Jordan Spieth

Autism Light #420 is Jordan Spieth.

Jordan Spieth is a professional golfer and is an autism brother from Dallas, Texas. Jordan's younger sister Ellie Spieth has autism and has inspired him on his amazing trip to the top of the golfing world at just age 21 (he was born on July 27, 1993). Jordan Spieth is an Autism Light for his brotherly love, autism advocacy and for starting The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation that will help secure educational opportunities for those with autism and special needs.

The following was posted on Twitter by Jordan to honor his sister Ellie.

Hangin out with the true athlete of the family #Ellie #diva @StevenSpieth pic.twitter.com/Ip8RqYUATD

— Jordan Spieth (@JordanSpieth) May 10, 2013

Early Career: Jordan Spieth won the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2009 and 2011. He played college golf for a year and a half at the University of Texas. In the middle of his Sophomore season in 2012, he made the decision to turn professional at age 19.

PGA Golfing Career: Jordan Spieth has had immediate success as a professional golfer. He is ranked 2nd in the world at the time this post was written. The list of major championships he has won include:

• Masters (2015)
• U.S. Open (2015)
• John Deere Classic (2013 and 2015)
• Emirates Australian Open (2014)

The following is an interview Jordan Spieth did on CBS This Morning where he talks about his golfing and inspirational sister Ellie.

About His Sister Ellie:  When asked about the impact he has had from his sister Ellie and her journey with autism, Jordan Spieth said this:

"How has she shaped my upbringing? Well, she's the most special part of our family. She's the funniest part of our family. I love having her around. She's an incredible sister, my biggest supporter. She is somebody who you can watch and then reflect on the big picture of life and understand that all these frustrations in a day, or in a round of golf, are really secondary. We wouldn't have that realization without her (Jordan Spieth as quoted by CNN.com, April 14, 2015)."

The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation: Jordan Spieth is quoted as saying, "Being Ellie's brother humbles me every day of my life." Ellie's journey with autism has inspired Jordan to use his success to start The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation. The Foundation website says, "This opportunity to find better educational solutions for incredible young people like Ellie remains the primary focus of The Jordan Spieth Family Foundation." Military families and junior golf are also two subjects that will benefit from The Jordan Spieth Foundation.

The following is a PGA Tour video about Jordan Spieth's story of success.

Wikipedia: You can read more about Jordan Spieth on his Wikipedia Page.

Social Media: You can follow Jordan Spieth on the following social media areas.

• Facebook Page for Jordan Spieth
• Twitter @JordanSpieth

Special thanks to Jordan Spieth for being an Autism Light. Jordan's autism advocacy, his foundation, and his promotion that his sister who has autism has helped keep him grounded are shining a light for autism. We wish Jordan Spieth all the best in his pro golfing career. We have the feeling that this post will be updated several times in the years to come as Jordan reaches new heights in the field of golfing and autism advocacy.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Alex Cohen

Autism Light #406 is Alex Cohen.

Alex Cohen is an autism sister and is from Bayside, Wisconsin. Her older brother Aaron Cohen has autism. Alex Cohen played college basketball for four years at Northwestern University. Alex Cohen is an Autism Light for the work she did in the leadership of the Autism Speaks U chapter at Northwestern University from 2012-2015.

The following is a video done on Alex Cohen as one of the Faces of the Big Ten.

Northwestern University Basketball: While playing college basketball at Northwestern University, Alex Cohen played for Coach Joe McKeown, who was Autism Light #382. Alex scored 646 points in her career at Northwestern University and made almost 40% of her three point shots. Her statistics for her career are on her page on the NUSports webpage. She also earned All Big Ten Academic Honors in the Winter 2015.

Alex Cohen of @nuwbball earned 2015 Winter Academic-All B1G honors as well as 2015 WBCA Good Works Team Selection. pic.twitter.com/GMGg1mU4dx

— B1G Women's Hoops (@B1Gwbball) April 3, 2015

Autism Speaks U: Alex Cohen served as the President of Autism Speaks U at Northwestern University from 2012-2014. In her senior year (2014-2015) she transitioned to the Vice-President and created and led an initiative for autism awareness and fundraising called NU Goes Blue.

"Most of the events we've coordinated through Autism Speaks U have been geared specifically toward Northwestern students," said Cohen. "I really wanted to create something that the surrounding community could be involved in as well. When I thought of the idea for NU Goes Blue, one of my main goals was raise autism awareness beyond Northwestern's campus and into the Evanston and Chicagoland communities. We're bringing everyone together for a fun evening that supports a great cause (NU Sports.com, September 29, 2014)."

Alex Cohen's work for Autism Speaks U earned her a spot on the 2015 All State Good Works Team. Here is a video of her selection.

Future Plans: Alex Cohen graduated in 2015 with a degree from Northwestern University in Human Development and Psychological Services. Alex Cohen hopes to continue her basketball career in a professional international league. She plans to use her education to work with individuals with autism after she finishes her professional basketball career.

