Brian Schnelle

Autism Light #470 is Brian Schnelle.

Brian Schnelle is a 31 year old man from the Old Hickory area of Nashville, Tennessee, who has autism. Brian spent 12 years as a student at Trevecca Nazarene University, and in May 2019 graduated with honors with a bachelor's degree in sports management. Brian Schnelle is an Autism Light because his perseverance in college serves as an inspiration to other autism families.

Annual Award Established at Trevecca: "Brian's perseverance inspired the administrators and teachers in the Department of Exercise and Sports Science to establish an annual award in his honor. Brian was the first recipient of the Brian Schnelle Perseverance Award (Tennessean, Jessica Bliss, May 10, 2019)."

The following is a video about Brian Schnelle's experience in college and his graduation. 


Parents: Brian's parents Jeff and Jane Schnelle were his foster parents when he was 1, and formally adopted him when he was 3. At age 7 he was diagnosed with autism. Despite needing the ongoing care of his parents to this day in many elements of his life, Brian loves to study. Jeff Schnelle attended almost every day of college with his son, because Brian lived at home and couldn't drive himself to school. Brian's dad would sit in the back of the classes he was taking.

Jeff Schnelle said this word of encouragement for autism parents. "There's a lot of people who are struggling with a loved one on the spectrum, and they're not sure what's going to happen next or how they are going to cope. You do learn to live day-by-day, you don't look too far into the future...There are days when you are not sure you're going to get through it. When you're not seeing the progress you want to see. But then you look back and you think, 'Wow, this is remarkable. he's done so much (As quoted by Jessica Bliss, Trevecca student with autism graduates after 12 years, Tennessean, May 10, 2019)."

Brian Schnelle, who is on the autism spectrum, began working toward his bachelor’s degree in sport management in 2007. Tomorrow, he'll graduate. He has inspired us all. Read his story here. #tnuclassof19 https://t.co/TIIrm2q7Ey

— Trevecca University (@Trevecca) May 3, 2019

Brian received support in college at Trevecca's Center for Leadership, Service and Calling, where he independently took all his tests in a comfortable environment. His accommodations included giving a few weeks advance notice on the due date of papers from his professors so that he could write a small amount each day toward the paper. While he received supports, Brian had to do all his own work toward his degree, which meant to be successful he had to work at it for 12 years and concentrate on completing a few classes each year toward his program.

For more information on Brian Schnelle please see the following articles:

• Brian Schnelle's Story: A Celebration 12 Years in the Making (Trevecca Nazarene University News, May 3, 2019)
• Trevecca student with autism graduates after 12 years (Jessica Biles Tennessean, May 10, 2019)

Special thanks to Brian Schnelle for being an Autism Light. His experience in college inspires other students with autism. We wish Brian Schnelle all the best in the next chapter of his life and hope he inspires other young people to go to college, even if it takes more than the traditional 4 years to complete their goal. 

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Belmont University Music Therapy Program

Autism Light #436 is Belmont University Music Therapy Program.

Belmont University is located in Nashville and is the largest Christian university in Tennessee. Belmont was founded in 1890 and in 2015 had over 7,000 students. Belmont began their Music Therapy program in 2014. Belmont University's Music Therapy Program is an Autism Light for the way in which it's training will equip students to make a difference for autism through music therapy.

Belmont University's Music Therapy Program has about 70 students and is the first four-year undergraduate program in Tennessee for music therapy. The academic program equips students to utilize music with a person's healing and recovery (Tennessean, Belmont Launches Choir for Children with Autism, December 16, 2015). Music therapy is used often with people with autism.

The following is a video on Belmont University's Music Therapy Program.

Community Choir for Children with Autism:  Belmont is partnering with the Rising Star Music Fund to create a free Community Choir for children with autism in 2016. Registration for this new choir will be held on January 10, 2016 at 2:30pm at the Massey Performing Arts Center room 12 on the campus of Belmont University. They are planning the first concert for April 17, 2016 (Tennessean, Belmont Launches Choir for Children with Autism, December 16, 2015).

