Nicole Webster is from Midland, Michigan. Her daughter Lillie has autism and a congenital disorder called 1p36 deletion syndrome. A single autism mother, who herself has brain cancer, Nicole Webster is an Autism Light for being an outstanding and courageous parent who has helped thousands of people hold onto kindness.
Nicole Webster became famous in January 2018, when she and her daughter Lillie’s interactions were observed on a Detroit-bound airplane flight by a teacher Rebecca Somers. Lillie had a stuffed bear called ‘Kindness’ and in order to calm her on the stressful plane ride Nicole kept telling her daughter to ‘hold onto Kindness’. The simple beauty of that message was passed on over social media by Rebecca Sommer. It became a viral post shared over 200,000 times in January 2018, and it made #holdontokindness a popular twitter hashtag at the time.
This is an excerpt of what Rebecca Somers expressed on Facebook about her encounter with Nicole Webster,
I talked with the mom coming up the ramp off the plane and told her what a great job she’s doing with her daughter. She made several remarks, and I told her I knew it had to be tiring, but thanked her for being consistent (the teacher part of me came out). She then told me the little girl was going to have surgery on her legs to correct them. But then she also told me how she (the mom) is battling brain cancer and how exhausting her treatments are. My heart sank. I assured her that she would be in my continual thoughts and prayers and how she and her daughter taught everyone a lesson today: ‘Hold on to Kindness, you never know what another person is going through.’”
Nicole Webster’s story was passed on through Facebook and YouTube.
Here are some news articles and blogs on Nicole Webster and Lillie.
Special thanks to Nicole Webster for being an Autism Light. Her dedication and creative engagement as a single mother is extraordinary as she shines her light in the midst of her own journey with brain cancer. We wish Nicole all the best along with hope and healing from her cancer. May others come into Nicole and Lillie’s life to lend a helping hand to this special family. May we all hold onto Kindness in these difficult times and realize how others are going through more than we could ever imagine.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Lisa Sarber Aldrich is from Grand Rapids, Michigan. On Saturday, November 28, 2015, she purchased a cake at the Meijer in Gaines Township, Michigan. Lisa Aldrich is an Autism Light for the manner in which she showed kindness to an employee with autism who decorated her cake.
Lisa Aldrich asked an employee at Meijer to decorate her cake with the words "Happy Birthday Mandy", thinking the person worked in the bakery department. Unaware to Lisa Aldrich, the employee has autism and does not decorate cakes in her job duties at Meijer. After her cake was decorated differently than she expected, Lisa Aldrich showed kindness and smiled and accepted the cake graciously with a thank you.
Here is a video news story of Lisa Aldrich sharing the story of the Meijer cake.
Here is the Facebook post where Lisa Aldrich shared her story. The post was so inspirational that it went viral and to date has received over 150,000 shares from around the world.
Picked out a cake at Meijer. Asked bakery-looking-employee if she could write on it for me. She said she would, and...
Posted by Lisa Sarber Aldrich on Sunday, November 29, 2015
Lisa Aldrich explained that her family enjoyed the special cake very much. She also explained that her reason for sharing the story and the picture of her cake was to promote the simple message that "kindness matters."
Special thanks to Lisa Aldrich for being an Autism Light. Lisa Aldrich is an example of how people can show kindness to those with autism by being sensitive to their feelings and being gracious. We hope that this story will inspire others to treat those with autism respectfully when they interact with them in public.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Teddy Morris is a golden doodle dog who lives in Jackson County, Michigan. He is one years old and serves as an autism service dog to a boy with autism named Sam Morris. Teddy is an Autism Light for the positive difference he has made in the life of Sam Morris.
The Jackson County community helped raise funds to help purchase Teddy for Sam. The following is a news story about how Teddy has helped Sam cope better with his autism.
Teddy and Sam are always together. Two contributions that Teddy makes is he helps prevent Sam from wandering and keeps him calm.
Stephani Morris said, "When he is having a hard time, Teddy will usually be able to pick up on that and help him through that process (WILX.com, Haley Nelson, July 17, 2015)."