Special thanks to Alex Cohen for being an Autism Light. We wish her all the best in her professional basketball career and in her future work as an autism advocate. Alex is representative of the growing number of autism siblings who are poised to make a difference in the world for their relatives and for all those impacted by autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Michala Riggle

Autism Light #345 is Michala Riggle. 

Michala Riggle is a 17 year old from Louisville, Kentucky. Her younger brother Evan has autism. After seeing Evan benefit from receiving IV infusions of an amino acid called Glutathione at Kosair Children's Hospital in Louisville, she started Beading to Beat Autism in order to raise funds for a study including 50 other children with autism. Michala Riggle is an Autism Light because of her amazing ability to raise money for autism research in honor of her brother Evan.

Michala and her borther Evan

National Media: The following are video clips from when Michala appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres show and Good Morning America in 2011 to share about her autism fundraising.



Fundraising Initiatives:  Michala Riggle created Beading to Beat Autism in order to raise funds for autism research at Kosair Children's Hospital in Lousiville, Kentucky. Michala started fundraising in 2007 at age 10 and in 5 years she raised over half a million dollars for autism research, more than doubling her goal of $200,000 (WDRB.com, August 13, 2012).

Michala Riggle Beat Autism Foundation: Michala has created a private 501c3 foundation called The Michala Riggle Beat Autism Foundation, Inc. According to her Facebook page her goal is to "build the most comprehensive, autism research and treatment center in the world and eradicate autism forever (Facebook Page of Beading to Beat Autism)!"

The following is the fundraising video that Michala Riggle has on her website in her current project called CAMPAIGN 7 that has a goal to raise $300 million in funds to build an autism research and treatment center in her hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.



Motto: Michala's response when people doubt that she can raise the amount of money she has for her goal is, "If you go into a game thinking you're gonna lose, it's game over-you've lost-YOU GOTTA BELIEVE!!! (Michala Riggle as quoted on Beading to Beat Autism Website)."

Awards/Honors: Michala has received the following awards and honors according to the Facebook Page of Beading to Beat Autism.  These are just a few that have been received.

1. "Kentuckian of the Year" by Kentucky Monthly Magazine (2008)
2. Build-A-Bear Huggable Hero (2008)
3. Kohl's Kid Who Cares Regional Winner
4. Youth in Philanthropy Award by Kosair Children's Hospital Foundation
5. Chosen as a child hero in The My Hero Project (Young Heroes) (2011)

Social Media: You can follow Michala Riggle's efforts on the following social media areas.

• Facebook Page of Beading to Beat Autism
• Twitter @Bead2BeatAutism
• Twitter @MichalaRiggle
• YouTube Channel for Beading to Beat Autism

Make a Donation: Visit Michala's website at www.beadingtobeatautism.org for information on how to donate to her foundation.

Special thanks to Michala Riggle for the tremendous amount of fundraising she has done through Beading to Beat Autism. She is commended for having the courage and the tenacity to undertake a big goal to create a center for autism research in Louisville. We are believing with Michala that she will reach her goal. Autism Light looks forward to hearing exciting news of Michala's accomplishments in the years ahead.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photos: The photos in this post are used with permission of Emlyn Riggle.

Matt Kemp

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Autism Light Classic
Updated on March 20, 2018

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Autism Light #340 is Matt Kemp.

Matt Kemp is a professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Matt Kemp's younger brother Carlton has autism. Matt Kemp is an Autism Light for being a dedicated autism brother and for his efforts over the years of fundraising for Talk About Curing Autism.

Ante Up for Autism:  Under the celebrity leadership of Matt Kemp, the 8th Annual Ante up for Autism event was held November 8, 2014. Here is a video featuring Matt Kemp at raising funds for autism at his charity poker event called Ante Up for Autism. More information on this autism fundraiser is available at www.anteupforautism.org.


Autism Brother: Matt Kemp has an important relationship with his brother Carlton who has autism. He even has a tatto of his brother Carlton's name on his left shoulder. Matt Kemp credits the organization Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) for giving him hope and helping his brother. He said: 

When my brother, Carlton, became one of more than 1.5 million people affected by autism, it was a confusing blow to me. I have always wanted a little brother that I could play ball with, but Carlton's impaired ability to socially interact and communicate made it impossible for that to happen. TACA has given me hope that playing ball with him in the near future is a possibility (Kemp, Stewart co-host autism benefit, Taylor Price, MLB.com, 3/15/2009).

Baseball Career:  Matt Kemp was born on September 23, 1984. He is an Outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers. His entire career statistics in real time are on the Matt Kemp Page on ESPN. Matt Kemp has been on the all star teams in 2011-2012 and won the Gold Glove Award in 2009 and 2011. In 2011, Kemp became the first player to finish in the top two in both home runs and steals since Hank Aaron accomplished this in 1963.

