The encounter Travis Rudolph had with Bo Paske prompted the boys mother Leah Paske to write on Facebook, "I'm not sure what exactly made this incredibly kind man share a lunch table with my son, but I'm happy to say that it will not soon be forgotten. This is one day I didn't have to worry if my sweet boy ate lunch alone, because he sat across from someone who is a hero in many eyes. Travis Rudolph thank you so much, you made this momma exceedingly happy, and have made us fans for life! (ESPN.com, Jared Shanker, FSU WR makes 'fans for life' by eating with autistic student. August 31, 2016)."
NFL: 2018 is Travis Rudolph's second season in the NFL as a wide receiver for the New York Giants. He is 6'0" and 190 lbs. Travis Rudolph's NFL stats are on ESPN.
Below is the news story that CBS This Morning produced in 2016 about Travis Rudolph and Bo Paske. The photo of the two eating lunch together went viral on social media.
Below is the original heartfelt post on Facebook that Leah Paske posted about how happy she was that her son was eating lunch with Travis Rudolph. After the picture went viral many students wanted to eat lunch with Bo Paske in the subsequent days of the school year.
Special thanks to Travis Rudolph for being an Autism Light and giving special attention and time for a boy with autism named Bo Paske. His example is an inspiration almost two years after his meeting with Bo Paske. We hope that Travis Rudolph's sensitive and caring actions will inspire other star athletes to spend time with children who have special needs. We wish Travis Rudolph all the best in his career in the NFL.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Jacob Velazquez is 7 years old and has autism. He was born on September 27, 2007 to Willie and Tina Velazquez. Jacob lives in South Florida and has been playing music on the piano since 2011, just before he turned 4. He is considered a piano prodigy with a photographic memory and has been respectfully called "Baby Beethoven", "Little Beethoven" and "Mini Mozart". Jacob Velazquez is an Autism Light for the way in which his talent in playing the piano can entertain others and give hope to others with autism as it spotlights the special gifts that some people with autism have.
Jacob Velazquez
Awards: When Jacob was four years old he won the double platinum trophy at a Stage Masters competition in Miami. Jacob was admitted to the prestigious National Musicians Guild by playing ten classical music pieces from memory.
The following is a video of Jacob Velazquez appearing on an Extraordinary Kids segment of the Steve Harvey show.
In the above video Jacob's mother, Tina, said on the Steve Harvey show, "I believe all children have gifts--with and without autism--it's just up to us to help discover them."
Tina Velazquez described Jacob's development as a musician at age 4 like this.
As he got older his behavior grew even more challenging but I also became even more aware of Jacob's capabilities. One day, shortly after his fourth birthday I heard the song playing from our family piano that my husband was playing the night before...but my husband was at work. I went to look to see who it was and to my surprise it was Jacob! I couldn't believe my eyes! It took us a while but we finally found a piano teacher that would take a 4 year old. His teacher soon became aware of his gift as he was flying through books learning 2-3 songs per week. It was so amazing to watch him. My son whom could never sit still could focus so intently on learning his songs on the piano. It seemed to be an outlet for him, helping him to express his feelings and emotions (Tina Velazquez via Autism Speaks Blog).
Hobbies: Jacob is a huge fan of Taylor Swift and even created a "Taylor" character on his wii just in case she ever comes over to play with him.
Album: Jacob is currently working on what will be his first album. He presently has two singles available for download on his iTunes page. You can also watch his first music video on YouTube based on one of the singles.
If you want to find out more about Jacob Velazquez visit his official website at www.jacobvelazquez.com.
Special thanks to Jacob Velazquez for inspiring the autism community with your accomplishments and entertaining the world with your talent. We hope that your story will encourage others with autism to play piano no matter what their skill level might be. We expect to be hearing much more about Jacob Velazquez in the years to come.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Photo: The photo in this post was used with permission of Tina Velazquez.