Belmont's music therapy program is launching a free community choir next semester for children with autism. https://t.co/SSZvaCisgG

— Belmont University (@BelmontUniv) December 17, 2015

Prospective Students: If you are interested in the Music Therapy program at Belmont University visit their Undergraduate Music Therapy Program web page.

Special thanks to the Belmont University Music Therapy Program for helping to create a choir for children with autism. We are confident that this opportunity will enrich the lives of many children with autism in the Nashville area.  Belmont University is to be commended for making it a priority to develop a curriculum in music therapy that will shine a light or autism as the graduates take their knowledge around the world.

Search the Music Therapy label at Autism Light to find other posts on Music Therapy.

 Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Jaci Velasquez

Autism Light #338 is Jaci Velasquez. 

Jaci Velasquez is a Christian and Latin Pop singer from Nashville, Tennessee. Jaci Velasquez became an autism mother in the Spring of 2013, when her 5 year old son Zealand was diagnosed with autism by the Nashville Public Schools, when he started kindergarten. After the ASD diagnosis, Jaci became a spokesperson for autism advocacy and has used her singing talents in fundraising for the autism community. Jaci Velasquez is an Autism Light for how she is an autism advocate in honor of her son Zealand.

Jaci Velasquez was born on October 15, 1979, in Houston, Texas. Jaci is of Mexican, Spanish, French, Scottish, and Arab ancestry (Jaci Velasquez, Wikipedia).

Music Career: Jaci Velasquez has been inspring others through her singing for 20 years and, "she has three Platinum albums, three Gold albums, 16 number one singles, six top 10 singles, and seven Dove Awards (Christian Post, October 17, 2013)." For the latest information on Jaci Velasquez and opportunities to hear her music visit her website at www.jacivelasquez.com.

In this video Jaci Velasquez shares about her son Zealand and how God has spoken to her through being a parent.

There was also a news story done in Spanish where Jaci Velasquez reveals her son Zealand has autism. 

Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Jaci Velasquez was named the 2013 spokesperson for the Tennessee Walk Now for Autism Speaks. Her related duties included speaking about her connection to autism and the Autism Speaks organization, performing music at their events in Tennessee, and participating in the ribbon cutting ceremony on October 5, 2013. Jaci Velasquez said about this autism advocacy role, "I am honored and humbled to take on the responsibilities of being the spokesperson of 2013. Although the emotions that I am feeling are unfamiliar and uncharted, I find comfort and unwavering support through my faith, family, and both old and new friends alike (Christian Post, October 17, 2013)."

On My Knees: Here is a clip of Jaci Velasquez as she sings one of her #1 hit songs in a live concert. The song On My Knees was released in 1996 on her debut album Heavenly Place and became the title of her "Best of" Album ten years later in 2006.  Though the song was born over a decade before she became an autism mother, it's message offers hope for Christians in the autism community. When Jaci Velasquez sang this song an Autism Speaks event in 2013, she whispered before singing it, "This year I've actually found a new reason to be on my knees (Power Source Music)."

The Gift of Zealand:  Jaci Velasquez has said this about her autistic son Zealand, "What Zealand has taught me, and continues to teach me each day is that societal labels don't mean a thing. I see and hear 'genius' when I read and hear 'autistic.' Being diagnosed with autism is to be presented with an original gift. My mission is to harvest the gifts that Zealand has been given, and not overlook them. I don't want to overlook these gifts in an effort to try and 'fix' whatever might seem out of place I WILL NOT overlook Zealand's gift, and I want to encourage everyone else too.. DO NOT MISS THE GIFT! (Power Source Music)."

The following video is of Jaci Velasquez singing a duet in 2013 with Michael W. Smith at a Symphony of Life concert. The featured song is Michael W. Smith's classic, Friends. 

  Social Media: You can follow Jaci Velasquez on the following social media areas. 