Fans:  Matt Kemp gave his shirt and shoes to a disabled fan who had cancer in the 2013 season. 

Kemp's Kids: Matt Kemp created and sponsors  a community initiative called Kemp's Kids. According to Matt Kemp's website, Kemp started the initiative to allow inner city youth the opportunity to experience major league baseball. See therealmattkemp.com/kids/ for more information on this worthy program. 
Social Media: You can follow Matt Kemp on the following social media areas.

• Facebook - The Real Matt Kemp
• Twitter @TheRealMattKemp

Website: Matt Kemp's website is therealmattkemp.com. You can find out more about Matt Kemp's charities and life on this website. 

Wikipedia: You can also find out more about Matt Kemp on the Matt Kemp Wikipedia Page.

Special thanks to Matt Kemp for his efforts to make a difference for autism. His personality as an athlete, autism brother, and autism advocate in the San Diego community is an inspiration to many. The autism community is blessed to have Matt Kemp batting for our team. 
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Photo: The photo of Matt Kemp in this post is from Creative Commons of Wikipedia. 

Chelsea Stepp

Autism Light #330 is Chelsea Stepp.

Chelsea Stepp is a 21 year old pop singer and songwriter from Warfield, Kentucky. Chelsea's youngest sister Cammi has autism and she wrote the song Beautiful Blessing in her honor. Chelsea Stepp has been chosen as the first Autism Light for the year 2014, because of her dedication to her relationship with her sibling with autism and her amazing talent in music that is spreading autism awareness.

Here is an interview that Chelsea Stepp did about autism and her admiration for her sister Cammi as it relates to her song Beautiful Blessing.


Paper Airplane: Chelsea Stepp released her first music album on September 1, 2013 called Paper Airplane. Paper Airplanes includes 8 songs, including Beautiful Blessing.  You can purchase her album on iTunes or at Amazon.

Here is the song that Chelsea Stepp sings called Beautiful Blessing. It was inspired by her younger sister who has autism and cowrote with Britton Cameron. The refrain includes these words.

Beautiful blessing, beautiful curse
Things could be better, but things could be worse
Give me your heaven, give me your hurt
Beautiful blessing, beautiful curse

Two special comments and tributes to Chelsea Stepp's song came from autism mothers by way of social media.

• "Thank you for posting this song. My son is autistic and when he heard it he smiled and said, 'mom she understands me.'
• "I am crying as I write this. Thank you for putting into words what many don't understand (Autism Speaks, Kentucky Singer Overwhelmed by Autism Community's Response to Her Song) ." 

Website: To learn more about Chelsea Stepp visit her website at www.chelseastepp.com.

Social Media: You can follow Chelsea Stepp on the following social media areas.

• Twitter for Chelsea Stepp @Chealsea_Stepp
• Chelsea Stepp's YouTube Channel
• Facebook Page of Chelsea Stepp

If you enjoyed this post you may wish to read about the other Autism Lights with the label Siblings. These people share the special perspective in their story of having a sibling with autism.

Special thanks to Chelsea Stepp for being an Autism Light. Chelsea's music is a blessing to many and the doors her music opens to her for autism advocacy is an inspiration to the autism community.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Natalie Palumbo

Autism Light #324 is Natalie Palumbo.

Natalie Palumbo is 19 years old, and a college student at Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida. Her home is in Columbia, South Carolina. Her older brother Anthony has low-verbal autism. As a sibling of an individual with autism, Natalie takes very seriously a responsibility to care for her brother over his lifespan and she is a natural advocate for autism. Natalie currently serves as the sibling voice for the Age of Autism web newspaper. Her relationship with Anthony is an inspiration to other autism siblings and families. Natalie Palumbo is an Autism Light for the difference she is making in the life of her brother who has autism and how her creative art and writing encourages the greater autism community.

Artist: Natalie just successfully completed her first semester at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida with an A average. She hopes to work in visual effects in film and animation. Natalie became interested in art at an early age, because drawing helped her cope with the isolation imposed by autism and was the only way she could communicate with her brother. Some of her artistic achievements already include:

• In 5th grade she was recommended to competitive fine arts programs.
• Natalie won several regional, state, and national awards for traditional, digital, and mixed media pieces.
• In 9th grade, she won the Nevitt award for “Most Outstanding Art Student” after completing all four years of Tri-District Arts Consortium in Lexington County.
• In 11th grade, she created an art piece called “NOT Born This Way”, which featured her brother Anthony in a significant way. She expressed her concern for the growing numbers of people diagnosed with autism, and how society is unprepared to deal with this increase. This concern was the subject of her senior thesis.
• Her PSA for Age of Autism took 1st Place in the PSA Category at the Notre Dame High School National Film Festival in the Spring of 2013.