Jason Andrew Mann was an educator in Panama City Beach, Florida. Jason Mann was born on July 27, 1971, and passed away on December 23, 2013, from pneuomonia. At the time of his death, at age 42, he was serving as a teacher for children with autism at Breakfast Point Academy in Panama City Beach. Jason leaves a legacy of service to his students with autism. He is survived by his wife Jennifer; parents, Lee Ann and Patrick; grandmother, Rita Muffett; children, Caitlyn and Joshua; brothers John and Jacob. His funeral service was held on December 28, 2013, at Southerland Funeral Home in Panamas City Beach. Jason Mann will be placed on the Autism Light Memorial Roll today.
The following is a news video on the passing of Jason Mann.
Jason Mann had graduated from Florida State University. At the time of his death, he was working on a Master's degree in Speech and Language, with an emphasis on autism. Jason's future plans were to have his own practice where he would work with children with autism.
"Jason was making a career change to be a middle school science teacher," his wife Jennifer told Autism Light. "After having the opportunity to work with kindergarten children with autism, he suddenly knew he had found his calling. Upon receiving his own class of students, he was never happier at a job."
Jason's effective style of teaching children with autism included energy, passion and utilizing his unique talent to draw pictures of concepts for his students. Although his time as a teacher was cut short, he has left a lasting impression on his former students with autism.
Some of the praises given to Jason Mann posthumously were from parents of the children he taught:
Parent Allison Albano said, "He didn't realize the gift he had, a very humble man but he had a gift. He had a lot more to give and we needed him a lot longer."
Jason Mann with his wife Jennifer and children Caitlyn and Joshua
Following Jason Mann's death fundraisers were set to benefit his family. There is a Facebook Page called Love for the Mann Family that chronicles some of the events held in Jason's honor in 2014. There was specifically a Golf Ball Drop Fundraiser held in February 2014 to benefit Jason Mann's family.
Jason Mann's legacy lives on at Breakfast Point Academy, where there sits a memorial bench in front of the school in his honor. The school he taught at also designated April 24, 2015 as Jason Mann day. Students can pay $1 to wear their favorite team shirts and the proceeds will benefit autism education.
Jason Mann is representative of the countless educators who invest their lives in teaching children with autism. Our thoughts are with Jason Mann's family and the Panama City Beach autism community who continue to feel his absence. It is hoped that young people will be encouraged to go into autism education and shine a light for autism and become an exceptional teacher for exceptional people just like Jason Mann was. Truly the best tribute one can give Jason Mann is for passionate and caring young people to follow in his footsteps and start the journey to become an autism teacher, making a difference in a field where the need is so great.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Photo: The photo of Jason Mann was used with permission of Jennifer Mann.
Robin Shari-Rosenthal Parker, of North Lauderdale, Florida, was a professor in the communications sciences and disorders field at Nova Southeastern University. She passed away on July 16, 2014, at the age of 50, from pancreatic cancer. Robin Parker is survived by her husband Glenn, a daughter Sarah, and a son Michael. Also, surviving are her parents Lenore and David Rosenthal. Dr. Robin Parker is an Autism Light for her insights into autism and her decades of providing practical help with the communication needs of people with autism. Robin Parker will be placed on the Autism Light Memorial Roll today.
At the time of her death, Robin Parker was a professor at Nova Southeastern University. In order to improve communication with individuals who have autism, her work also included an interest in a study of effective communication Apps for mobile devices. Wren Newman, the Executive Director at the Speech Pathology program at Nova Southeastern University said,
We'll make sure she is not forgotten. Our students will know about her and her work. She was positive and gave families hope and strategies to implement with their children. In the 30 years I've been in this field, I can't think of a positive descriptor that I couldn't use about Robin (Wren Newman as Quoted in the Miami Herald, July 17, 2014).
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/living/article1975920.html#storylink=cpy
The following is an interview of Dr. Robin Parker on communication conducted by Dr. Cyndy Hayes.
PrAACtical AAC Blog: Robin Parker along with her colleague Dr. Carole Zangari founded the PrAACtical AAC blog to promote supports for language learning in 2012. Dr. Zangari said, "The blog was a happy place for [Robin]. She was all about helping individuals who can't speak gain a voice (Autism Daily Newscast, July 19, 2014)."
