Tiffany Alberts

Autism Light #314 is Tiffany Alberts.

Tiffany Alberts is a Special Needs Resource Teacher at Lakeview Middle School for the Warsaw Community Schools in Warsaw, Indiana. With her leadership she arranged for a 13 year old boy named Jacob Brock who has multiple disabilities, including autism and cerebral palsy, to have the opportunity to score a touchdown in a special Pink Out Football Game on September 10, 2013. Tiffany Alberts is an Autism Light for the joy she brought to Jacob Brock's life through setting up this opportunity for him. Autism Light also gives a special mention to the Warsaw Tigers football team who helped Tiffany Alberts create this special experience for Jacob.

Jacob Brock loves football and he had surgery last year to temporarily extend his ability to walk and run. Playing football, like so many young people do, will not be physically possible for Jacob. His teacher Tiffany Alberts arranged for Jacob to have the opportunity to score a touchdown in a game at his school.

Here is a video of Jacob Brock scoring the touchdown during the football game on Sept. 10, 2013.


You can also watch a video of a news story on ABC57.com when they covered Jacob Brock's first touchdown.

Tiffany Alberts said, “Jacob isn’t going to get the opportunity to run in a normal football game like a lot of typical kids can. I just thought it would be something he would really enjoy and remember. I just wanted him to have a shot (The Greatest Touchdown Ever Made, Stacey Page Online).”

Jacob's parents, Jeremy and Charity Brock appreciate the dedication of Tiffany Alberts toward their son. Charity Brock said, "She's just awesome! She knows he loves to play sport (The Greatest Touchdown Ever Made, Stacey Page Online).”

You can find out more about Tiffany Alberts and Jacob Brock's first touchdown in these online features.

• When a Touchdown Becomes a Homerun, Autism Speaks News Section
• Teen with Disabilities Scores His First Ever Touchdown, ABC57.com (VIDEO)
• The Greatest Touchdown Ever Made, Stacey Page Online

Special thanks to Tiffany Alberts for being an Autism Light. She is representative of the genuine commitment to go the second mile that many teachers put forth when working with their students with autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

David Ide

Autism Light #274 is David Ide.

David Ide was the Executive Director and co-founder of the Cornerstone Autism Foundation. He had lived in Zionsville, Indiana since 2006. On June 6, 1992, David Ide married Debbie Debolt. Their children Madison and Austin were born in 1997 and are fraternal twins and their son Austin has autism. David Ide is an Autism Light for his dedication as a father and co-founder of an autism service organization in Indiana.

David Ide was born on October 7, 1964 in Petoskey, Michigan and passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on March 4, 2013, from what was believed to be a ruptured aorta. You can read David Ide's obituary online at the Indianapolis Star. David Ide will be added to the Autism Light Memorial Roll today as he is added to Autism Light. 

Education: David Ide earned his Bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University. 

Cornerstone Autism Center/Foundation: David Ide was the co-founder of the Cornerstone Autism Center/Foundation and at the time of his death was serving as its Executive Director. He had a passion to start the Cornerstone Autism Center because of experiencing first hand, as an autism parent, the need for more organizations to effectively meet the needs of children with autism. Cornerstone Autism Center has locations in Greenwood and West Lafayette, Indiana. Here's how their website describes this autism service organization. 

The Cornerstone Autism Foundation was founded in December of 2011 by David Ide, Debbie Ide and Ken Weadick to maximize those who struggle, embrace those who love, and fulfill those who serve in the autism community. Cornerstone Autism Foundation accomplishes its mission by providing grants and sponsorships to Indiana-based nonprofit organizations, schools and charitable events that serve and benefit children living with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (Source).

The following is a news story where David Ide is featured as the Executive Director of Cornerstone Autism Center as they gave iPads for children with autism in their community.

Here is a video of David Ide at a Rock Out for Autism Fundraiser on September 29, 2012 that benefited Cornerstone Autism Center. 
Debbie Ide issued the following statement to the community about the future of Cornerstone Autism Center after David Ide's passing.

We wish to assure you that Cornerstone will strongly and with integrity continue on. Cornerstone Autism Center stands as David's legacy to the world, his gift to all of us. What began as a dream became a reality that will continue to bring hope, support and empowerment to those with autism and those who love them. In the emotional aftermath of this tragedy, you can be comforted in the knowledge that the amazing therapy and care of children that has been associated with Cornerstone Autism Center will not be diminished in anyway. Our 'best in class' service will be maintained. Our desire to honor David compels that (Source).