Teddy will be added to the Autism Light Animal Page today. Teddy is a fine representative of autism service dogs that are hard at work around the world day in and day out. We wish Teddy and Sam the best in the future.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
The State of Michigan is the home of 18 Autism Lights shared in 15 posts. Michigan is also the home f the creator of the Autism Light blog. The Michigan group includes 3 people with autism, two athletes, 9 autism parents, a business, a historical landmark, an animal, a shopper at Meijer, and a university autism clinic.
Michigan Autism Lights
People With Autism:
Anthony Ianni has autism and is a former NCAA college basketball player at Michigan State University and now speaks against bullying. He is from Okemos, Michigan.
Dylan Yates has autism and is an artist from Royal Oak, Michigan.
Justin Harlan is a young man with autism who helped fight for autism insurance in Michigan. Justin is from Berkley, Michigan.
Autism Parents:
Brian Calley is an autism father and the Lt. Governor of the State of Michigan. He is from Portland, Michigan.
Stephanie Crane is the dynamic mother who helped fight for autism insurance in Michigan. She is from Berkley, Michigan.
Camille Proctor is the dynamic autism mother in Detroit, Michigan who founded The Color of Autism Foundation and is an autism advocate.
Jim and Lisa Price are autism parents from Southeast Michigan who created the Jack's Place for Autism in honor of their son.
Damian Sharbowski is an autism father and mechanic from Troy, Michigan.
Jack and Rebecca Sytsema are autism parents who founded the Children of Destiny ministry offering Christian spiritual help for autism families. They are from Zeeland, Michigan.
Nicole Webster is an autism mother from Midland, Michigan. Her creative parenting inspired the #holdontokindness movement.
Athlete:
Anthony Ianni has autism and is a former NCAA college basketball player at Michigan State University and now speaks against bullying. He is from Okemos, Michigan.
Ted Lindsay is a retired NHL Hockey player and founder of the Ted Lindsay Foundation. Ted is from the Detroit, Michigan area.
Businesses/Schools/Places:
Olga's Kitchen is a restaurant chain with headquarters in Troy, Michigan.
The Henry Ford is a historical landmark located in Dearborn, Michigan.
Animal:
Teddy is a golden doodle who is an autism service dog in Jackson County, Michigan.
Other:
Lisa Aldrich is from Grand Rapids, Michigan and is a Meijer shopper who showed kindness to a worker with autism.
Note: Alan Stokes is the autism father who is the creator and blogger of Autism Light. He is from Lansing, Michigan.
You may reach all these posts by searching the blog through the "Michigan" Label.
The map of Michigan is attributed to By TUBS [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Autism Light #418 is the Central Michigan University Psychology Department.
Central Michigan University is a public university located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan and was established in 1892. It is the third largest research university in Michigan. The Psychology Department is part of the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences at Central Michigan University. The Psychology Department at Central Michigan University is an Autism Light because of their creation of the Central Autism Assessment and Treatment Center in the Fall of 2014.
The following is a video about how the Central Autism Assessment and Treatment Center will work to help those with autism receive critical assessment and ongoing treatment.
The Central Autism Assessment and Treatment Center opened the last week of October 2014 (Central Michigan News, October 30, 2014). They offer ABA therapy treatments in addition to assessments for autism. They are the northernmost autism assessment and treatment center in the state of Michigan, so it will be filling a key role by shining a light to those impacted by autism in the rural communities of Northern Michigan.
The following overview describes the Central Autism Assessment and Treatment Center.
The Central Autism Assessment Treatment (CAATC) Center is a multidisciplinary student training center that provides comprehensive, evidence-based assessment and treatment for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders.
The multidisciplinary assessment team is comprised of a board certified pediatrician, speech and language pathologist, licensed psychologist, and advanced graduate students (Central Autism Assessment and Treatment Center Website).
In addition, to helping those with autism the center at the time of this post is one of only two places in the State of Michigan that will also train students for a career in autism treatment and assessment. Central Michigan University was able to create this autism center thanks to a $500,000 grant from the State of Michigan Department of Community Health (Now Department of Health and Human Services) that funded a program of training students starting in January 2014.
Faculty member Carl Merle Johnson said, "Behavior analysis is considered the best treatment of choice for autism because of the results it provides. Every individual who receives treatment experiences some improvement. That's why it's so important for us to train more people to be able to provide the service. The need is great and growing, particularly here in central and northern Michigan (As Quoted by Lindsay Knake, MLive, October 14, 2013)."