There are many resources available on the PrAACtical AAC blog. Strategies, videos, a tool box, and other material are available for therapists and people that work with autism. The blog also includes several supports to help observe Jewish Disability Awareness Month.
Parent Testimony: Mona Nasser said, "My daughter is an adult now and because of the work Robin did she will be able to manage her life in a meaningful way. I've since had the privilege of calling her one of my best friends and she lived her life like she left it--with dignity, respect and compassion (Mona Nasser as Quoted in the Miami Herald, July 17, 2014)."
The contributions that Dr. Robin Parker made for autism won't soon be forgotten. They have enriched human lives and have ushered in groundbreaking understandings of communications that will be felt in the field of autism for years to come. It is hoped that the legacy of Robin Parker will encourage other people to become experts in communications in order to shine a light for autism. Our thoughts continue to be with her family in their loss.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Autism Light Classic Updated on December 23, 2015. Autism Light #368 is the My Autistic Muslim Child Blog.
The blog My Autistic Muslim Child was started in February, 2010, and is written by an autism mother from Orlando, Florida whose son Amin has autism. My Autistic Muslim Child is an Autism Light because it is uniquely supporting autism families in the Muslim community through the encouragement it provides on the blog. The blog can be found at myautisticmuslimchild.wordpress.com.
Spiritual Encouragement: There is a label on the right side of the blog that emphasizes the hope the blog tries to bring to other parents in the Muslim faith that says, "Never Give up Hope of Allah's mercy." That heading is followed by a quote from the Quran 12:87, "Certainly no one despairs of Allah's mercy, except the people who disbelieve."
The creator of the blog describes her purpose for the blog in this manner,
I realized that I needed to do something to show my fellow Muslim parents that autism is part of our lives, and that we should accept Allah's decree, and move forward. We continue to make du'a for him to outgrow this condition, and we have the greatest of hope and trust in Allah that He will continue to show us amazing things from this amazing child who is special in so many ways (My Autistic Muslim Child, About).
The tag line on the blog My Autistic Muslim Child is "A Site for Learning, Sharing and Support for Muslim Families." The helpfulness of this blog is in no way limited to the Muslim community, although the passion to help that faith community is clear. The blogger provides varied posts that range from research to inspirational encouragement.
The blog My Autistic Muslim Child is a blessing to the autism community, specifically for how it shines a light on the journey families in the Muslim community travel. While the blog is specifically of value to Muslim families desiring to learn, grow, and share the bond of community, those outside the Muslim faith can certainly read the blog to learn about the Muslim faith, varying aspects of autism, and the art of being a devoted autism mother.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. Special Note: The blog references all new posts being placed on a new website at myautisticmuslimchild.com, but that was found to be offline upon a review of this post on December 23, 2015. We have changed the links for the time being to the wordpress.com website which was apparently the original website the blogger developed. Please leave a comment if the new website is back online.
Joshua James (JJ) Hart is a four year old boy with autism who lives in DeBary, Florida. JJ's Chickens have made a tremendous difference in his life over the past three years. Currently he has three chickens named Acorn, Nugget and Snow. JJ calls them his "ducks". JJ's Chickens are Autism Light because of the therapeutic help they provide for JJ.
Ashleigh Hart, JJ's mother, describes the help the chickens provide for her son and his autism in this way:
JJ’s chickens really helped him come out of his shell! He is physically active and social. The chickens helped give JJ something to look forward to. They love him with no conditions and in turn, he loves them. When he comes home from school, he goes out, he sees his chickens, gives them treats and plays with them and is content.
They have helped him physically, mentally, socially and even in terms of his diet (he eats the hens’ eggs). The chickens encouraged him to speak. He started making sounds and mimicking them when he was younger. (As quoted by Alex Strickland for Autism Daily Newscast, March 13, 2014).