• Facebook Page for Jaci Velasquez
• Twitter @jacivelasquez
• Vevo Channel of Jaci Velasquez
• YouTube Channel of Jaci Velasquez

Special thanks to Jaci Velasquez for being an Autism Light. Jaci's music has touched hearts for decades and her faith is now inspiring others as she walks the road of being an autism mother. We wish Jaci Velasquez the best in her music career and in her role as an autism parent.  Photo: The photo of Jaci Velasquez is in the Public Domain. 
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Cliff Kresge

Autism Light #335 is Cliff Kresge.

Cliff Kresge is a 45 year old professional golfer and an autism father. Cliff Kresge's 13 year old son Mason has autism. Cliff Kresge has homes in both Heathrow, Florida and Kingsport, Tennessee.  The headquarters of Kresge's Krew Foundation is in Kingsport, Tennnessee and proceeds benefit autism in East Tennessee, which has fewer autism resources than Florida. Cliff Kresge is an Autism Light for his dedication as an autism father and for how his golfing and charitable work makes a difference for autism in East Tennessee.

Golfer: Cliff Kresge states on his website that, "I got started in golf at age 8 when my parents moved to the 13th hole of Dubsdread GC in Orlando, FL. My swing is natural. I learned to play the game on my own, without an instructor (Cliff Kresge.Net)." Kresge turned pro in 1991 and made his PGA debut in 1994. You can view his golfing statistics at his page on ESPN. Cliff Kresge was the winner of the 2002 Virginia Beach Open.

Golf Week Magazine Father of the Year: In 2011 Cliff Kresge was honored as the Father of the Year by Golf Week Magazine.

Kresge's Krew Foundation:  Cliff Kresge started Kresge's Krew Foundation in honor of his son Mason. Kresge said, "My son inspired us to do our foundation. It's a bittersweet thing, but it is very gratifying and very rewarding (Knox News, August 20, 2012)."

"Kresge's Krew Foundation has raised some $350,000 over the past five years for autism care in East Tennessee (PGATour.com, Jeff Shain, April 24, 2013)." Cliff Kresge said, "Every little bit helps. It doesn't go far enough, I promise you. But to me, awareness is the biggest thing (PGATour.com, Jeff Shain, April 24, 2013)."

Find out more information about Kresge's Krew Foundation on their Website.

The following is a video of Cliff Kresge explaining about the third year of the Kresge's Krew Tourney for Autism Awareness that was held in September, 2011.


After a fundraising event in 2010, Kresge said, "My message with an event like this is that autism isn't some sort of death sentence--autism is something you can function with if you get the proper help. I've learned to appreciate what I have in my life, because I've learned some kids don't have a choice in how their lives go (Golf Week.com, Jeff Babineau, September 16, 2010)."

Social Media: You can follow Cliff Kresge on the following social media areas.

• Twitter @CliffKresge
• Facebook Page for Kresge's Krew Foundation

Wikipedia:  You can learn more about Cliff Kresge on the Cliff Kresge Wikipedia Page.
Website: Visit the official Cliff Kresge Website for more information on his activities.

Special thanks to Cliff Kresge for being an Autism Light. The blessing he is providing to the autism community in East Tennessee is impacting many lives. We wish him the best in all his autism awareness and his ongoing roll as one of our super autism fathers.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Tennessee Lights

The State of Tennessee is the home state of 8 Autism Lights honored in 6 posts. Tennessee Autism Lights include two musicians, a golfer, a young man with autism, and a landmark.