Social Media: You can follow Central Michigan University and their Psychology Department on the following social media areas.
Special thanks to Central Michigan University for creating the Central Autism Assessment and Treatment Center. We anticipate that this center will make a tremendous difference in the years to come for individuals with autism who live in Northern and Central Michigan. It is hoped that their work will inspire other universities to offer autism services. If you would like to find out about autism services at Central Michigan University the phone is 989-774-3904.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Ted Lindsay was born on July 29, 1925, in Renfrow, Ontario in Canada. He lives in Oakland, Michigan near Detroit. Ted Lindsay had a hall of fame career in the National Hockey League playing for the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks. Ted Lindsay is an Autism Light because he established the Ted Lindsay Foundation and has been shining a light on finding a cure for autism since 2001.
NHL Career: Ted Lindsay scored 851 points in his hockey career from 1944-1965. He played Left Wing for the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks. His nickname as a player was Terrible Ted, because of his aggressive style of play. Ted Lindsay was inducted into the National Hockey Hall of Fame in 1966. His illustrious career included winning the Stanley Cup four times and he was the first player to skate around the rink with the Stanley Cup hoisted over his head after his Detroit Red Wings team won the championship.This started a tradition that has been continued to this day.
The following documentary celebrates the accomplishments of Ted Lindsay as a Legend of Hockey.
Hockey Players Union: Lindsay is also known for playing a key role in helping the Hockey players organize a players association, an action that resulted in the Detroit Red Wings trading him to the last place Chicago Blackhawks in 1957. The 1995 movie Net Worth was about Lindsay's role in this historical step for the NHL. Ted Lindsay Foundation: The Ted Lindsay Foundation was created in 2001 and had raised over $2 million for research into new autism treatments as of 2013. The mission of the Ted Lindsay foundation is, "To raise money and funds to support research and educational programs focusing on the cause and management of Autism Spectrum Disorders (Source: tedlindsay.com)." You can find more about the foundation at tedlindsay.com.
Ted Lindsay does not have relatives with autism, but back in 2001 his physical therapist at the time had a 4 year old with autism. "Ted took on this cause at 76 years-old after finding out the son of a close friend had autism. Ted tells everyone until then he never heard about autism and didn't know how debilitating it is to children (Detroithub, February 25, 2013)."
Here is a video of Ted Lindsay at his 12th Annual Celebrity Golf Outing to raise money for autism in 2013.
Hope Center at Beaumont Hospital: In April 2014, Ted Lindsay announced a $1 million gift from his foundation to the Beaumont Hospital. Because of this gift it will be renamed the Ted Lindsay Foundation Hope Center (Ted Lindsay Website).
The following is a video of some of the work the Ted Lindsay Hope Center will be doing for families.
Todd Lang, an autism father, said that The Ted Lindsay Foundation, "is one of the foundations that really makes a difference, where the results are tangible. Mr. Lindsay's passion for creating awareness, to making people understand not only what autism is but what resources are available, is important (Livingston Daily, February 8, 2015)."
Wikipedia: You can learn more about Ted Lindsay at his Wikipedia Page. Social Media: You can follow the Ted Lindsay Foundation on the following social media.
Contact: Information on contacting Ted Lindsay for an autograph is on his FanMail webpage. You can also contact the Ted Lindsay Foundation at 1819 E. Big Beaver Rd. Ste. 200 Troy, MI 48083 Phone: 248.457.1400 or email: info@tedlindsay.com.
Special thanks to Ted Lindsay for being an Autism Light. The efforts he has made to raise funds to support autism are shining a light in many areas of autism in Michigan. Never estimate what one man can do who wants to make a difference. Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. Photo: The photo of Ted Lindsay was from the Creative Commons of Wikipedia.
Damian Sharbowski is an autism father from the Metro Detroit, Michigan area. Damian lives in Troy, Michigan he has a business in nearby Sterling Heights. He is an auto mechanic and started Damian's Auto Service to help his son who has autism. Damian Sharbowski is an Autism Light because of his dedication as an autism father and for his work to raise funds for a groundbreaking Play-Place designed specifically for children with autism in Northern Detroit.
