Caddie is a Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever mix dog who lives in Newquay in Cornwall in the United Kingdom. Caddie is a therapy dog for a 13 year old boy with autism named Joel Sayer. Caddie is an Autism Light for having a positive impact in improving Joel's journey with autism. In 2017, Caddie was a finalist in the Crufts hero dog competition by Eukanuba.
The following is the YouTube video made about Joel and Caddie in the Eukanuba Friends for Life hero dog competition in 2017.
Caddie helps Joel with a variety of everyday tasks and provides an anchor for his day to day experiences that can sometimes be frightening to a teenager with autism. Joel's mother Janet said about the intervention skills of Caddie that, "When Joel can't cope, he paces around, but Caddie will nudge him, Joel will start stroking him and he'll come back into our world (As quoted by Emma Cox, RadioTimes.com, March 8, 2018)."
Dogs for Good: Through the sharing of their amazing life story Joel and Caddie are encouraging people throughout the United Kingdom to support the charity Dogs for Good. Their efforts have raised over 32,000 pounds to enable other individuals with autism to obtain a therapy dog like Caddie. Joel said, "Fundraising is great, especially when it's for someone who helped you. It's the best way of saying thank you (As quoted by Emma Cox, RadioTimes.com, March 8, 2018)."
Caddie will be added to the Autism Light Animal Page today. Caddie is a fine example of a dog who is making a difference through a therapeutic and loving relationship with a young person with autism. We wish Joel and Caddie the best in the future.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Benji is a Labrador dog who lives in Aberdeen, Scotland in the United Kingdom. Benji is a therapy dog for a 7 year old boy with autism named Declan McInnes-Pirie. Benji is an Autism Light for the positive impact he has on Declan's life as he stays by his side as a faithful dog.
Declan's mother Phionna was encouraged to try a dog for her son after she read the book A Friend Like Henry written by Nualah Gardner, who was Autism Light #58. Henry is another dog who from Scotland who made a difference for a child with autism.
Phionna McInnes-Pirie says this about the light Benji has shined in her son Declan's life.
Benji has been wonderful, he has really had his personality tested with Declan and he has risen to the challenge every time. Never have I seen such loyalty, patience and compassion.
There has been many a happy tear shed in this house. You read about it, sure, but until you see it happen with your own child - well that's some experience.
Two specific areas where Benji has helped Declan with his some of the effects of his autism are preventing him from running away and providing pressure therapy. A harness and handle keeps Benji and Declan together in public and offers a barrier to his wandering. Benji is able to provide pressure therapy by placing his dog paw or leg on Declan, which helps decrease his anxiety.
Benji will be added to the Autism Light Animal Page today. Benji is a fine example of a dog who is making a difference through his therapeutic and loving relationship with a young person with autism. We wish Benji and Declan the best in the future.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Ibrahim is a 7 year old boy who has autism and lives in the Harrow area of Greater London, England. He is a Muslim and a student at the National Autistic Society's Radlett Lodge School. Ibrahim is an Autism Light for the inspirational manner in which he prayed for diverse faiths during a lesson on Christmas traditions at his school in December of 2015.
Ibrahim started attending the Radlett Lodge School in 2012, and when he first arrived he could only say a few words. He has grown over the 3 years of his education at the school. The following is an account of his inspiring prayer during the lesson on Christingle at his school in December of 2015.
Ibrahim showed how far he'd come in a particularly touching and inspiring way during an RE lesson about Christingle in the first week of December. The students were taking it in turns to light a Christingle they'd made and blow it out. Ibrahim is Muslim and when it was his turn he put his hands together and prayed 'for all the Christians and Christingle and the Church, the Synagogue and Jewish, Islam and Muslims and all the families and children in the world and the Mosque and the Church and Christians and Christingle and Easter eggs (The National Autistic Society, Pupil finds his voice with wonderful Christmas message, December 21, 2015).'
Special thanks to Ibrahim for being an Autism Light. Ibrahim's progress in communication is an example of how autism education can be life-changing for some students. His Christingle prayer reflects the innocence of a child who in his heart holds a love for others, regardless of their diverse religious views. Ibrahim's acceptance of others, whose religion is different than his own, is an inspiring example to others in this day and age.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Kevin Healey is an Autism Campaigner from Stoke on trent in the United Kingdom. Kevin is 41 and was born on May 27, 1974. Kevin was diagnosed with autism in 2001. His twin brother Shaun also has autism but a more severe form. Kevin's personal experiences of having autism and being bullied have driven him to campaign against bullying. Kevin Healey is an Autism Light for the difference he is making in the lives of people with autism and how he is continually raising autism awareness through his writing, speaking, social media, leadership, and campaigning against bullying.