Other Activities: David Ide's obituary said, "David was a past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus, an active member of the Boys and Girls Club board, and taught religious education at St. Alphonsus (Source)." 
Social Media: You can follow the Cornerstone Autism Center/Foundation at the following social media areas.

• Twitter @CornerstoneFndn
• YouTube Channel
• Facebook Page for Cornerstone Autism Center

David Ide Memorial Fund: The David Ide Memorial Fund has been established in David Ide's memory. You can donate online toward this at this link. Those that started the Memorial Fund said, "David Ide has helped so many children and families who struggle with Autism Spectrum Disorder. He has impacted so many lives, especially our children who are affected by autism. In honor of our beloved leader, we have created the David Ide Memorial Fund through his foundation (Source)."
We honor the memory of David Ide and hope that his example as a parent and leader for autism will inspire others to do whatever they can wherever they are. David Ide was truly a light for autism during his life and his influence continues to be felt by those who knew him and who experience the Cornerstone Autism Center.  After his death David's wife Debbie said, "This tragedy reminds us all how short life truly is. May you live today as intentionally as David lived his life (Source)." The autism community experienced a tremendous loss when David Ide passed away and our thoughts continue to be with David Ide's family at this time of loss, especially his wife Debbie and his twins Madison and Austin.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Jacob Barnett

Autism Light #227 is Jacob Barnett.

Jacob Barnett is a 13 year old college student from Indianapolis, Indiana who has Asperger's. He is a child prodigy for his amazing talents in mathematics and physics. Dr. Joanne Ruthsatz, a Psychology Professor at Ohio State University, says that Jacob's talent is 1 in 10 million (Source: See 60 Minutes Segment on Jacob Barnett below). Jake Barnett is an Autism Light for demonstrating the exceptional achievements that some people with autism possess as he excels in the important fields of math and science. Only a small percentage of those with autism have the talents that Jake Barnett has, but he demonstrates the amazing potential in some people who are diagnosed with autism. 

Here is a 60 Minutes segment done on Jacob Barnett in January, 2012. 

In the 60 Minutes segment, Jacob was told that his parents say he is proud of his autism and Jacob responded by saying:

That [Autism] I believe is the reason why I am in college and I am so successful. It is the rise as to my love for math and science and astronomy. It is the reason why I care. Otherwise I wouldn't have gotten this far.

At age 10, Jacob Barnett was accepted into Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI).  His academic achievements are described in this way on his website:

Barnett is quickly running out of advanced math classes that he can actually take. He often tutors fellow students, normally graduate and post-graduate students. He is also developing an alternative theory to the Big Bang Theory, his hypothesis being that the Big Bang couldn’t have happened through advanced math. Barnett has a tested math IQ of 170, the highest that can be tested for. IUPUI is seeking to move him from a student to a paid researcher’s position (Source).

The following video is Jacob Barnett giving a talk called "Forget What You Learn" for TEDxTeen.

Jacob's mother, Kristine Barnett, started Jacob's Place in 2000. It is now an autism charity that helps 200 children with autism in Indiana. 

Social Media: You can follow Jacob Barnett on the following social media pages.

• Facebook
• Twitter @JacobBarnet
• YouTube @mathboysmom

Jacob Barnett is on pace to graduate from college next year at age 14 and then plans to go on for his PhD.  He was the youngest person ever to be published in Physical Review A, a physics journal. He is also working on writing a book to help reduce the phobia people have toward mathematics.

Special thanks to Jacob Barnett for being an Autism Light. We expect to continue to hear amazing things from this young man from Indiana as he makes the transition from student to contributing to society as a math and science expert.  

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.



Marian DeMyer

Autism Light #216 is Dr. Marian K. DeMyer.

Marian K. DeMyer was born on October 30, 1922 in Greensburg, Indiana. She died on July 15, 2012. She was a pioneer autism researcher and professor emeritus at Indiana University.  Marian K. DeMyer is an Autism Light because of the impact her efforts had to autism research and therapy. She is being named an Autism Light posthumously and will be added to the Autism Light Memorial Roll.

Marian DeMyer's obituary at Legacy.com shares this about her contribution to autism research:

Dr. DeMyer was a research pioneer in Childhood Schizophrenia, later known as Autism. Her research at LaRue Carter Hospital and the Institute of Psychiatric Research at Indiana University provided the ground work for later research by others that identified and defined the spectrum of Autism (Source).