Damian's Auto Service: In describing his auto repair shop, Damian Sharbowski shares that he built his business in 2014 so his son who has autism would always have a place to work. Damian's Auto Service is located at 6200 15 Mile Rd. (2 Buildings East of Mound) in Sterling Heights, Michigan. For more information call (586) 698-2175, Email: damiansauto@sbcglobal.net, or visit their website at damiansauto.net.
Damian Sharbowski said, "I don't have a business degree, I am just a mechanic. But I run a business as the old adage as a spit in a handshake and that should be your word (As quoted in MyFoxDetroit.com, May 21, 2015)."
Damian also finds time to plow snow in the Winter in Michigan. He has two sons and he coaches the basketball team of his son who does not have autism.
Play-Place for Autistic Children: Damian Sharbowski has been working with the Northern Detroit Business Development Group in efforts to raise $42,000 to build Autistic Play Place. The facility will be located near Mound and 18 Mile Roads in Sterling Heights, Michigan. It is a 501 (c)3 organization and plans are for it to open August 1, 2015.
Damian Sharbowski described to Amy Andrews about this Play-Place saying, "This will be the first place in the United States and the world that is going to cater to autistic and handicapped children. They're going to have a lego room, an iPad room, there's going to be a calming center, a haircut hut (MyFoxDetroit.com, May 21, 2015)."
Busch Hero: In 2014 Damian Sharbowski was named a Busch Hero in recognition of the hardwork he does to make a difference in his hometown.
Social Media: You can follow Damian Sharbowski and his work at the following social media areas.
Special thanks to Damian Sharbowski for being an Autism Light. Damian is an example of the difference hardworking fathers can make in the autism community.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
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)!
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:
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:
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.
Olga's Kitchen is a Greek style family restaurant chain that was founded in 1970 by Olga Loizon. The headquarters of Olg'as Kitchen is in Troy, Michigan and most of their 36 franchises are presently located in the state of Michigan, but they have also have small number of restaurants that reach as far as Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri. Olga's Kitchen is an Autism Light because they are giving a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their entree salads in August, 2013 to the Autism Alliance of Michigan and also have a franchise doing a fundraiser for the Gideon Academic Center, Inc.
Here is a video of Olga Loizon explaining how she came to start Olga's Kitchen.
Autism Alliance of Michigan: During the month of August, 2013, Olga's Kitchen is donating a portion of the proceeds from their salad entrees to the Autism Alliance of Michigan. CBS Radio and Pepsi are also participating in this autism fundraising campaign (Source).
Anthony Ianni, Autism Light #239, has created this announcement enouraging people to eat at Olga's Kitchen in order to help the Autism Alliance of Michigan to help those with autism in Michigan. They are also doing a social media campaign of encouraging people to take a photo of themselves eating at Olga's Kitchen.
Gideon Academic Center: In addition to their support for the Autism Alliance of Michigan, the Olga's Kitchen franchise located in the Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids, Michigan will be also do a fundraiser to benefit Gideon's Academic Center on Saturday, August 24, 2013.
You can find out more information on Olga's Kitchen on the following social media areas:
Special thanks to Olga's Kitchen for being an Autism Light and helping the Autism Alliance of Michigan. It is hoped that Olga's Kitchen support of the cause of autism will encourage other businesses to likewise consider partnering with their local community autism associations to help shine a light for autism.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Note: Autism Light is a neutral blog and we have no relationship to the business featured in this post nor is their any expectation of personal gain by sharing this information.
The Henry Ford is a National Historical Landmark that was founded in 1929 in Dearborn, Michigan. It is the nation's "largest indoor-outdoor history museum" (Source). It includes a museum, Greenfield Village, Factory Tour, and IMAX all spread across 200 acres. 26 million artifacts are part of The Henry Ford. The Henry Ford has partnered with the Autism Alliance of Michigan to make it an easier experience for autism families to enjoy visiting The Henry Ford (Source). The Henry Ford is an Autism Light for their dedication to be inclusive in making their museum autism friendly.
The following is a video introducing what is offered at The Henry Ford.
Autism Alliance of Michigan: The Henry Ford has established a partnership with the Autism Alliance of Michigan. The benefits of the partnership to autism include the following plans:
As part of the partnership, the Dearborn museum plans to include a link to pre-visit information on its website that describes environments and sensorial experiences to the families, provides varied dietary options, areas for noise reduction and other hospitality services. And the Autism Alliance will provide training in basic aspects of autism for Henry Ford staff members (Source).