Anti-Bullying Campaigner: Kevin Healey raises awareness for cyberbullying and online harassment of people with autism. He is also trying to change hate crime laws in the United Kingdom and around the world in order to make it more difficult for anyone to get away with bullying people with autism. You can find out more about his Global Anti-Bullying campaign at the website www.autism-campaign.co.uk.
The following is a video where Kevin Healey talks about his anti-bullying campaign.
Author: Kevin Healey's autobiography is the 2008 book Twin Brothers World's Apart. He donates proceeds from the book to charity.Kevin's twin brother Shaun is more severely impacted by his autism than Kevin. You can order the book from Amazon/UK and the website for information on this book is at www.twinbrothersworldsapart.com.
Straffordshire Adults Autistic Society: Kevin Healey founded the Straffordshire Adults Autistic Society (SAAS) in 2007. They were the winner of the Queen's Award Charity in 2011. The SAAS is the largest adult autism charity in the United Kingdom. They say, "Our aim is to provide support to individuals on the autism spectrum, and to spread awareness and promote a better understanding of Autism and Asperger's (SAAS Blog)." Learn more about their work at the website www.saas.uk.com or their blog at www.autismblog.org.uk.
National Autistic Society: The National Autistic Society is the largest Autism Charity in the United Kingdom. Kevin Healey has been working the National Autistic Society for over 5 years as a regional Cllr/Trustee and Ambassador for the National Autistic Society.
Other Award: Kevin Healey was awarded by his community the Stoke on Trent Citizen of the Year in 2006.
The following is a video that Kevin Healey did for World Autism Awareness Week in 2015.
Wikipedia: You can read more about Kevin Healey on his Wikipedia Page. Social Media: Kevin Healey has been dedicated to getting his message out on social media for almost 15 years. You can follow Kevin and his autism campaigning on the following social media areas.
Twitter @Kevin_Healey (He has 117,000 followers on his account. Due to people impersonating Kevin please make sure you are following the real Kevin Healey @Kevin_Healey).
Twitter @AutismSAAS (This is the Staffordshire Adults Autistic Society, which was founded by Kevin Healey).
Twitter @Autismcampaign (This is the Anti-Bullying Autism Campaign started by Kevin Healey).
Periscope Account for Kevin Healey (Note: Kevin Healey has been one of the most prolific early adopters of the new social media known as Periscope).
Special thanks to Kevin Healey for being an Autism Light and using his leadership skills to shine a practical light for autism in his homeland while maintaining a global mindset in his efforts. Kevin Healey's campaigning is an inspiration to the autism community around the world. It is hoped that Kevin Healey's example will inspire many others with high functioning autism to speak up for those who might not be able to speak.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. Photos: The photos in this post were used with permission of Kevin Healey.
Anna Kennedy is an autism advocate and autism mother from Middlesbrough in the United Kingdom. She was born on March 12, 1960. Anna Kennedy is an Autism Light for her creation of the very important Hillingdon Manor School for students with autism and for her ongoing advocacy as an autism ambassador in the United Kingdom, especially through the charity she founded called Anna Kennedy Online.
Family: Anna Kennedy is married to Sean Kennedy. Sean is a legal advocate at Anna Kennedy Online, who helps the charity provide free legal support to autism families. The couple have two sons, Patrick and Angelo, who have autism.
In the following interview Anna Kennedy talks about raising her two sons, Patrick and Angelo, who have autism.
Hillingdon Manor School: In September 1999, Anna Kennedy opened Hillingdon Manor School in London (BBC News, January 5, 1999). After trying 26 schools and still being unable to find a school to accept her boys with autism, Anna Kennedy mortgaged her home and turned in her life savings in order to purchase the building for this groundbreaking autism school. Today it is an independent specialist school that offers educational instruction to 179 children between ages 3-19 at three different sites. Find out more about the school Anna Kennedy started at www.hillingdonmanorschool.org.uk.
Other Facilities: In 2011, Hillingdon Manor acquired Baston House School in order to expand their ability to serve children with autism. Anna Kennedy also started a college and a respite home that are making a difference for individuals of all ages with autism in the United Kingdom.