Here is the Public Service Announcement that Natalie Palumbo created on autism awareness for Age of Autism in the Notre Dame High School National Film Festival.


Here is a news story done on Natalie Palumbo and her relationship with her brother in October of 2012.


Natalie Palumbo offered this perspective to Autism Light on finding a cure for autism.

Growing up, those who thought of autism only as a verbal condition criticized me for wanting a cure for my brother. They actually asked me,
“If you love your brother so much, why do you want a cure?”

They did not understand how Anthony’s low-verbal autism made him vulnerable to danger, and how lack of communication limits his life. Anthony will need lifetime care. I feel it’s important to identify the cause of autism to prevent it as well as treat it. Some people with autism are gifted and verbal, but only represent about 30% of the spectrum. I responded to criticism by saying…  

“If you can argue against a cure, you don’t need one. For those without a voice, we can never stop fighting for a cure. We cannot neglect the many for the exceptional gifts of the few.”

Age of Autism: The Age of Autism is a Daily Newspaper on the Autism Epidemic that is Edited by Dan Olmsted, Kim Stagliano, and Mark Blaxill. Natalie Palumbo serves as the Sibling Voice for Age of Autism. Her writing on this daily web newspaper on autism is having a significant impact. You can access the over 20 posts she has written through her page on Age of Autism.  Some of her favorite posts include:

• Autism and Medication Hell
• The Autism Doesn't Care
• Ant and Nat Snow Dance by Natalie Palumbo (Links to a book Natalie self-published in high school).

Autism Light asked Natalie how her relationship with a brother with autism impacts her life and she said this:

Anthony keeps me young. He is immune to the world’s negativity. It
is a blessing and a curse for me. Anthony is unaware when people
are intolerant, so I hurt for the both of us. It does comfort me that he
is unaware of people’s ability to be cruel. I can escape into his world
where our childhood is never-ending. He still thinks of me as 6 and
him as 9. Anthony acknowledges that I’m in college, but his interaction
with me remains frozen in time. Anthony speaks in chunk phrases from
his echolalia. He will repeat a phrase, and change certain words to
suit his message. This is how he copes with having no conversational
speech. This results in funny phrasing that we call “Anthonyisms”. I
started a Tumblr at the suggestion of one of my friends who enjoyed the
Anthonyisms as my Facebook statuses. Anthony inspires my art. He is
highly visual to compensate for being low verbal. I focus on whatever
captures Anthony’s attention. I try to see the world through Anthony’s eyes.

Social Media: You can follow Natalie Palumbo's work on the following social media areas.

• Natalie Palumbo's Age of Autism Page 
• Natalie Palumbo's YouTube Channel
• Natalie Palumbo's Vimeo Site
• Natalie Palumbo's Tumblr Blog (Featuring "Anthonyisms" from Natalie's Facebook statuses)
• Natalie Palumbo's Deviantart Page

Here is a video of Natalie and Anthony dancing to a light hearted song together.


Being Anthony’s only sibling, Natalie anticipates being his caregiver one day when her parents are no longer able. Special thanks to Natalie Palumbo for being an Autism Light as a sibling voice for autism. Her thoughts challenge the autism community to listen to autism siblings to make sense of the puzzle of autism. We look forward to continuing to hear about the great things Natalie will do in the future to raise awareness for autism.

If you enjoyed this post you may wish to read about the other Autism Lights with the label Siblings. These people share the special perspective in their story of having a sibling with autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

The photos of Natalie Palumbo with her brother Anthony in this post were used with permission of Natalie Palumbo.

Spencer Timme

Autism Light #286 is Spencer Timme.

Spencer Timme is 20 years old and was born in San Diego, California. He currently lives in Norfolk, Virginia where he attends James Madison University. Spencer's older brother Mitchel has autism. Spencer Timme is an Autism Light for the special relationship he has with his brother Mitchel who has autism.

The following is a video that Spencer Timme developed about "What it's like to have a Brother with Autism". The video has had over 122,000 views as of today and it was featured on the Most Watched Today Website. In the description of the video, Spencer Timme wrote, "A short video I made about what is like to have an older brother with autism. I hope you enjoy it and see how blessed I am to have Mitchel as my brother. I love him to death and I want everyone to see how awesome our bond is!"

In the above video, Spencer Timme says about his brother Mitchel. "Our relationship is special. Not one person understands him the way I do. Our bond is strong. He is the most important person to me. I'll always protect him. He is my brother."
Student: Spencer Timme is a student at James Madison University in Norfolk, Virginia. He is a majoring in International Marketing/Business Spanish and is scheduled to graduate in 2014.  While in school he is working as a Product Tester for Nike and he is serving as a Marketing Intern at Hampton Roads Piranhas.
Advice to Other Autism Siblings: Spencer Timme provided this advice via Autism Light to pass on to other autism siblings about improving their relationship with their autistic brother or sister.  