The kickoff to this partnership between The Henry Ford and the Autism Alliance of Michigan will be on April 28, 2013, when Greenfield Village hosts "A Day Out With Thomas the Tank Engine" (Source).
The Autism Alliance of Michigan plans to help provide ear plugs for exhibits such as the IMAX and help provide information on a schedule that can be used to for an individual with autism coming to visit The Henry Ford. Because of the partnership these resources will be on both The Henry Ford and the Autism Alliance's webpage. More information on this partnership can be found on The Henry Ford's Blog.
For More Information: Visit these websites for more information on The Henry Ford.
Special thanks to The Henry Ford for making it easier for autism families to enjoy your historical treasures. Your partnership with the Autism Alliance of Michigan is a tremendous blessing for autism. Hopefully your outreach will encourage other historical sites to follow your example.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Anthony Ianni is from Okemos, Michigan. Anthony has autism and defied all odds by graduating last year from Michigan State University. While in college he was a member of the nationally recognized Michigan State Spartans Men's Basketball Team. Anthony Ianni has a mission to spread an anti-bullying message to people within and outside the autism community. After graduation, Anthony became the Community Relations Advocate for the Autism Alliance of Michigan. Anthony Ianni is an Autism Light for his advocacy for autism and the example he sets of the success one can have in life even though they may have autism.
Anthony Ianni's biography for the Autism Alliance of Michigan starts out with these words about his remarkable journey through his educational process while having autism.
Anthony was diagnosed with autism at 4 years of age. His parents were told by medical specialists and professionals that he would never be successful academically, that he would likely not graduate from high school much less go to college, and most likely would live in a group home in the future--and that being an athlete was out of the question. HE PROVED THEM WRONG! (Source-Autism Alliance of Michigan).
College: Anthony Ianni received his B.A. in sociology from Michigan State University in 2012.
Autism Light asked Anthony Ianni if he had any advice for students with autism and he said,
For kids who struggle in school and they have autism, don't ever quit or give up on yourself or your school work. I struggled a lot in school whether it was homework, quizzes, or tests I still worked very hard to get my degrees from Okemos High School and Michigan State University. If you need help ask your teachers and they will help you in every way possible. I had more than 50 teachers who taught me throughout my life and I stay in contact with basically every one of them because they mean that much to me and without them I would not be the person that I am today. They are in the schools to help you be successful and always take advantage of that. I know I did and they helped me become very successful. Most importantly though, never ever ever give up in school. If things are hard just remember that there's always somebody there to help you.
Basketball Player: Anthony Ianni played for the Michigan State University Spartans Men's Basketball team for two seasons from 2010-2012. In 2011 he earned the Tim Bograkos Walk-On Award and in 2012 he received the MSU Unsung Player Award. Draymond Green, a college teammate of Anthony's who now plays in the NBA, said to Anthony, "It doesn't matter if I end up playing for Miami, Boston, Indiana, Cleveland, Detroit, or Dallas, no matter who I go up against in practice, no body will work as hard against me in practice like you did." You can read more about Anthony's athletic career on his page at the Michigan State athletic website or his ESPN stats page.
Autism Alliance of Michigan: Anthony Ianni works as the Community Relations Advocate for the Autism Alliance of Michigan. Anthony Ianni described his goals in life this way, "I want to make a difference in people’s lives, and I want to be able to be that hope and inspiration that people can look at, not just around the state but the nation as well (Source)." One of his roles is to share an anti-bullying message, especially how it relates to bullying towards the autism community.
Anthony Ianni gave this quote to Autism Light on bullying:
Be careful what you say or do to others because they could be the next President of the U.S.A., a great movie star, or maybe the next Lebron James. If you see something, please say something because you can help prevent the bullying from happening and you could also not only change a person's life but possibly save one. Remember we are all different in many ways, but in the end we are all the same because we are created equally and we ARE all people.
Here is a small segment of Anthony Ianni presenting his anti-bullying message for Howell Public Schools in Michigan.
Governor's Michigan Autism Council: When Michigan Governor Rick Snyder established the Autism Council in 2012, Anthony Ianni was appointed to join the 12 member council as a representative of the Autism Spectrum Disorder community (Source).