OBE: Anna Kennedy was awarded the Order of the British Empire by her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 for being an inspirational mother in her autism advocacy and establishing Hillingdon Manor School.
Honorary Doctorate: Anna Kennedy received the Honorary Doctor of Professional Achievement from Teesdale University.
The following is a video in honor of Anna Kennedy when she won the Achieving Mum of the Year from Tesco Awards in 2013 for campaigning for autism.
Anna Kennedy Online: Anna Kennedy Online reaches over 50,000 international followers of their website. The site shares autism information and is the official charity for Anna Kennedy's diverse autism advocacy (Tesco Living, 2013). This is the mission of Anna Kennedy Online:
Anna Kennedy Online is dedicated to promoting the inclusion and equality of children and adults with an autism spectrum condition throughout society. The charity promotes its mission of disability and equality by developing and sponsoring training, by raising awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and also by its advocacy efforts with and on behalf of people with an autism spectrum condition (Source: Anna Kennedy Online).
Autism's Got Talent: In 2012, Anna Kennedy founded the event Autism's Got Talent. 2016 will be the 5th year for this annual event. Anna Kennedy told Autism Light that this occasion is the highlight of her year. It is a night where talented individuals on the autism spectrum have the opportunity to showcase their talents to the public at one of the theaters in London.
Author: Anna Kennedy published the book Not Stupid in August, 2009. The book chronicles her inspirational journey from an autism mother who wouldn't give up into a leading autism advocate. You can purchase Not Stupid on Amazon.
Social Media: You can follow Anna Kennedy through the following social media sites.
Motto: Anna Kennedy wrote in an email to Autism Light, "My motto in life has always been You can either Give In, Give Up, or Give it all you've got and then some. I am known for my drive, tenacity and enthusiasm in everything I do in raising autism awareness. I am always thinking out of the box for different ideas in ways to achieve my goals."
Special thanks to Anna Kennedy for shining a light for autism in the United Kingdom. From humble beginnings to her establishment as one of the top autism ambassadors in the United Kingdom, Anna Kennedy is representative of so many other autism mothers who propelled their relationship to autism into a force for good to effect change in their community, country, and our world. We look forward to hearing new things in the future about Anna Kennedy's work for autism.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. Photo: The photo in this post was used with permission of Anna Kennedy.
June Filby lives in Pitmedden, a rural village in Scotland in the United Kingdom. June Filby is an Autism Light because for the past five years she has raised valuable funding for the autism charity Speur-Ghlan through her knitting.
June Filby has been "knitting scarves, hats, toys, tea cosies and cushions on behalf of her daughter Ruth Glynne-Owen's charity Speur-Ghlan (Inverurie Herald, May 10, 2015)." She has raised 12,000 pounds to help the autism charity Speur-Ghlan.
Speur-Ghlan is a registered charity in Scotland SC041778. The word Speur-Ghlan is a Gaelic term that means "Blue Skies". They use the Pivotal Response Therapy (PRT) in their early intervention autism services. Read more on the work of Speur-Ghlan at their website at www.earlyinterventionscotland.org.
Social Media: You can find out more about the organization Speur-Glahn that June knits for at the following social media pages.
The following is a post that was shared on Facebook about June Filby.
Wow, this champion mum has made £12,000 knitting for her daughter Ruth's Scottish ABA charity - Speur-Ghlan Early...
Posted by ABA4All on Saturday, May 2, 2015
Special thanks to June Filby for being an Autism Light. June is an example that one can make a difference for autism by using one's simple talents such as knitting. The special support from people such as June Flby is essential to many autism charities across the world. We wish June the best in her knitting.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Taylor Myatt is a 4 year old boy who has autism and cannot speak. He lives in Birches Head, Stoke-on-Trent in Straffordshire, England. On April 9, 2015, there was a gas leak in his home in the middle of the night and he woke up his parents to alert them to the danger. Taylor Myatt is an Autism Light because by alerting is parents he was a hero that prevented the gas leak from harming his family.
Taylor's parents Rebecca Coogan and Lee Myatt were sound asleep in the middle of the night of April 9, 2015. Taylor went into their room and woke them up and he was able to convince his father to go downstairs. The gas leak was discovered and they were able to call their emergency after hours number for a gas leak.