Some advice I have is for the siblings to have patience with their autistic sibling. I can tell right away when my brother feels any sort of anxiety and I try my best to never rush him with anything and let him do things at his pace. Another huge bit of advice is just to make your presence known around your sibling. Not in an authoritative way but for instance if he or she is watching TV, just hang out in the same room with them. Even though sometimes it isn't acknowledged, they know you're there. My brother and I are very comfortable around each other and I think that comes with time of just being around each other even though sometimes we are just silently doing our own activities. 

You can follow Spencer Timme on the following social media areas.

• Facebook Page
• LinkedIn
• Twitter @TheYoungGooner_
• YouTube Channel

Special thanks to Spencer Timme for being an Autism Light and giving the autism community a glimpse at his relationship with his brother. We look forward to hearing amazing things in the future about Spencer and Mitchel. If you wish to email Spencer Timme and share your autism stories you can contact him at timmesc@dukes.jmu.edu.

If you enjoyed this post you may wish to read about the other Autism Lights with the label Siblings. These people share the special perspective in their story of having a sibling with autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

The photo in this post was used with permission of Spencer Timme.

Faith Jegede

Autism Light #275 is Faith Jegede. 

Faith Jegede is from London, England and is an autism advocate by being a speaker, writer, and blogger. Faith Jegede's brothers Remi and Samuel both have autism. Faith Jegede is an Autism Light because of the extraordinary way in which she is spreading autism awareness through the perspective of a sibling. Faith Jegede said in her TED talk called What I Learned from My Autistic Brothers, "I can not remember the first moment I encountered autism but I cannot recall a day without it."

The following is a video that Faith Jegede has on her blog that she did for Autism Awareness Month - 2013.

Education: Faith Jegede will be starting her PhD in Communication at American University in Washington D.C. in August. She earned her MSc in International Management at the Henley Business School, University of Reading and her BA (Hons) in International Politics at the University of Surrey, UK.

Here is a talk for TED that Faith Jegede did in 2012 called "What I've Learned from My Autistic Brothers."

Blog: You can read The Faith Jegede Blog to keep track of Faith's blogging. In her blog Faith Jegede shares her thoughts and personal opinions on topics ranging from reflections on life, favorite quotes, original poetry, politics, and her Christian faith. On her blog she mentions admiring the poetry of Joshua Bennett, who was Autism Light #253. Faith Jegede also has shared personal thoughts about her brothers on her blog. Here is two excellent blog posts that Faith Jegede wrote about where she mentions her relationship to her brothers who have autism.

To Her Brother Remi: If I were to communicate one thing to you, it would be that you are extraordinary. Your brilliance is beyond our conceptualization and you are worth more than you'll ever be able to realize. In you lies a gift. In you lies a lesson. In you lies a solution. In you lies love (Source).
100 Things to Be Thankful for in 2010: 5. I'm #thankful for my brothers. They often drive me nuts but always bring me joy. I'm excited to see what God will do in both of them (Source)."

Radio Show: Faith Jegede is the creator, presenter, and producer of a radio show called "What's in Yours?" (Source).  Faith Jegede's radio show airs for an hour on Tuesdays and Saturdays and centers around her getting to know guests by digging deep into their bags. You can access episodes of Faith Jegede's show at the Premier Gospel Website.
Twitter: Faith Jegede is very active on Twitter as @FaithJegede. Here are two of her inspirational tweets about life.

Tell someone you love them today. The evil in this world is too unpredictable to wait a second longer.
— Faith Jegede (@faithjegede) April 15, 2013

It is only the hope of light that gets you through the tunnel. Whatever your tunnel is - believe that there will be light!!
— Faith Jegede (@faithjegede) April 26, 2013

Social Media: You can follow Faith Jegede on social media at the following areas. 

• Facebook Page - Faith Jegede
• Twitter @FaithJegede
• YouTube Channel - Faith Jegede

Special thanks to Faith Jegede for spreading autism awareness and being a dedicated sister to her two brothers with autism. Faith Jegede is setting a wonderful example of advocacy for other young people who have siblings with autism. We look forward to continuing to hear amazing things about Faith Jegede's autism awareness advocacy in the years to come. If you enjoyed this post you may wish to read about the other Autism Lights with the label Siblings. These people share the special perspective in their story of having a sibling with autism.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Dan and Will Haggerty

Autism Lights #270 are Dan and Will Haggerty.

Dan and Will Haggerty are brothers who are members of the swim team at Wissahickon High School in Amber, Pennyslvania. Dan is 17 and Will is 15. In addition to swimming talent, the two brothers share a diagnosis of autism. Dan and Will Haggerty are Autism Lights for being and inspiration and demonstrating the pure enthusiasm for swimming that should be the winning trademark of all sports.

Channel 6 ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania did a news story on Dan and Will Haggerty and their success in swimming.