 Tennessee Autism Lights

1. Belmont University Music Therapy Program is a undergraduate academic program that teaches students how to be professionals in music therapy and work with individual with autism. Belmont is located in Nashville, Tennessee. 
2. Graceland Mansion is the home of Elvis Presley and is a Landmark in Memphis, Tennessee that participates in the Light It Up Blue campaign for autism awareness.
3. Cynthia Joyner (1981-2013) is the Autism Mother from Chattanooga, Tennessee who died on July 20, 2013, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was a volunteer with the Chattanooga Autism Center.
4. Cliff Kresge is the Autism Father from Kingsport, Tennessee, who is a professional golfer. His son Mason has autism. 
5. Brian Schnelle is a man with autism from Nashville, Tennessee, who graduated college from Trevecca Nazarene University May 2019. 
6. Josh Turner is a star country music singer from Nashville, Tennessee, who let a man with autism named Logan Blade sing with him on stage at the Grand Ole' Opry. Both Josh Turner and Logan Blade were named Autism Lights in the same post.
7. Jaci Velasquez is a Christian and Latin Pop singer from Nashville, Tennessee. Her son Zealand has autism. 

You may reach all these posts by searching the blog through the "Tennessee" Label.

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The map of Tennessee is from the Wikipedia Commons.

Logan Blade and Josh Turner

Autism Lights #303 are Logan Blade and Josh Turner.



Josh Turner



Logan Blade is a young man with autism from Columbia, Tennessee. Josh Turner is a country music singer from Nashville. Logan Blade and Josh Turner are being named Autism Lights on the same day because of the relationship their two stories have with each other. Logan Blade is inspiring others with his musical talent that breaks through the typical limitations of his autism. Josh Turner is one of Logan Blade's favorite singers, and the country star made a tremendous difference in the life of this musician with autism, when the two met and sang together for a song at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

Although he is chiefly nonverbal outside of the realm of music, Logan Blade currently sings publically at a variety of venues with a packed schedule. Christine Seiber at The Columbia Herald did a news feature on Logan's amazing talent in March of 2013.

Here is a special report from Stacy McCloud of FoxNashville on Logan Blade's life of being diagnosed with autism to how he currently has an amazing gift for music.


Logan Blade's dream was to sing at the Grand Ole Opry with Josh Turner and Josh Turner helped make that dream come true (Read More in an Article by Taste of Country Website). The following is a video from the night on May 28, 2013, at the Grand Ole Opry, where Josh Turner and Logan Blade sang together Josh Turner's signature song called Long Black Train. 


Logan Blade Fitting In: Logan Blade's debut album was Fitting In (2012). He sings a few Josh Turner songs as well as some of his own in this album. You can purchase that album at CDBaby or ITunes.  

Social Media for Logan Blade: You can follow Logan Blade at the following social media areas:

• Facebook Page of LoganBlade
• YouTube Channel of Darlene Blade (Logan's Mother)

Josh Turner/Punching Bag: Josh Turner is currently on tour and his latest album is called Punching Bag (2012). For information on purchasing Josh Turner's music or hearing him on tour visit his website at www.joshturner.com.

Social Media for Josh Turner: You can follow Josh Turner on the following social media areas:

• Facebook Page of Josh Turner
• Google+
• Twitter @joshturnermusic
• Wikipedia Page
• YouTube Channel

Special thanks to Logan Blade and Josh Turner for being Autism Lights. Logan Blade is an example of the amazing talent in music that some people with autism have. Josh Turner is an example of a star that has made a difference for autism by being a role model and hero to someone with autism. We wish Logan and Josh success as they continue to entertain others through their music.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.  

The photo of Josh Turner in this post is in the Wikipedia Commons.

Cynthia Joyner

Autism Light #292 is Cynthia Joyner.

Cynthia Wild Joyner is from Chattanooga, Tennessee. She has a teenage son named Matthew who has autism. Cynthia Joyner was born on December 4, 1981, and died on July 20, 2013, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Cynthia is survived by her husband Ricardo Joyner and two children, Matthew and Traci. Cynthia Joyner is an Autism Light both for her dedication as an autism mother and for the countless hours she volunteered with the Chattanooga Autism Center. Cynthia Joyner will be added today to the Autism Light Memorial Roll.

Here is a video of the news story on Cynthia Joyner's death.