Marian DeMyer is regarded as a pioneer in the use of Applied Behavioral Analysis to work with individuals with autism. The Autism Research Institute tweeted this message about Marian DeMyer's influence on ABA therapy on their Twitter Account in November 2, 2011.

Did you know? Marian DeMyer and Charles Ferster pioneered the use of behavioral strategies with individuals on the spectrum.
— Autism Research Inst (@TreatingASD) November 2, 2011

For more information on ABA read the Autism Light Spotlight #1 on ABA.

Literature: Marian K. DeMyer was a prolific writer of her autism research. The following are some important publications of hers.

• A Comparison of Five Diagnostic Systems: In 1971, Dr. Marian K. DeMyer published an article called A Comparison of Five Systems for Childhood Schizophrenia and Infantile Autism. 
• Parents and Children with Autism: In 1979, Dr. Marian K. DeMyer wote the book Parents and Children with Autism. This was one of the first books for families facing autism.
• Infantile Autism Reviewed: A Decade of Research: In 1981, Dr. Marian K. DeMeyer published an article on A Decade of Research on Autism. The article has been referenced by many other subsequent researchers.

Conversation with Autism Pioneer: Marian DeMyer is mentioned on page 155 in the chapter on the 1970's in Adam Feinstein's important work called A History of Autism: Conversations with the Pioneers. Her 1974 study is mentioned where her research found, "a profound language dysfunction in every autistic child. This language dysfunction was manifest in symbolic aspects, even if the mechanics of speech were present (Source)."


An obituary of Dr. Marian K. DeMyer is available at Legacy.com.  Our thoughts are extended to the family of Marian DeMyer. It is hoped that this tribute to her work will encourage other people to dedicate their life to autism research.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

John Mikkiah Thompson

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Autism Light Classic
Updated on December 14, 2014. 

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Autism Light #181 is John Mikkiah Thompson.

On this Third Sunday of Advent we wanted to revisit the story of a Christian young man with autism who we first featured on Autism Light back on Easter Sunday, 2012.

John Mikkiah Thompson will turn 21 years old this week and is from Shelbyville, Indiana. He has autism and did not speak until he was age 8, but he is making a tremendous difference in this world through his Christian music that spreads the message of his personal Christian faith. John Mikkiah Thompson is an Autism Light for the awareness he brings to autism when he shares his outstanding musical talent and gifts of faith.

If you hear John Mikkiah Thompson sing it is clear that there is a lot of heart behind his words. The reason for this may be because the music came to this young man with autism before he had any words. And he credits this victory to the act of the God he praises and adores through his music.

John's father Grant Thompson said to Autism Light, "By the time John was 8 years old he could listen to just about anything and play it the same day. This is what the Lord used to "unlock" John Mikkiah Thompson's tongue. When he holds that Mic in his hand or sits down behind the piano, a Miracle takes place right before your eyes EVERY SINGLE TIME. All of the autism disappears and you would never, ever known that it even existed."

The following is a video of John Mikkiah Thompson singing his song "I Believe" on YouTube.

John's song, You Made Me Who I Am was written by his father Grant Thompson and a version of him singing this is below.

  Past Awards: Dann Veldkamp of The Center Grover Community Newspaper describes John's experience on the stage this way, "Once John Mikkiah's talent was recognized his career started to take off. In 2010, he won the 'Shelby Idol" contest and swept multiple categories in the Franklin Fall Talent Contest. He appeared at the 2010 Indiana State Fair and formed the National Anthem at the opening of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May, 2011 (Source)."   At the Strand Theater: The following is a video of John singing at the Strand in Shelby, Indiana. He is introduced with the master of ceremonies reading a letter from his family that tells a story of how autism, music, and faith have been a part of John Mikkiah Thompson's life.

Not Giving Up: Like each of us in our own way, John Mikkiah Thompson continues to work at areas he can grow in his life and he is involved in ABA therapy for his autism. John offered the following advice for people with autism about finding success in life: Never Give Up and the Lord Will Help You!

Social Media: You can follow the work of John Mikkiah Thompson at the following social media:

• Facebook Page of John Mikkiah Thompson
• GodTube Page for John Mikkiah Thompson
• Google+ Page for John Mikkiah Thompson
• YouTube Channel for John Mikkiah Thompson

Praise Band:  When not on the road performing, John Mikkiah Thompson is in the Praise Band at his church in Indiana, the Word of Life Fellowship.