JJ Hart's family acquired the chickens before any city zoning issue or controversy surfaced in their community about private ownership of chickens. But after they had been with JJ for a year, JJ's Chickens got packaged into a one year pilot program to regulate them within the City of DeBary, Florida. Then in 2013, the City Council voted to end the program and prohibit chickens, including JJ's Chickens, from being in the city limits anymore. The Hart family hired an attorney and were victorious in this important case for the autism community. In the end, because the chickens were being used for therapy for a person with a disability, JJ's family received a special accommodation from the city council permiting three chickens at a time to be at their property in DeBary, Florida for as long as JJ lives in the home (Orlando Sentinel, December 11, 2013). For more information on this civic disability case visit JJ's Chickens website.
The Autism Daily Newscast reported that "Dr. Emily Forrest, a developmental behavioral pediatrician for Florida Hospital for Children voiced that although chickens are unconventional in the use of Autism therapy as dogs and horses are more commonly used JJ. has bonded with them and made progress (Autism Daily Newscast, December 7, 2013)."
Social Media: If you would like to keep track of JJ's Chickens join the Facebook Group called Save JJ HART's "Ducks".
JJ's Chickens are the first chickens to be honored at Autism Light and a link to this article will be placed today on the Animals Page at Autism Light. It is possible that chickens could help some other person or child with autism somewhere in the world. We wish JJ the best in his life and hope his chickens will continue to be a blessing to him in his development. Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. The photos in this post were used with permission of Ashleigh Hart.
Cliff Kresge is a 45 year old professional golfer and an autism father. Cliff Kresge's 13 year old son Mason has autism. Cliff Kresge has homes in both Heathrow, Florida and Kingsport, Tennessee. The headquarters of Kresge's Krew Foundation is in Kingsport, Tennnessee and proceeds benefit autism in East Tennessee, which has fewer autism resources than Florida. Cliff Kresge is an Autism Light for his dedication as an autism father and for how his golfing and charitable work makes a difference for autism in East Tennessee. Golfer: Cliff Kresge states on his website that, "I got started in golf at age 8 when my parents moved to the 13th hole of Dubsdread GC in Orlando, FL. My swing is natural. I learned to play the game on my own, without an instructor (Cliff Kresge.Net)." Kresge turned pro in 1991 and made his PGA debut in 1994. You can view his golfing statistics at his page on ESPN. Cliff Kresge was the winner of the 2002 Virginia Beach Open.
Golf Week Magazine Father of the Year: In 2011 Cliff Kresge was honored as the Father of the Year by Golf Week Magazine.
Kresge's Krew Foundation: Cliff Kresge started Kresge's Krew Foundation in honor of his son Mason. Kresge said, "My son inspired us to do our foundation. It's a bittersweet thing, but it is very gratifying and very rewarding (Knox News, August 20, 2012)."
"Kresge's Krew Foundation has raised some $350,000 over the past five years for autism care in East Tennessee (PGATour.com, Jeff Shain, April 24, 2013)." Cliff Kresge said, "Every little bit helps. It doesn't go far enough, I promise you. But to me, awareness is the biggest thing (PGATour.com, Jeff Shain, April 24, 2013)."
Find out more information about Kresge's Krew Foundation on their Website.
The following is a video of Cliff Kresge explaining about the third year of the Kresge's Krew Tourney for Autism Awareness that was held in September, 2011.
After a fundraising event in 2010, Kresge said, "My message with an event like this is that autism isn't some sort of death sentence--autism is something you can function with if you get the proper help. I've learned to appreciate what I have in my life, because I've learned some kids don't have a choice in how their lives go (Golf Week.com, Jeff Babineau, September 16, 2010)."
Social Media: You can follow Cliff Kresge on the following social media areas.
Special thanks to Cliff Kresge for being an Autism Light. The blessing he is providing to the autism community in East Tennessee is impacting many lives. We wish him the best in all his autism awareness and his ongoing roll as one of our super autism fathers.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Herbert A. Kahn passed away at age 80 on September 29, 2005. He was from both Boynton Beach, Florida and Mahwah, New Jersey. Herbert A. Kahn is an Autism Light for being a founder of autism organizations that were important in the early history of autism diagnosis. He was part of a small group who along with Bernard Rimland and Ruth Sullivan founded the National Society for Autistic Children (now the Autism Society of America). He was also a founder of the New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (now Autism New Jersey). You can read Herbert A. Kahn's family placed obituary online at Legacy.com. Herbert Kahn will be added to the Autism Light Memorial Roll today and join other autism heroes who are at rest.