Plymouth Whitemarsh Special Olympics: Dan and Will Haggerty began their swimming experience about four years ago when they joined the Plymouth Whitemarsh Special Olympics swim team. Their initial devotion involved practicing an hour a week for 7 months during the school year (Source).

Dan and Will Haggerty have enjoined success in the swimming pool and that has greatly increased their confidence.  Their Coach John High reflected on their first swim meet: "They jumped out of the water and they were like 'I won.' As they walked down the deck, I turned and the entire team was there giving them high fives, and hugs. It was totally unprompted and extremely heartwarming (Source)."

Dan and Will Haggerty's mother, Susan Haggerty said, "Over the years, it's been hard, but situations like this, having the chance to let them shine and show some skills. We knew they could swim, we just didn't know they could swim on this level. It was the most incredible experience (Source)."
Online Articles: The following articles have been written about Dan and Will Haggerty.

• Montgomery News (February 15, 2013)
• ABC News (February 28, 2013)

Special thanks to Dan and Will Haggerty for showing parents and individuals with autism how it is possible to be successful at swimming. We wish them the best in their high school career as swimmers and in all their endeavors. They are truely two brothers who are an inspiration for autism. 
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Joshua Bennett

Autism Light #253 is Joshua Bennett.

Today on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day we want to honor a fantastic up and coming young poet of our day who like the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is using his peaceful words to speak out for both social justice and autism justice. Joshua Bennett is a poet from Yonkers, New York who has three disabled siblings. His younger brother Levi has Autism, his older sister is deaf, and his other brother has schizophrenia. Joshua Bennett wrote a poem called "Levi" in order to honor his brother and to draw attention to the plight of all those who are living with autism in our society.  Joshua Bennett is an Autism Light because of the autism awareness his poem "Levi" brings to the collection of the world's greatest social poetry. 
The following is the graduation speech that Joshua Bennett gave in 2010 for the College of Arts at the University of Pennsylvania. In the speech Joshua Bennett shares the simple piece of wisdom his mother shared with him that, "People learn how to treat you based on what you accept from them."  

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Education: Joshua Barnett's website lists his extensive education this way. "An alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, Joshua graduated with the distinctions of Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude, after double majoring in English and Africana Studies. In addition to receiving a Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship, Joshua was also awarded a Marshall Scholarship and earned his Masters of Arts in Theatre and Performance Studies from the University of Warwick in the UK. He is currently pursuing a PhD in English from Princeton University. Joshua thanks God for his gift, and is grateful for, and humbled by, the opportunity to inspire others (Source)."
The following is the Joshua Bennett presenting the poem "Levi" that he wrote for his brother who has autism.  
Bennett concludes the poem "Levi" with these piercing words: "Tell them Levi is just shorthand for levitate. That your calling is is to the clouds and you would pay them a lot more attention but you are simply too busy having a conversation with God right now. Then smile for them. Smile big. Smile pretty. Teach their wounded souls how to fly because you were made that way. A genius with jellyfish for words. A divine poem destined for the sky (Joshua Bennett)." 
Poetry Experience: The Strivers Row lists the varied venues where Joshua Bennett has presented at:

He was a featured poet on the HBO series Russell Simmons presents Brave New Voices. He has recited his original works at events and venues such as The Sundance Film Festival, The NAACP Image Awards, The Kennedy Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Poetry Africa and President Obama's Evening of Poetry and Music at the White House. He has also performed on BBC Radio Oxford, alongside former U.S. Poet Laureates Billy Collins and Rita Dove, at the Du Bois Institute Panel as a guest of Henry Louis Gates, and opened for Dr. Cornel West (Source).

Opened for Dr. Cornel West: Joshua Bennett performance when he opened at Martin Luther King event with Dr. Cornel West at the Rochester Institute of Technology is available on YouTube at this link. Website: You can read more from Joshua Bennett at his Tumblr Blog. 
Booking: Joshua Bennett is represented by The Strivers Row artists management who specialize in spoken word artists. For booking email info@thestriversrow.com.
Social Media: You can follow Joshua Bennett on the following social media areas.

• Facebook
• Twitter @SirJoshBennett
• YouTube - Strivers Row

Joshua Bennett is a prolific user of Twitter. This is one of his recent Tweets where he shares and inspires.

Small things. At this moment of my life, it's about a clean house and a clean heart. Double emphasis on both.
— Joshua Bennett (@SirJoshBennett) January 15, 2013

Special thanks to Joshua Bennett for using his amazing talent to be an Autism Light. We look forward to hearing more poems from him in the future as he speaks out for social justice and autism justice.

If you enjoyed this post you may wish to read about the other Autism Lights with the label Siblings. These people share the special perspective in their story of having a sibling with autism. Also, if you are interested in additional information on autism and Martin Luther King, Jr. day please read our Martin Luther King, Jr. day feature in 2012 on King Richard. 