Booking Information: John Mikkiah Thompson enjoys singing and sharing his songs of praise to his Lord whenever possible. If you would like information on scheduling John Mikkiah Thompson to sing at your church or event, please email him at crimsoniu1@embarqmail.com.

Special thanks to John Mikkiah Thompson for singing the songs of praise and blessing churches and community groups with his talent. We expect to continue to hear great things about his music in the future and how it is a blessing to thousands of people.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo in this post is used with permission of John Mikkiah Thompson.

Dr. Carl Sundberg

Autism Light #94 is Dr. Carl Sundberg.

Dr. Carl Sundberg is the Executive Director/President of the Behavior Analysis Center for Autism, which has two centers in Central Indiana.  This role involves overseeing skilled ABA therapists. Dr. Carl Sundberg is an Autism Light because of his work to help more children with autism in Central Indiana receive life changing ABA therapy.

Dr. Carl Sundberg has his Ph.D and BCBA-D.  He received his doctorate degree from Western Michigan University and was mentored by Dr. Jack Michael.  Dr. Sundberg teaches B.F. Skinner's Analysis of Verbal Behavior at Ball State University and utilizes these methods in his work at teaching children with autism.

According to the BACA website,

Since 1996 Dr. Sundberg has assessed and worked with over 400 children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and has personally worked with over 200 families. In addition to private consulting Dr. Sundberg also works with school districts and has been invited to speak at conference presentations and workshops across the nation [United States]."

The following is a YouTube video of the work of the Behavior Analysis Center for Autism with an introduction by Dr. Carl Sundberg.

For more information on BACA visit their website at www.thebaca.com.

Publications: Dr. Carl Sundberg has published work in two scholary journals:

• The Analysis of Verbal Behavior
• A Collection of Reprints on Verbal Behavior

Social Media:  You can follow the work of Dr. Carl Sundberg and BACA at the following social media areas.

• Carl's Corner Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

Special thanks to Dr. Carl Sundberg for all the work he does to make ABA therapy available in Central Indiana to those impacted by autism. 

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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Photo: The photo in this post used with permission.

This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

Dan Burton

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Autism Light Classic
Updated on May 26, 2015. 

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Autism Light #22 is Dan Burton.

                                                                                                           Former Congressman Dan Burton

Congressman Dan Burton was born on June 21, 1938, and is from Indianapolis, Indiana. He represented Indiana's 5th and 6th congressional districts in the United States House of Representatives from 1983 until his retirement in 2013. His grandson Christian Sarkine has autism. Congressman Burton is an Autism Light because of his efforts when in Congress to advocate for those with autism, including by working to assure better access to health care and treatments for those with autism. He has been a tireless autism advocate on calling for prevention, research, and safer vaccines.

Here is a YouTube video showing part of an interview with Dan Burton on Autism recorded while he was an active Congressman.

  
On his former Congressional Website he wrote: My only grandson is autistic, so this is an issue that is very close to my heart.

Letter to President George W. Bush: On May 15, 2003, Dan Burton wrote a powerful Letter to President George W. Bush on Autism. Here is a paragraph out of the letter that Congressman Burton sent the President of the United States.

Mr. President, as a Nation we are facing a crisis regarding the dramatic rise in autism rates and the resulting emotional and financial strain placed on families, our educational system--as they attempt to educate these children who have very special needs - and our state Medicaid and disability programs. We face and even greater crisis in the next two decades as the need for adult services and long-term housing for today's autistic children simply explodes (Dan Burton, May 15, 2003). 

Anderson Cooper Interview: In February, 2015, Dan Burton was interviewed by Anderson Cooper on CNN in which the two had a discussion about the safety of mercury in vaccines. Dan Burton believes his grandson Christian Sarkine developed autism shortly after receiving childhood vaccines. (Anderson Cooper, Josh Feldman, February 5, 2015).

Social Media: The following are some social media accounts related to Dan Burton's work.

• Former Congressman Burton's YouTube Channel
• Facebook Page or Dan Burton
• Congressman Burton's Wikipedia Page
• Twitter for Former Congressman Dan Burton @danburton

Thanks to Dan Burton for being an Autism Light. The autism community was blessed to have you in Congress. It is hoped that other politicians will take Congressman Burton's example and make autism their passion.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

Photo Information: The above photo of Dan Burton is in the public domain.