The Six Letter Word blog paints a picture of the founding of the National Society for Autistic Children (now the Autism Society of America) in an Autism Profile on Herbert Kahn.
He promoted autism awareness starting in 1965, when little was known about autism and families affected by autism had scant hope for happiness or understanding. During that time, it was believed that autism was a severe emotional disturbance caused by poor parenting, not the neurological disorder we know it is today. It’s difficult enough to learn for the first time that your child will be challenged his or her whole life by autism. But the belief of that era – that you as a parent caused your child’s autism – must have been devastating. I’m impressed that Mr. Kahn and his wife Rosalyn were one of the many families who read Dr. Bernard Rimland’s book INFANTILE AUTISM, which refuted this parenting theory and instead advanced the theory that autism was an organic disability. Dr. Rimland and Ruth Sullivan organized the first meeting of the NSAC, which was held in Herbert and Rosalyn Kahn’s home. That meeting gave the founding parents hope for a better future for their children and spread that hope to countless other families over many years (Source).
Education: Herbert Kahn earned his bachelor's degree from Indiana University.
Military Service: Herbert Kahn served in the Navy during World War II.
Career: For 50 years, Herbert Kahn was the owner and principal of J.L. Kahn & Sons, Inc. and was a manufacturers representative in the food service industry.
Autism Work: Herbert A. Kahn was a leader for autism and improved the lives of children with autism in New Jersey and beyond through his work in three important bodies.
In 1965 he was one of the founders of the National Society for Autistic Children (now the Autism Society of America).
He was a founder and Board member of the New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community (now Autism New Jersey)
Herbert A. Kahn was survived by his daughters "Ellen Kahn Rampell and Laura Kahn; a son, Jerry; a brother, Richard; and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife of 44 years, Roslyn T. Kahn. A funeral service was held at Beth-El Cemetery in Westwood, NJ on October 2, 2005 (Source)."
We remember Herbert A. Kahn today and all his work for autism. May his legacy continue to inspire others to give of themselves for the cause of autism.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Reid Soria is a 25 year old young man who has autism. He is from the Fort Walton Beach, Florida area. Reid Soria is an Autism Light because of how he is using his gift of singing to entertain and encourage others. "I accept what I am, what I've always been on the inside. I am...a performer," said Reid on his Facebook FanClub Page.
Reid Soria's YouTube Channel provides this introduction to the musician.
"When words fail, autism sings!" Meet Reid Soria, a talented young singer diagnosed with autism at the age of three. At the time little hope was given for any progress in his development; in fact, it was recommended he be placed in an institution. But through years of hard work, faith, and hope, Reid has exceeded all expectations. Now he is pursuing his dream to become a professional singer and to help educate the public that having a disability doesn't mean having a lack of ability. We hope Reid will help to inspire anyone who hears him to pursue their own dreams with courage and conviction (Source).
There are dozens of inspirational videos of Reid Soria singing on his YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/user/floridarn16. We've embeded two of them here.
Here is Reid Soria singing the songs "You Raise Me Up" and "Thankful."
The following is Reid Soria singing the Christmas song, "Mary, Did You Know".
High School: Reid Soria graduated from Choctawhatchee Senior High School in 2004 (Source/Facebook). Pyramid Players, Inc.: Reid Soria has been part of the Pyramid Players of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida and the experience has given him opportunities to develop his talent. The Pyramid Players are a group of developmentally disabled individuals who are using their musical and artistic talents to perform throughout Florida and in Georgia and Alabama (Source). Reid Soria was part of the Pyramid Players as they performed the play, "Taking New York City" in 2012.
Facebook: There are two ways on Facebook that you can follow Reid Soria's inspiring career as an adult with autism.