Taylor's mother Rebecca Coogan said that Talor, "was trying to pull Lee out of bed and he wouldn't go back into his own room. Taylor can't talk, he just points when he wants something, but he was adamant he was going downstairs (As quoted by Laura James, Stokes Sentinel, April 14, 2015) ."
Rebecca Coogan added, "Taylor always has his door open at night so I guess thats why he could smell the gas and not us. I don't know how he knew something was wrong. I guess it was just his instincts. But there's no doubt in my mind that he saved our lives (As quoted by Laura James, Stokes Sentinel, April 14, 2015)."
Special thanks to Taylor Myatt for being an Autism Light and demonstrating that one doesn't have to be able to speak to be a hero. Taylor is representative of the many individuals with autism that in the right situation are the first person to sense danger and they are able to find way to get help from others. We wish Taylor Myatt all the best as he develops and grows up.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Peter Dougon Capaldi was born on April 14, 1958. Peter Capaldi is a Scottish actor and film director. In 1991 he married Elaine Collins. He lives in Crouch End in the United Kingdom with his wife and daughter. Peter Capaldi is probably best known for being the twelfth and current actor to play the lead character of Doctor Who in the iconic BBC One science-fiction series Doctor Who. Peter Capaldi is an Autism Light for the way in which he has engaged and comforted some of his very special fans who have autism.
Peter Capaldi took classes at the Glasgow School of Art. He has been an actor and film director since 1982. For a complete listing of the television shows and features he has played in visit the Peter Capaldi IMDb page.
Peter Capaldi is an Autism Light for two separate interactions he had in 2014 with two fans who had autism.
Girl with Autism: Here is a video of Peter Capaldi comforting a girl with autism who had been upset about Peter Capaldi replacing Matt Smith as the 12th star to play the role of Doctor Who. He shows the special fan a photo of himself with Matt Smith to emphasize the continuity in the change of an actor.
In the video Peter Capaldi tells the girl with autism, "Matt [Smith] was really nice to me, as Jenna was too. They were both very welcoming to me when I came into the TARDIS. Matt said to me to look after Doctor Who, and he gave me his watch that he wears, and he said that, in his own way, he was happy that it was me that was coming in. So I will do my very best to be as much fun and as friendly as he is (As Quoted in Huffington Post, March 5, 2014)."
Boy with Autism: Thomas Goodall has autism and experienced intense grief when his grandmother died. Here is the video message that Peter Capaldi sent to Thomas Goodall to comfort him when his grandmother died.
Peter Capaldi wrote this letter to Thomas Goodall to encourage him after his grandmother died.
Because you see, when Clara and I are travelling around in time and space, sometimes bad things happen to us.
And you know what, Thomas? Sometimes sad things happen to us to. So, it's nice to know that there's somebody like you out there who's on our side. And you should know that we're on your side too.
So you look after yourself, and take care, and be happy.
Ross Goodall, the father of Thomas, said that he didn't think his son was going to be able to go to the funeral because of his intense experience of grief, but that the message from Peter Capaldi gave his son the courage necessary to attend his grandmother's funeral.
Peter Capaldi uttered a very deep truth when he said, "Real heroes are all around us and uncelebrated (Peter Capaldi IMDb page." At Autism Light we strive to honor real heroes who do something special for the autism family. Special thanks to Peter Capaldi for being an Autism Light. The kindness he showed to two young fans with autism is something they will not soon forget. We wish Peter Capaldi all the best.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. Photo: The photo of Peter Capaldi is from the Creative Commons at Wikipedia.
Lorna Wing was born on October 7, 1928, and passed away on June 6, 2014. She was a psychiatrist and autism mother in the United Kingdom. After learning that her daughter Susie had autism she focused the research she did in her long medical career on improving autism. One would be hard pressed to find a psychiatrist who has done so much for autism in the United Kingdom over the last half of the 20th Century. Dr. Lorna Wing is an Autism Light for her outstanding achievements to shine a light for autism, which included being an author, introducing the term "Asperger's Syndrome", and being one of the founders of the National Autistic Society in the United Kingdom. Lorna Wing will be placed on the Autism Light Memorial Roll today.
Lorna Wing passed away due to complications of Alzheimer's. She was preceded in death by her daughter Susie in 2009 and her husband John in 2010. You can read her obituary at the New York Times and at The UK Telegraph. A special tribute to Lorna Wing was held at the National Autistic Society meeting on November 22, 2014.
