Available on the Service
• Therapeutic Play

Transition Inclusion: A Special Grace also has a program to help people with autism to be integrated (mainstreamed) into the congregation.

• They train volunteers to assist families with mainstreaming people with autism into the congregation.
• They help adapt some of the materials for the better understanding of people with autism.
• They train clergy on how to minister to the unique needs of people with autism. 

Resources: Clergy involved in A Special Grace are available to offer workshops at the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts Congregational Resource Days (including one coming up October 1, 2011).  Some of the resources are listed on their website.  A Rhythm of Grace also offers a quarterly newsletter on their ministry.  The most recent one is online. To find out more about A Special Grace visit their webiste at www.aspecialgrace.com.

Curriculum: A Special Grace uses a curriculum of the same name available from Church Publishing.  Audrey Scanlan and Linda Snyder are the author of this faith based resource for ministering to people with autism.

Social Media: To follow A Special Grace via social media Like Rhythms of Grace on Facebook.

If you know of other religious groups or clergy that are doing special things for people with autism please let us know and we will consider them for future recognition.  Email: autismlight@gmail.com.

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 September 26, 2011.
This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

B.J. McKelvie

Autism Light #42 is B.J. McKelvie.

B.J. McKelvie is from New Brunswick, Canada.  He is a musician and a trailblazer in the Christian faith in Canada to people with autism.  B.J. McKelvie is a clergy, a worship leader, a song writer, and a parent of a child with autism. His son Riley has autism. B.J. McKelvie is an Autism Light for helping write a song labeled as the "Anthem of Autism" and for starting Canada's first church for people with special needs like autism.

B.J. McKelvie has had a difficult past. When he was 20 years old he tried to commit suicide because of severe depression.  He credits God with giving him a new beginning after the despair of his past. The following is B.J. McKelvie being interviewed on 100 Huntley Street.  In this 20 minute video he discusses his personal problems of his past, his Christian faith, autism, his son Riley, and a popular song on autism that he co-wrote with Cathy Hutch called "I'm in Here".  In the interview Carly Fleischmann, who was the very first Autism Light and part of the inspiration for this series, is mentioned.

Song Writer:  In 2008, B.J. McKelvie co-wrote the "Anthem of Autism", I'm in Here with Cathy Hutch. Cathy Hutch was an Autism Light on September 1, 2011.  Proceeds from the sales of the song will be used to build the I'm in Here Healing Centers for Autism. B.J. McKelvie has a dream that these centers will be residential treatment centers for autism that will be located around Canada. The following is B.J. McKelvie's YouTube video of the song I'm in Here which has had over 144,000 views. 

In addition, B.J. McKelvie has written numerous Christian songs often classified as Christian rock and is a music producer. In 2008 he was named on of Canada's Top Ten Christian Artists. His first album released was an album on his faith called Accept Me As I Am. Accept Me As I Am can be heard on YouTube. Several of his songs can be heard on his YouTube Channel. His discography of 22 songs are listed on his song section of his website.  

Minister:  B.J. McKelvie founded the Family Circle Church in New Brunswick, Canada. This church is set up to provide a unique faith community that reduces barriers for those with disabilities and special needs, including autism, to worship God.  It is known as Canada's first church for special needs individuals. The following news story is about the establishment of Family Circle Church.

Social Media:  You can follow B.J. McKelvie on the following social media.

• YouTube Channel for B.J. McKelvie

Thank you B.J. McKelvie for being an Autism Light. For more information on B.J. McKelvie visit his website at www.bjmckelvie.com.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

This post went into syndication on Autisable.