Special thanks to Reid Soria for sharing his musical talents with us. He is an inspiration to the autism community and his life is a living example that people with autism can accomplish their dreams. If you like this story you may wish to read about other individuals featured on Autism Light who have autism by going to the "Has Autism" Page. A link to Reid Soria's page will also be placed in the Florida Lights Page and in the Autism Light Music Page.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
James King is a military contractor from Orlando, Florida. He is married to Diane King and is the father of five children. James King is an Autism Light because on April 13, 2010, he rescued then 11 year old Nadia Bloom from a Florida swamp where she had been missing for four days.
Nadia Bloom has the high functioning form of autism known as Asperger's Syndrome. She disappeared on April 9, 2010 and it would later be revealed that she had went on a hike by herself and got lost in an alligator infested swamp in Winter Springs, Florida. Search teams had been trying for days to find her. James King went out in the swam by himself on the morning of April 13, 2010 to search for her. When he found her James King used his cell phone to call 911 for help to get Nadia Bloom out of the swamp. Here is a news story on this rescue of a girl with autism done by the Today show in April, 2010.
James King proclaimed that God helped him find Nadia Bloom. Norris J. Chumley gave this account in the Huffington Post about how faith helped James King be an Autism Light.
Rescue teams searched for days on foot, by helicopter, and with search dogs, but James King, a volunteer and member of Nadia's church, began to pray while searching. On ABC's Good Morning America, King said, "I prayed and prayed, and God showed me the way. The hardest part of it was getting out of my own way; putting my own thoughts aside and listening to God." Appearing on NBC's Today Show, King confessed to Meredith Vieira that his wife, Diane King, gave him advice the night before joining the search, "James, when we lose something we pray in the spirit and we always find it.(Source)."
Tanya Bloom, Nadia's mother said, "'Thank you' is not appropriate for what James King did. We are so fortunate God used him to bring her back to us (Source)."
For more information on this rescue on April 13, 2010, see the following news stories
Special thanks to James King for being an Autism Light and helping find Nadia Bloom when she was missing in 2010. When hope was diminishing for Nadia, James King armed with his faith and courage went searching for her. We wish both James King and Nadia best wishes in the years ahead.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
The State of Florida is the home of 22 Autism Lights. They include parents, individuals with autism, politicians, professors, a teacher, and athletes. People who live in Florida with autism are blessed that the state is the home to several foundations started by autism parents who live in Florida.
Florida Autism Lights
Individuals with Autism:
Joshua Banks is an artist who has autism. He lives in Jensen Beach, Florida.
Anita Lesko is a writer and anestheseologist who has Asperger's. She lives in Pensecola, Florida.
King Richard has autism and is from Pensecola, Florida.
Reid Soria is a musician who has autism from Ft. Walton Beach, Florida.
Jacob Velazquez is a piano prodigy who has autism from South Florida.
Athletes:
Travis Rudolph is an NFL wide receiver and former standout at Florida State that showed compassion to a student with autism. He is from West Palm Beach, Florida.
Autism Parents
Troy Blevins is an Autism Father from St. Augustine, Florida. He has raised awareness for autism through walking across the country.
Cliff Kresge is an Autism Father with a home in Heathrow, Florida. He is a professional golfer and founder of Kresge's Krew Foundation that benefits autism charities in East Tennessee.
The late Herbert A. Kahn (1925-2005) helped found the Autism Society of America in 1965. He lived in Boynton Beach, Florida. His name is on the Autism Light Memorial Roll.
The late Jason Mann (1971-2013) was a teacher of students with autism at Breakfast Point Academy in Panama City Beach, Florida. His name is on the Autism Light Memorial Roll.
The late Robin Parker (196x-2014) was a professor a Nova Southeastern University who specialized in Communication Disorders related to autism. She was from North Lauderdale, Florida. Her name is on the Autism Light Memorial Roll.
You may reach all these posts by searching the blog through the "Florida" Label.
The photo used in this post is the Florida Sunrise by Scott Meltzer.
The map of Florida is from the Wikipedia Commons.
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.
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.