It was her daughter Susie's diagnosis of autism in the late 1950's that led Lorna Wing to focus on children with autism in her profession. She said,
When Susie was diagnosed there was no support for parents and children. We felt so suddenly and unexpectedly different to everyone else. Now there is a lot out there, and there are lots of good books. The huge change that has happened is the general recognition that autism exists (Lorna Wing, Autism: a mother's labour of love, May 24, 2011).
Here is a video of an interview done with Dr. Lorna Wing.
Author: Lorna Wing's most influential publication might have been her paper she published in 1981 called Asperger syndrome: a clinical account. It was in this work that she introduced the term Asperger's syndrome to refer to a specific group of people on the autism spectrum. Dr. Lorna Wing is also the author of numerous other books on autism. You can check out her page on Amazon for the list of her works that are still available. Books she authored include the following:
National Autistic Society: Lorna Wing was part of a group that started the National Autistic Society in 1962. The National Autistic Society is the leading United Kingdom charity for people with autism and they "provide information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better world for people with autism (National Autistic Society Website)." Lorna Wing served a vital role over the years as an autism consultant to the National Autistic Society's Lorna Wing Centre for Autism, which plays an important role in diagnosing autism.
Wikipedia: To learn more about Lorna Wing visit her Wikipedia page.
The autism community in the United Kingdom and around the world owes a debt of gratitude for the lifetime achievements of Dr. Lorna Wing. It is hoped that in her memory others will rise up to further the work of autism to a new generation.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Thula is a one year old Maine Coon Cat who lives in Market Horborough, England in the United Kingdom. Thula is a therapy cat to a 5 year old girl with autism named Iris Grace Halmshaw. The story of Iris Grace Halmshaw was originally featured at Autism Light in July of 2013 when she was named Autism Light #285. Thula is an Autism Light for the way in which she helps serve as an autism therapy cat to Iris Grace. Thula helps young Iris Grace to overcome anxiety in social situations and cope with everyday routines such as getting her hair washed.
Puss in Boots :-) Thula to Iris - ''See Iris, if I can wear them, you can too'' pic.twitter.com/JKkNtJ1uYm
— Iris Grace Painting (@IrisPainting) July 26, 2014
Petango writes this about the Maine Coon Cat breed, which is the official cat of the State of Maine in the United States.
Unlike some other people-oriented cat breeds, Maine coon cats are not overly dependent on their human family. Instead of pestering you for attention, they will remain close by for companionship. Not usually “lap cats,” they prefer to sit beside you instead of on top of you. Maine coon cats make great buddies for kids and generally socialize well with other pets (Petango).
Arbella Carter-Johnson, Iris' mother, told Bored Panda, "Thula has lowered [Iris'] daily anxieties in life and keeps Iris calm, but equally has the effect of encouraging her to be more social. She will talk more to Thula, saying little phrases like 'sit cat (Bored Panda).'"
Online Resources: You can read more about the heartwarming friendship between Thula the cat and Iris Grace in these online articles.
Special thanks to Thula for being an Autism Light and helping Iris Grace Halmshaw in her life with autism. Without a doubt some of the amazing things that Iris Grace Halmshaw is able to do with her painting would not be possible without the devotion of her therapy cat Thula on her side. If you want to read about other cats at Autism Light you can search for them with the label "Cat".
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Susan Boyle is a 52 year old singer from Scotland in the United Kingdom. Susan Boyle gained international fame on April 11, 2009, when she was a sensational success in her singing debut on Britain's Got Talent, where she sang "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables. After Susan Boyle's surprise debut performance, she went on to become a professional singer and actress. Her debut album was the fastest selling debut album of all time in the United Kingdom.
Susan Boyle revealed in December of 2013, that she had been diagnosed about a year ago with Asperger's Syndrome, a high functioning form of Autism. Susan Boyle is an Autism Light for how the sharing of her diagnosis of autism can help raise understanding and acceptance of autism by adding to the list of autism legends in the music field.
Here is the full clip of Susan Boyle's 2009 audition in Britains Got Talent. Notice how her amazing singing ability surprises everyone. This video version of that night has received over 141 million views on YouTube to date. I personally never tire of watching it again.
Susan Boyle told the Guardian regarding her autism diagnosis, "I was told I had brain damage. I always knew it was an unfair label. Now I have a clearer understanding of what's wrong and I feel relieved and a bit more relaxed about myself (The Guardian, December 7, 2013)."