Autism Light asked Anthony Ianni if he had any encouragement for the autism community and he said,
People ask me all the time if there were days when I wanted to roll over and quit either because things were getting too hard, people always picking on me when I was younger, or if me having Autism was too much. Every time I heard people telling me I can't do something or I wouldn't be successful, I would take that negative energy and I would feed off of it. So I was too busy and very focused on accomplishing the things I wanted to do. Not to mention the words Never or Can't were apart of my vocabulary. I would never use my Autism as a crutch in my life. It's just something I was proudly born with and using excuses are not good things for people to use or say. If you have dreams or goals you want to achieve in life. Go for them, you may have people telling you that you can't, won't, never be good at anything in life. But all you need is motivation, support from great friends and family, and to work hard you'll get to your goals and dream. Reach for the stars because they're not hard to reach for. I've reached and touch the stars many many times in my life and I'm not done reaching for more stars in my life.
Here are some news articles written on Anthony Ianni's success.
Special thanks to Anthony Ianni and all he is doing for autism in Michigan. We believe that with his continued hardwork his impact will continue to be a ever growing light for autism. Anthony Ianni's post at Autism Light will be linked to the page with all those who Have Autism and also the Autism Light Sports Page.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Jim and Lisa Price are from Southeast Michigan. Jim Price was a catcher for the Detroit Tigers baseball team from 1967-1973 and was a member of the 1968 World Championship Team. Jim Price is currently in his 14th season as the color commentator for the Detroit Tigers Radio Network. Jim and Lisa Price have a son named Jackson who has autism. Jackson inspired his parents to form Jack's Place for Autism in October, 2002 in order to be a light for families in Southeast Michigan, including the Metro Detroit area. Jim and Lisa Price are Autism Lights for being autism advocates and bringing hope, help, and awareness to the autism community in Southeast Michigan.
The origins of Jack's Place for Autism can be explained in this information from their website,
After experiencing first hand the difficulties of finding support and resources for their own son, the Prices wanted to establish a vehicle for families to gain access to existing resources and to create additional services that aren't currently being provided to families who are affected by autism (Source).
In 2003, the Detroit Tigers published an article on their website praising Jim and Lisa Price for their work. Autism is mentioned in some way during almost every Detroit Tiger game in which Jim Price is the color commentator because as radio fans know well, Jack's Place for Autism receives donations from every Detroit Tiger Double Play. Because of Jim Price's relationship with the Detroit Tigers organization, Jack's Place for Autism has received generous support from the Detroit Tigers. In a dance fundraiser at Joe Louis Arena on August 1, 2011, Jack Price said, "God bless the Tigers--they really helped us promote this night. Thank you for all the support (Source).
The help Jack's Place for Autism provides to families in Southeast Michigan is very critical. Their programs have helped over 6,500 children and adults to date (Source). Jack's Place for Autism partners with Oakland University in providing life changing human services to the autism community at Jack's Place at Oakland University (Source). The following is a video produced in 2006 to explain the work of Jack's Place for Autism.
For more information on Jim and Lisa Price and Jack's Place for Autism visit these websites.
Special thanks to Jim and Lisa Price for working to establish and develop Jack's Place for Autism. Jim and Lisa Price are inspirational autism lights that are creating a light for autism in the name of their son Jackson to the needy citizens of Metro Detroit.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Autism Lights #164 are Stephanie Crane and Justin Harlan.
With the mood very hopeful that 2012 might bring Autism Insurance Coverage to the state of Michigan, we recognize Stephanie Crane (formerly Stephanie Harlan) and her 13 year old son Justin Harlan who have advocated for the need for autism insurance in Michigan for 6 years. Stephanie and Justin are from Berkley, Michigan. Justin had been diagnosed with autism and is himself an example to the success of early intervention. But Justin's personal success has not led him and his mother to retreat to their own victory over autism, but instead they have continued year in and year out to make it their cause to speak for those that do not have a voice and need autism treatment. Stephanie and Justin Harlan are Autism Lights because of their advocacy that children with autism in Michigan have insurance coverage for autism treatment. Let's meet this mother and son advocate team.
The following is a video of Justin Harlan testifying at a Michigan House Health Policy Hearing back when he was 8 years old in 2007.
This next video is of Stephanie and Justin Harlan presenting their "Top Ten Reasons Why Autism Insurance Legislation Should Pass Michigan" at an Autism Insurance Rally at the State of Michigan Capital steps in April, 2009. At this time Justin is 10 years old.