Jim Palmer is a retired Hall of Fame Baseball Player. His stepson Spencer has autism. Jim Palmer has his primary home in Palm Beach, Florida. Jim Palmer is an Autism Light for his support of autism in his own family and for helping an autism charity through a special auction.
Baseball Career: Jim Palmer was a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles from 1965-1984. He won 268 games and never gave up a Grand Slam. His complete statistics are on his ESPN page. Jim Palmer was voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990. The following is the Hall of Fame Video on Jim Palmer.
Baseball Announcer: Jim Palmer became a baseball announcer after his playing days were over. He worked with ABC Sports on a popular broadcasting team that included Al Michaels and Tim McCarver from 1985-1989 and 1994-1995. Palmer also has a condominium in Baltimore and serves as the current color commentator for Baltimore Orioles baseball games for the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network.
Jim Palmer has been known to wear the Autism Speaks pin while broadcasting. When asked why he wears the pin, Jim Palmer said,
It's for autism awareness. My stepson is autistic - actually, Aspergers, which is supposedly a higher functioning form of the autism spectrum - and they're trying to figure out what causes autism. The puzzle (piece) is that they're looking for an answer (Source).
Here is a video where Jim Palmer talks about how he keeps healthy today. The video includes portions of Palmer sharing about autism and his stepson Spencer. At the conclusion of the video Jim Palmer says, "You do the best you can and you hope that somewhere down the road that they are going to make inroads into finding what really causes autism and it would certainly be great to be a part of that."
Auction of Baseball Awards: On July 10, 2012, Jim Palmer put 2 of his Gold Glove Awards and 3 CY Young Awards up for Auction (Source). David Brown of Yahoo Sports writes about the auction, "Some of the proceeds will go to the autism project of Palm Beach County, Fla. (Palmer has a 15-year-old stepson named Spencer, who has autism) and the rest will go in the bank, perhaps to help fund the education of Palmer's grandchildren (Source)."
Wikipedia: You can find out more about Jim Palmer at his Wikipedia Page.
Special thanks to Jim Palmer for being an inspiration to the autism community. Jim Palmer shows that one need not be a biological father to be an autism father. His dedication as a step-father to an individual with autism is an example for all autism fathers. Jim Palmer becomes the 8th Major League Baseball Player to be featured on Autism Light. A complete list is found on the Autism Light Sports Page.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Photo: The photo of Jim Palmer is in the Wikipedia Commons and is attributed to Keith Allison.
Anita Lesko is from Pensacola, Florida. Anita was diagnosed with Aspergers at age 50, and lived the first five decades of her life without knowing about how Aspergers impacted her relationships and life. Autism though has not held Anita back from working to help others. She is an anesthesiologist, author, speaker, trainer, and one of a group of leaders seeking to establish a mentor program for people with Aspergers. Anita Lesko is an Autism Light for the important role she has filled in bringing awareness of autism through her writing and working to establish a program for mentors for people with Aspergers.
Anita Lesko is working with Dr. Tony Atwood and Craig Evans on a Aspie Mentor series. Craig Evans was Autism Light #178 and you can learn more about him at his entry on Autism Light. The first book is Been There. Done That. Try This! In the video below Anita announces her book and also asks for the help of anyone with Aspergers to take her survey so the results can be used to determine the most relevant content for the series and give insight for the mentor program going forward. The survey can be taken at her official website at www.bornwithaspergers.com.
Anita Lesko announces "Been There. Done That. Try This!" The first book in the Aspie Mentor series.
In addition to her key role in the new Aspie Mentor series, Anita Lesko is also the author of Asperger's Syndrome: When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Lemonade, which was published in August, 2011. In November, 2011 Anita directed the DVD Born with Asperger's. In the book she writes:
Asperger's syndrome is poorly understood by most people. In fact, many people in the medical and mental health fields truly do not comprehend the magnitude of the challenges that people with Asperger's face much less how to help them.
More information on her book is available on her website. Anita also appears in Chapter 7 of Dr. Temple Grandin's new book Different...Not Less. Dr. Temple Grandin was Autism Light #38 and has her own feature at Autism Light that readers may enjoy checking out.