In an interview with the International Business Times, Susan Boyle also said, "Asperger's doesn't define me. It's a condition that I have to live with and work through, but I feel more relaxed about myself. People will have a much greater understanding of who I am and why I do the things I do (International Business Times, December 8, 2013)."
The National Autistic Society considers Susan Boyle an example of the 'invisible generation' of adults with autism that went undiagnosed for years (BBCNews Scotland, December 9, 2013).
The following is a news story from CNN about Susan Boyle being diagnosed with autism.
Movies: Susan Boyle has appeared in the following films.
In 2009 Susan Boyle starred as herself in a television special called, I Dreamed a Dream: The Susan Boyle Story. You can watch the complete version of that show here.
Susan Boyle recently made her acting debut (where she wasn't appearing as herself) in The Christmas Candle (2013).
Music Albums: Susan Boyle's music is very popular in both the United Kingdom and the United States and has sold 14 million albums worldwide (International Business Times, December 8, 2013). Susan Boyle has produced the following music albums.
I Dreamed a Dream (2009)
The Gift (2010)
Someone to Watch Over Me (2011)
Standing Ovation: The Greatest Songs from the Stage (2012)
Home for Christmas (2013)
Her album I Dreamed a Dream became the fastest selling debut album in the United Kingdom. In addition, to these albums fans in the United Kingdom can hear Susan Boyle when she holds a tour of concerts.
Christian Faith: Several of the songs that Susan Boyle has given to the world on her popular albums are about the Christian faith. Susan Boyle credits her Christian faith for helping her cope with grief when she lost her beloved mother Bridget in 2007. She said, "That's what keeps you going. I have my faith, which is the backbone of who I am, really."(Christianity Today, November 17, 2009).
Website: To keep informed of the latest developments with Susan Boyle visit her website at www.susanboylemusic.com or you can interact with other fans at the Susan Boyle Fansite.
Special thanks to Susan Boyle for being an Autism Light. We expect to continue to hear amazing things from her as she shares her gift of music and represents adults with Asperger's through her example and growth.
Adam Feinstein is an autism researcher, author, and journalist who lives in London, England in the United Kingdom. Adam Feinstein's 20 year old son Johnny, who has autism, inspired him to enter the field of autism research almost two decades ago. Today Adam Feinstein is a recognized international leader in autism with his influence being felt far beyond his homeland in the United Kingdom. Dr. Adam Feinstein is an Autism Light for being a leading researcher on autism and helping the autism community understand autism through contemporary research and analysis of the history of those who have contributed to the cause of autism.
The following is a two part interview that Alison Singer of the Autism Science Foundation conducted with Dr. Adam Feinstein at the International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR) in 2010.
Autism Cymru: Adam Feinstein works for Wales' National Charity for Autism called Autism Cymru. His duties at Autism Cymru include two very important roles:
Website Editor: He serves as the editor of the Autism Cymru websites called Awares and Autism Connect. These websites have a vast resource of information on diverse subjects in the field of autism.
Conference Organizer: Dr. Adam Feinstein leads an annual international online autism conference for Awares. A unique feature of this conference is that anyone from around the world may pose questions directly to top autism experts who are involved in the conference. Dr. Adam Feinstein said, "More than sixty of the world's leading autism experts --including Simon Baron-Cohen, Gary Mesibov, Donna Williams, Wendy Lawson, Susan Leekam and Susan Folstein--have taken part (Introducing Myself, Adam Feinstein)."
Newsletter: Dr. Adam Feinstein serves as the editor of an international autism newsletter called Looking Up, which has the latest reasearch and news on autism from around the world. Looking Up is a monthly 40 page newsletter. Looking Up describes their work as, "Aimed at parents and professionals alike, it is a lively and informative mix of the very latest findings in autism resarch from around the world and articles which explore the imapct of autism in all areas (Looking Up Website)."
A History of Autism: Conversation with the Pioneers: In June, 2010, Adam Feinstein published with Wiley-Blackwell a groundbreaking book called A History of Autism: Conversations with the Pioneers. Dame Stephanie Shirley financed the research of the book. The Autism Light blog is very grateful for having been able to reference information in A History of Autism: Conversation with the Pioneers in order to help write some of the Memorial Roll posts on autism heroes of the past who have passed on.
Dr. Adam Feinstein also speaks on autism around the world and has been featured regularly on the BBC and in the Guardian. If you want to read more about Dr. Adam Feinstein's ongoing work, you can read his blog at http://adamfeinstein.wordpress.com. You can also contact him at the email address of editor@lookingupautism.org
Social Media: You can follow Adam Feinstein at the following social media areas.