About Justin Harlan: Justin turns 13 this month. He is a 7th grader at Anderson Middle School in Berkley, Michigan. Justin was diagnosed with Autism in 2001 at age 2 and he did not speak until 4 1/2 years of age. Because of effective early intervention he has been mainstreamed since kindergarten. His mother Stephanie described Justin like this:
He has a beautiful voice, and currently sings in the church choir and has a lead role in a Community Theatre production of Schoolhouse Rock. Justin loves to play computer and video games, create digital music, and play in Magic the Gathering card tournaments on the weekends. His best buddy is his little 5 year old brother who idolizes him! But he is well liked and has many friends at school and in the community. Justin has a wonderful sense of humor, and uses his intelligent wit to keep his classroom and his teachers amused. Justin is taking advanced classes at school (high school level Algebra and Spanish) and loves to pursue intellectual challenges such as Word and Number games.
Justin Harlan's autism advocacy is explained in this way by his mother Stephanie Crane.
Justin is a staunch Autism Advocate and is the first to use his former diagnosis of autism when talking about the need for insurance reform in the state of Michigan. He has used his personal story of recovery to testify twice in Lansing (Michigan's Capital) and speak at public rallies. He also has been interviewed on several local television and radio news shows and has appeared countless times in the newspaper. Justin takes his "celebrity" status in stride, and is always excited when his name is out there, as he wants to spread the word that autism treatment DOES WORK and should be made available to all kids.
About Stephanie Crane: Stephanie graduated from the University of Michgian in 1990 with a BA in Social Psychology and in 1991 with a Masters in Social Work degree. Stephanie currently works as a Clinical Case Manager and Subject Matter Expert (systems trainer) for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Stephanie is a licensed, board-certified clinical social worker and has spent 19 years as a clinical social worker in a variety of environments including medical, school, child and family work, crisis intervention, CMH, non profit director, business owner, and managed care.
Stephanie Harlan had worked for Autism ASK prior to coming to her current position at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Stephanie explained her experience and honors in this way:
After her son was diagnosed with autism in 2001, she helped to create Everyday Miracles, a nonprofit organization designed to support families and provide financial assistance. In 2005 she was hired by the Judson Center to create programming for children, teens and adults with autism and she worked as the Program Director of the Autism Connections for almost five years until founding Autism ASK. Stephanie has served on the Board of Directors of the Autism Society of Michigan and is currently on the executive board of Autism Insurance in Michigan (AIM) and is involved in lobbying efforts, advocacy and community awareness. Stephanie was the recipient of the E.P. Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award in 2009 and was honored at Comerica Field by MassMutual on Disability Awareness Night.
Message to Parents: Autism Light asked Stephanie Crane if she had any encouragement for parents of children with autism and this was her response.
The message both Justin and I like to give to parents is that of HOPE. Your child is never 'too old' to get benefits from treatment. You have never tried every single treatment approach. There is always something else to uncover, another therapy being discovered, or that perfect combination of things that is your child's perfect combination. I noticed that for Justin, a combination of biomedical intervention WITH intensive ABA speech and OT seemed to be the combination that worked for him. Doing any of those alone did not get the desired effect. But we tell parents to never give up. Never give up fighting for what your child needs- whether it's therapy, insurance coverage, or better school services--because there is HOPE and your child deserves you to fight for them.
Current Status of Autism Insurance in Michigan: Autism Insurance in Michigan has received tremendous momentum in 2012. In the Executive office of the State of Michigan both Governor Rick Snyder in his 2012 State of the State and Lt. Governor Brian Calley have championed the cause (Lt. Governor Brian Calley was Autism Light #17 and has a daughter with autism). On March 8, 2012 the Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee passed Autism Insurance Legislation (SB 414, 415 and 981) and moved it to the full Senate for consideration, calling the coverage of autism treatments a "moral public responsibility" (Source). To keep informed of the current status of autism insurance legislation in Michigan visit regularly the My Great Kid Blog.
Special thanks to Stephanie Crane and Justin Harlan for their autism advocacy. If autism insurance coverage is adopted in Michigan this year it is people like Stephanie and Justin who have spoken out for years on the issue that we must surely thank and show our gratitude too.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