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

The photo of Martin Luther King, Jr. in this post is in the Creative Commons of Wikipedia and is from the National Archives and Records Administration.

Michael Gibbons

Autism Light #251 is Michael Gibbons.

Michael Gibbons is a prizefighter/boxer from Birmingham, Alabama. Michael Gibbons has a brother with autism. To honor his brother, Michael Gibbons has supported Alabama's chapter of the Autism Society of America through one of his fights. Michael Gibbons is an Autism Light for raising awareness for autism through his platform as a fighter.   Boxing Career: Michael Gibbons (A.K.A. "The Godfather") is a prizefighter who made his debut in 2007. Wikipedia describes Michael Gibbons as a: 

left-handed lightweight prizefighter known for his uncanny ability to make people miss him with punches. He is the reigning Southern Championship Boxing Council Junior Welterweight Champion and as an amateur won the 2004 Alabama State Golden Gloves title, 2005 Alabama State Golden Gloves title, 2006 Alabama State Golden Gloves 132-pound open division championship. He also won the 2005 Southeastern Association Championship (Source).

Here is a video of Michael Gibbons announcing a fight he was planning for February 27, 2009 vs. Mike Williams to support the Autism Society of Alabama. He also shares how autism has impacted his family. 

Other Media: You can learn more about Michael "The Godfather" Gibbons in the following online pieces:

• Beyond Ringside Interview (2010)
• MySpace video of Michael Gibbons First Fight in 2007
• Wikipedia Page

Special thanks to Michael Gibbons for raising awareness for autism. His brother can be very proud of the efforts he is doing to support the cause of autism. If you enjoyed this post you may wish to read about the other Autism Lights with the label Siblings. These people share the special perspective in their story of having a sibling with autism.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Photo: The photo in this post of Michael Gibbons is in the Wikipedia commons. 

Niamh Cadogan

Autism Light #172 is Niamh Cadogan.

We so often focus on parents of those with autism that we may forget the special bond that exists with sibilings. Niamh Cadogan has a younger brother Stephen who has autism. Her relationship with her beloved brother inspired Niamh as she continued to lead an autism project during a serious illness.

Niamh Cadogan, from West Cork in Ireland, was born on June 22, 1994, and passed away on March 19, 2012 at the age of 17, from Leukemia. Niamh Cadogan is being named an Autism Light posthumously for the autism project she did to help children with autism obtain an iPod Touch with the Grace App on it. Niamh Cadogan will also be added to the Autism Light Memorial Roll today. The name "Niamh" is an Irish name that means "bright", or "radiant" and it's a fitting description for today's Autism Light.

Niamh with her friends Lisa and Liam

Niamh with her brother Stephen

Niamh Cadogan was the leader of a Young Social Innovators project called Amazing Grace: Improving the Lives of Children with Autism in Skibbereen. The 18 month project involved raising funds by recycling mobile phones in order to purchase an iPod Touch with the Grace App installed on it for children with autism. Every child in the autism unit programs at the St. Patrick's Boy's National School and at Rossa College became the beneficiaries of Niamh Cadogan's vision and dedication to serve.

Tributes were made to Niamh Cadogan from two prominent members of the autism community.

• Lisa Domican, the developer of the Grace App, said, "She got the entire school behind her and made it happen. She appreciated and adored her brother, and realised that it made her a better person (Source)."
• Kevin Whelen, the chief executive of Irish Autism Action said, "There are children with autism around the country who are now communicating with their parents thanks to Niamh (Source)."

The following are articles on the legacy of Niamh Cadogan

• Teenage Autism Crusader Leaves Powerful Legacy
• Tributes Paid to Young Social Innovator

You can also read about Niamh Cadogan's project and her battle with Leukemia in an online copy of a previous edition of the Young Social Innovators Newsletter.

Social Media: The Amazing Grace project has a Facebook page too for further information on it.

We honor the life and memory of Niamh Cadogan and hope that her work will inspire other young people who have siblings with autism to change the world for autism. Because of their youth and generational bond, siblings have a unique opportunity to make a difference over the long term for autism. Certainly Niamh Cadogan's legacy won't be forgotten as dozens of students are communicating with their parents because of the gift of an iPod Touch with the Grace App on it.

If you enjoyed this post you may wish to read about the other Autism Lights with the label Siblings. These people share the special perspective in their story of having a sibling with autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photos: The photos in this post were used with the permission of Lisa Domican.

Candice Hause

Autism Light #139 is Candice Hause.

Candice Hause is a senior at Shade-Central City High School in Cairnbrook, Pennsylvania. She has two siblings with autism, Leah age 5, and Blake age 4 (see photo above).  Candice's senior project will improve life for those with autism in two areas. The money raised will be split for a joint project to remodel a sensory room used by students with autism and to support an after school horseback therapy program. Candice Hause is an Autism Light because of her selection of a senior project that will benefit children who have autism, like her siblings.