Special thanks to Dr. Adam Feinstein for being an Autism Light. His leadership and writing on autism research is a priceless aid for those charged with putting together pieces of the puzzle of autism. Adam Feinstein's work helps the autism community understand the past and present in order to offer constructive hope for improving the future.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Spike is a pet gecko who lives in Hurdsfield in Chesire County, England. He is the pet of a 10 year old boy with Asperger's named Callum Lake. Spike is an Autism Light because of how his presence has transformed Callum Lake's life.
Callum's family gave him Spike after he asked for a pet lizard. Callum and Spike have formed a special bond. In fact, Karen Beech, Callum's mother, said "As soon as he held him, he fell in love (Read More at the Autism News Article on Spike the Lizard)."
Karen Beech is elated with the growth that Spike is inspiring in he son's life. She said, "Spike may be small, but he has had a huge impact on Callum's life and it's heart-warming to see him so much more confident and independent with family and at home (Read More at the Article at the Macclessfield Express on Spike the Lizard)."
Here are some articles written on Spike and how he is improving the life of Callum Lake.
Special thanks to Spike for being an Autism Light to Callum Lake. Spike becomes the first Lizard to be named an Autism Light. He is yet another example of how diverse animals can have therapeutic value to some children with autism.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Jim Mansell, CBE was a university professor and an immensely influential advocate that those with autism and other intellectual disabilities in the United Kingdom be able to live in the community instead of residing long-term in institutions. Jim Mansell was born in Beckenham, Kent in the United Kingdom on September 2, 1952, and died of cancer on March 13, 2012. Jim Mansell is an Autism Light for his 30 year mission to fight for services for those with autism and other intellectual disabilities. His influence was felt most notably as the founder of The Tizard Centre at the University of Kent, and for writing groundbreaking disability reports that were published by the UK Department of Health, known as the Mansell reports (1993) and Raising Our Sights (2010). Jim Mansell will be added today to the Autism Light Memorial Roll.
Jim Mansell graduated from Cardiff University in 1975. At the age of 18 years old, he volunteered to take a group of disabled children from the city's Ely hospital to a movie. Mansell's shock at the state of the children in this long-stay institution, led him to organize efforts to change conditions for residents of the hospital. When Jim was asked what credentials he had at 18 years of age for this gigantic undertaking in social change, he would respond that it, "was actually a question that never occured to me (Read More in the Obituary Done by the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities)." Ely would not close until 1996, but Jim Mansell's advocacy as a young university student was just the start of his life's passion to help as many residents as possible get out of long-stay institutions and live in the community.
CBE: In recognition of his lifetime of work for the disabled, Jim Mansell was given the tremendously high honor of being named Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to people with intellectual disabilities in 2012 (Read More in an Article by The Challenging Behavior Foundation).
The Tizard Centre: In 1983, Jim Mansell founded The Tizard Centre at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom. This academic group is a world class disability research and study center (Read More in an Article on Jim Mansell by Mencap). He served as a Professor and then Emeritus Professor of Learning Disability at The Tizard Centre at the University of Kent.
La Trobe University: Jim Mansell served as Professor in the School of Social Work and Social Policy at the La Trobe University in Melburne, Australia. The following is a video uploaded in 2011 of the Disability Forum at La Trobe University that included Jim Mansell on the panel.
The Mansell Reports: In 1993, Jim Mansell led a group for the UK Department of Health that wrote a groundbreaking guidebook for services for people with learning disabilities. This report became known as the Mansell reports and was updated in 2007. You can read the updated version of the Mansell reports online.
Raising Our Sights: In 2010, the UK Department of Health published Jim Mansell's report on supporting people with severe intellectual disabilities. This was called Raising Our Sights. A video presentation on the Raising Our Sights report was done by Jim Mansell and is available at this section of The Tizard Centre's Website.
The autism community owes a tremendous gratitude to Jim Mansell for his advocacy work in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other parts of the world. Thousands of disabled individuals and those with autism are in the community today instead of an institution because of his advocacy and work. May the efforts he made to protect those with disabilities inspire others to consider being an Autism Light and advocate.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
Iris Grace Halmshaw is a 3 year old from Market Horborough, England who is nonverbal and has autism. Iris also is an artist who creates awe-inspiring paintings. Iris Halmshaw is an Autism Light for giving to the world her gift of art and for demonstrating the exceptional artistic talent that some people with autism have.