Cynthia Joyner's obituary stated, "She was a fearless advocate for her son, Matthew, who has autism and volunteered countless hours of service to the Chattanooga Autism Center (Source)."

Chattanooga Autism Center: Cynthia Joyner was the 2013 Volunteer of the Year for the Chattanooga Autism Center. She was a tremendous asset to the work of this leading autism organization in Chattanooga, Tenneessee. Here are some of her contributions to the Chattanooga Autism Center according to an article by Yolanda Putman for the TimesFreePress.

• She was the coordinator for a fundraiser at Honest Pint in 2012 that raised $10,000.
• She worked with movie theaters to increase autism friendly showings.
• She fostered relationships with law enforcement to educate them about autism and facilitated some children with autism meeting officers (Source).

According to Alyce Benson, a clinical social worker who sees clients at the Chattanooga Autism Center, Cynthia Joyner's mission, "was to educate people about autism and to change attitudes from being judgmental toward autistic children and their parents to being more understanding (Source)."

Cynthia Joyner played an important role in caring for her teenage son Matthew who has autism and her death creates a critical need in the family. The Chattanooga Autism Center has committed $6,000 to help Cynthia Joyner's family with expenses. If you wish to make a donation for this need, make checks out to Ricardo Joyner, c/o Chatttanooga Autism Center, 1400 McCallie Ave. Suite 100, Chattanooga, TN 37404.

Funeral Arrangements: Cynthia Joyner's funeral will be at noon on July 26, 2013, at the Greater Sweet Branch Baptist Church in Olar, South Carolina. A memorial service in the Chattanooga area will be set at a later date.

The loss of Cynthia Joyner will be felt deeply by both her family and the Chattanooga Autism Center. Our thoughts and prayers for strength and comfort are extended to Cynthia's family, including her autistic son Matthew. May the example that Cynthia Joyner set in her life as a volunteer inspire others to step up to support autism organizations. The spirit of volunteerism is so critical in helping autism organizations accomplish their work.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Graceland Mansion

Autism Light #212 is Graceland Mansion. 

Graceland Mansion was the home of the late Elvis Presley from 1957-1977.  Graceland became a National Historic Landmark on March 27, 2006 and is located in Memphis, Tennessee. Graceland Mansion is an Autism Light for their participation in the Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue Campaign for Autism Awareness in April.

Wikipedia describes Graceland as "a large white-columned mansion and 13.8-acre (5.6 ha) estate that was home to Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee. It is located at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard in the vast Whitehaven community about 9 miles (14.5 km) from Downtown and less than four miles (6 km) north of the Mississippi border. It currently serves as a museum. It was opened to the public on June 7, 1982 (Source)."  It is the second most popular private residence in the United States for tours behind the White House. You can learn more about Graceland through their Wikipedia Page. 

Autism Mother's Crusade: Cindy Wynn-Brandon was instrumental in helping obtain Graceland's first year of involvement in the Light It Up Blue campaign in 2012. Cindy Wynn-Brandon has a 9 year old son named Noah who has autism. More on her story and involvement was featured on the Autism Speaks blog.

The Light It Up Blue Ceremony: Here is a video of the Graceland Mansion Light It Up Blue ceremony held on April 4, 2012, featuring Kerry Magro who was Autism Light # 119. Kerry Magro is doing a excellent job in his role of helping draw attention to landmarks who are going to Light It Up Blue for autism awareness.




For information on Graceland visit their website at http://www.elvis.com/graceland/.  Graceland also issued an online news release on their participation in the Light It Up Blue campaign.  
Special thanks to Graceland Mansion for their willingness to Light It Up Blue. Graceland Mansion holds two distinctions on the Autism Light blog. They are the first landmark participating in the Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue Campaign to be featured on Autism Light. Graceland Mansion is also the first Autism Light from the State of Tennessee.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Photo: The photo of Graceland Mansion is in the Creative Commons of Wikipedia and is attributed to Jan Kronsell.