Candice Hause said this to Autism Light about her project:

The reason I chose Autism for my senior project is because I realize how important it is to be diagnosed as soon as possible and to get the help needed to have the best outcome for the person with Autism. 

Candice Hause shared with Autism Light that she wants to help parents who might be unaware their child has autism, when she sees a situation in public. "I always want to say something, but fear it is not my place or what the reaction would be," said she said. This Senior project will help Candice make a difference without saying anything.  Here is the two sides of the project.

Sensory Room: Candice Hause plans to upgrade a school sensory room for students with special needs. It is not just used for autism. She indicated that, "Each one is different, so we'd like to add as many things as possible to help as many people as we can (Source)."

Horseback Therapy: The horseback riding therapy will be conducted by Best of Friends, a volunteer non-profit group. You can visit their website at http://best-of-friends.org to find out about the work of their organization. The value of horseback therapy is expressed a this poem at the Saddle Scoop website by John Anthony Davies.

Candice Hause is hoping to raise $5,000 for her project.  If you would like to contribute and help this Autism Light reach her goal to see it to completion then please email chause93@verizon.net for more information. Those who donate will receive a special handcrafted wooden memorablia made by Terry Schaffer, the Grandfather of Candice and her siblings. For more information on Candice Hause' senior project read the article published by the Hartford Courant.

Special thanks to Candice Hause for making autism her senior project. Candice is an example of the positive things a high school senior can do to help brighten the world of those with autism. If you liked this post you may wish to read other Autism Light posts about siblings of people with autism. They have the label of sibling on them.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo in this post is used with permission of Candice Hause.

Emily Lopez

Autism Light #118 is Emily Lopez.

Emily Lopez is an 11 year old from Los Angeles, California. Emily's brother Tony has autism and in his honor she founded and operates a fundraising effort known as Lemonade 4 Autism. Emily Lopez is an Autism Light because of her work in fundraising for autism charities and raising awareness for autism.

Here is a YouTube video of Emily Lopez, when she was 9 years old, explaining why she started Lemonade 4 Autism.

Emily Lopez operates Lemonade stands around California to benefit autism charities. One of the charities that is very close to Emily's heart is the HollyRod Foundation. The founders of the HollyRod Foundation are Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete who were Autism Lights #100.

For more information on Emily Lopez and Lemonade4Autism visit their official website at this link. If you are an organization working with autism and would like to be considered for assistance by Lemonade 4 Autism then please email Carrie Lopez at loveforautism@yahoo.com.

United States of Autism: Emily Lopez and her family will be featured in the upcoming movie called United States of Autism that is due to be released in 2012. The Executive Producer of United States of Autism is Richard Everts who was Autism Light #29.

Blog Featuring Emily Lopez: Emily Lopez was featured as the Wednesday's Woman on January 28, 2011 by the My Hats Mommy Blog.

Social Media: You can follow Lemonade 4 Autism on the following social media areas.

• Facebook
• Twitter

Special thanks to Emily Lopez for making a difference for autism. Here's hoping you have an amazing future in helping the autism community. If you liked this post you may wish to read other Autism Light posts about siblings of people with autism. They have the label of sibling on them. 

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo in this post was taken from the Lemonade4Autism Facebook page and is used with permission of Carrie Lopez.

Dillon Howard

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Autism Light Classic
Updated on June 5, 2015. 

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Autism Light #34 is Dillon Howard.

Dillon Howard is 22 and from Searcy, Arkansas. His brother Ben has autism. Dillon Howard was born on July 1, 1992, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dillon signed a professional contract with the Cleveland Indians that included a $1.85 million signing bonus after being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2011 Major League Baseball draft. Dillon Howard is an Autism Light for his generosity to an autism charity in honor of his brother Ben who has autism.  

High School: In his last year of high school baseball in Searcy, Arkansas he posted a 9-1 record with a 0.31 ERA.

Cleveland Indians: The Cleveland Indians Minor League Magazine did a Focus on the Future feature on Dillon Howard's signing on August 30, 2011. Below is the YouTube video of the feature on Dillon Howard.

In honor of his brother Ben who has autism, Dillon gave a portion of his signing bonus to an autism charity in the area.  He selected the Milestones Autism Organization in Beachwood, Ohio near Cleveland to receive his generous donation. The organization lists their mission on their website as "to promote life-long strategies of success for individuals with autism, from childhood through adulthood."

For more information on Dillon Howard's journey with autism in his family and his donation read articles which were written by Stephanie Storm of the Akron Beacon Journal and by Zack Meisel of MLB.com. 

Baseball-Reference.com has a statistics page for him of his minor league record. In April, 2014, Dillon Howard decided to leave professional baseball (Arkansas Online, April 15, 2014).

Special thanks to Dillon Howard for being an Autism Light. We wish you all the best in life and as an autism brother to Ben.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.