Here is a MSN news story on Iris Halmshaw and her painting.
Peter-Jon Halmshaw, Iris' father, told the Leceister Mercury that "When she started doing art therapy we thought it was amazing, but we're her parents so we think everything she does is amazing. But lots of other people started saying it was great. It went beserk from there (Source)."
Arabella Carter-Johnson, Iris' mother, said, "Her autism has created a style of painting which I have never seen in a child of her age. She has an understanding of colours and how they interact with each other (Source)."
The National Autistic Society shared this tweet describing the work of 3 year old Iris Halmshaw.
Her work evokes the likes of Monet and Jackson Pollock. Iris Halmshaw (3) continues to amaze with her #artistic skill http://t.co/mcoi52GUD5
— Nat Autistic Society (@Autism) July 4, 2013
Some of the prints of her paintings have sold for several hundred dollars and are available to the public through her website at irisgracepainting.com. Iris Halmshaw's family is planning an art show in the future where they will sell originals of some of her paintings to raise funds for her ongoing autism therapy.
Social Media: You can follow the growth of Iris Halmshaw and her artwork on the following social media areas.
Special thanks to Iris Halmshaw for being an Autism Light. Your artwork is an inspiration the autism community and those that appreciate art. We look forward to hearing more exciting things about Iris and her artwork in the future. For more information on artists with autism visit the Autism Light Art page. Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. Special Update: Iris Grace Halmshaw's autism therapy cat is Thula who was named Autism Light #358.
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.
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.
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.
Today we honor a Special Education Teacher who was a gifted hero for his pupils with autism and their families. Adam Bluestone served as a Special Education Teacher in Bakersfield, California prior to his untimely death from a massive stroke in 2007. Adam Bluestone was born on February 18, 1964, near London, England and passed away on September 6, 2007, in Southern California. Adam was survived by his wife Angela and sons, Zachary and David. A memorial service for Adam was held on September 14, 2007. A fitting obituary for Adam continues to be on the Legacy.com website. Adam Bluestone will also be placed on the Autism Light Memorial Roll today. Water Sports and Skydiving Instructor: Adam Bluestone had a brief career as a water sports and skydiving instructor prior to his educational and teaching endeavors. He made a tremendous impact on people who met him through his love of outdoor sports.
Autism Teacher: Adam Bluestone's obituary says that at the time of his passing he, "worked for the Bakersfield City School District teaching children with severe disabilities and autism. Adam became recognized as a gifted teacher with notable expertise in autism (Source)." Consultant: Adam Bluestone started his own business called Behavioral Innovations in 2003, and served as a consultant to school districts in the State of California. Tributes for Adam Bluestone: Many autism families were touched by the efforts of Adam Bluestone as a Special Education teacher. Some of them made comments on Brandon Neal's memorial blog for Adam. Here are two testimonies of Adam Bluestone's impact.
John on behalf of The Cohrs Family said,
I have never before been impacted so greatly by a person whom I barely knew. Adam helped my son, as he helped hundreds of others with autism. He came to my home to help my wife, Kelley, and I to communicate with our son. From the moment he walked in the door, I knew this was a special person. By the time he left, I wished I could emulate him. I remember his voice, his presence, his passion and his love (Source).
Yvonne Brown Person said,
My family and I had not known Adam for very long but Adam had a way of making you feel like you'd been friends forever. My 15 year old autistic nephew will continue to benefit from Adam's work and for this my family and many others will be forever grateful (Source).
Memorial Funds: Two funds were established in memory of Adam Bluestone.
Donations may be made to a Trust Fund established for Zachary and David Bluestone. These donations should be deposited for Zachary and David Bluestone at Washington Mutual Bank. Acct: 4922431400, Routing #322271627.
Donations for Autism Awareness can be sent to: The Adam Bluestone Autism Education Fund, 29949 East Vale Court, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. Phone 818-889-8001.
Adam Bluestone made a difference for autism as a dedicated special education teacher in California. He set an example for other special education teachers and his memory is an inspiration to all those who knew him. It is the hope of Autism Light that more devoted individuals will continue to make a career of teaching children with autism as the population with autism continues to grow.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
The photo of Adam Bluestone is used with permission of Brandon Neal (Email: BrandonNeal@Gmail.com).
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