Anita Lesko was interviewed by Craig Evans at Autism Hangout and here is the video of that conversation that was released in December, 2011.
Asperger's Support Group: In 2011, Anita Lesko started an Asperger's Support Group in her community. She has 25 consistent members who range in age from 10 to 65 years old. Parents are also sometimes involved in the group alongside their children. Anita Lesko writes this about her experience:
I have been conducting my group with positive thinking and have really made a difference in so many of their lives. It makes me very happy, and it makes me want to do more, on a global scale, to help them live their best life possible.
Speaker: Anita Lesko enjoys speaking to others about Asperger's. She had the opportunity to speak at the Inclusion conference in March at the University of West Florida.
Profession: Anita Lesko received her Master of Science in Anesthesia from Columbia University in 1988. She passed her board certification for Nurse Anesthetists on her first attempt in December, 1988. She has worked full-time as an anesthesiologist for 24 years. In her role as an anesthesiologist she is assigned patients with ASD. Because of her experience as someone with Aspergers she is well suited to give special care for patients with ASD going through medical procedures. She dims the lights in the pre-op area, operating room, and recovery room. She also tells her coworkers in the hosptial to minimize touch, movement, and noise. Anita Lesk told Autism Light, "This is a very rewarding experience, because I immediately tell the patient and family in pre-op that I have Asperger's, and I've actually had mom's burst out crying and throw their arms around me that I'm going to be taking care of their beloved child with autism."
Special Interests: Anita is also a photographer. Inspired by the movie TOP GUN, she served as a military aviation photojournalist from 1995-2002 and had her work internationally published. During this time she got to fly in an F-15 fighter jet, a Navy training helicopter, and spend a lot of time with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
Future Plans: Anita told Autism Light, "I have now put my laser-focus on helping others with Asperger's Syndrome. Working together with Dr. Tony Attwood and Craig Evans, we are going to create the biggest Asperger Mentor system on the planet." If you would like to contact Anita Lesko with any questions on her Aspie Mentor series, the related survey, or any other issue, she invites you to contact her at the email of anita@bornwithaspergers.com.
Special thanks to Anita Lesko for being an advocate for the needs of people with Asperger's Syndrome. The autism community benefits from having her efforts as an Autism Light.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Autism Light #174 is The Honorable Joan Lenard.
The Honorable Joan Lenard is a United States Judge on the United District Court for the Southern District Court of Florida. Judge Lenard was appointed to the court by President William Clinton in 1995. On March 23, 2012, Judge Joan Lenard issued a ruling in the case of K.G. vs. Dudek. Her ruling in effect required the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration to cover ABA therapy for children in the Medicaid program, when prescribed appropriately by medical personnel for children with autism. The Honorable Joan Lenard is an Autism Light for handing down this ruling that will benefit potentially 8,000 children with autism in Florida.
Judge Lenard said of this case regarding ABA therapy and Medicaid coverage, "This case, if not the most important, is one of the most important cases that I have ever heard (Source)." The Honorable Judge Joan Lenard is in the process of creating a formal opinion, but she issued the ruling in order to have an immediate effect on its implications for children needing ABA therapy. The ruling was praised by Autism Speaks.
In making her ruling, Judge Lenard said:
Plaintiffs have established through their expert witnesses that there exists in the scientific and medical peer-reviewed literature a plethora of meta-analyses, studies and articles that clearly establish ABA as an effective and significant treatment to prevent disability and to restore children to their best possible functional level and restore their developmental skills (Source).
For more information on ABA therapy at the Autism Light blog you may wish to read Spotlight #1 on ABA Therapy or to search for all posts with the label ABA in them. Other Articles: Here are some news articles on this ruling.
Special thanks to The Honorable Joan Lenard for making this ruling to benefit children with autism. She becomes the first judge to be recognized on Autism Light. Some judical rulings are appealed and overturned by a higher court, but others set a precedence that have far reaching implications for other jurisdictions. We hope the later is the case in this ruling that is a bright light for autism.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
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