Stuart Duncan

Autism Light #78 is Stuart Duncan.

Stuart Duncan lives near Toronto, Ontario in Canada and works from home as a web developer. He has two sons, and his oldest son named Cameron has autism. Stuart is the owner/writer of a popular autism blog called Autism from a Father's Point of View.  Because of the popularity of his blog, Stuart Duncan is also known to many as simply the Autism Father. On April 23, 2012, Stuart Duncan announced on his blog that he has Aspergers. Stuart Duncan is an Autism Light because he is performing a valuable service of sharing a father's perspective in dealing with autism.

Autism from a Father's Point of View: Stuart Duncan's blog is a very helpful resource to the autism community. You can visit his blog at http://www.stuartduncan.name. A measurement of the popularity of the website is reflected in the statistics that Stuart Duncan received over 60,000 unique pageviews to his website in the first 8 months of 2011. Autism from a Father's Point of View are posts on a variety of subjects that provide helpful information to the autism community. Stuart Duncan's blog is ranked in the Top 25 Autism Blogs for 2011 by Babble.com. I've chosen his post on the new social media platform Google+ to represent one from many options of how Stuart Duncan's posts inform, challenge, and contribute valuable insights to the autism community. You can view this post at this link - Autism and Google+: The Potential for a New Autism Community.

Stuart Duncan's website has a comprehensive index of his present and past blogs on autism from a father's perspective and it also has information about he and his son. The site also has resources grouped into the following topics:

• Autism Facts
• Videos
• Quotes

YouTube Channel:  Stuart Duncan has a YouTube channel that contains some of his favorite videos, including some of his children.  He created two original awareness videos for his YouTube channel.  One is called My Little Brother Has Autism. The other is called Autism Understanding and Acceptance and is included here.

Guest Blogger: Stuart Duncan has served as a guest blogger on several occasions.  Here is a list of some blog posts of his that appeared on popular autism sites.

• Autism Speaks (Dear Future)
• Autism Speaks (Stop the Excuses)
• Autism Society (The Son Becomes the Father)
• About.com (Father's Day Series)

Other Contributions: 

• Stuart Duncan was interviewed by CNN.com for an article on a parent's perspective to autism studies on vaccinations that appeared on January 6, 2011.
• Stuart Duncan was a contributor to F. Lewis Stark's book Big Daddy's Tales from the Lighter Side of Raising a Child with Autism.

Social Media:  Stuart Duncan is very active in spreading autism awareness through social media. His Twitter and Facebook accounts are on the path to 5,000 followers each. You can interact with Stuart Duncan on the following social media areas.

• Facebook (Autism Father)
• Facebook (Autism Understanding and Acceptance)
• Google+
• Twitter
• YouTube

Thank you Stuart Duncan for bringing a father's perspective to the autism parent community.  You are an inspiration and a voice for many other fathers who struggle with the world of autism in their children.  Your son can be very proud of your contributions to the autism community.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 


Photo: The Photo in this post is used with the permission of Stuart Duncan.

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Darlene Borre

Autism Light #77 is Darlene Borre.

Darlene Borre is from Manchester, Connecticut. Her son Ben is in 4th grade and has autism. Darlene Borre is a former attorney and presently works from home as a claims adjuster. Darlene Borre is the co-founder of All Seasons Community (All Seasons Academy), a nonprofit with the mission to build capacity to be able to supply housing needs for adults with autism in the West Hartford, Connecticut area. Darlene Borre is an Autism Light because of her fundraising efforts on behalf of families with autism.

Motivated by her own experiences as a mother of a son with autism, Darlene's immediate goal for All Seasons Community is to raise funds to give free 'sensory home makeovers' for families with children with autism.  Darlene Borre wrote this about her fundraising passion:

I have a job, so if we have to get an indoor swing, I'll get an indoor swing. But not everyone can afford it, or even know that they need it (Source).

On Saturday, October 29, 2011, All Seasons Community, will hold its first Harvest fundraiser to raise funds for these 'sensory home makeovers'. It will be held at the following location.

Zachs Community Room at University of Connecticut's School of Social Work

179 Asylum Avenue

West Hartford, Connecticut

The event will be a catered meal from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include a Silent Auction. Admission is only $20. If you are in the West Hartford, Connecticut area please consider participating in this event.

If you would like to nominate a family for the home makeover send their name to info@allseasonacademy.org. Makeovers may include equipment such as swings or weighted blankets as well as home renovations such as painting walls. Marie Mancini and Melissa Broxton, occupational therapists with Advanced Therapy Solutions in Wethersfield, Connecticut, have volunteered to do free at-home consultations with this project.

More information on Darlene Bore and her fundraising efforts can be found at the following links.

• Hartford Courant Article on Oct. 25, 2011
• Guest Blog for Hartford Courant (2009)
• All Seasons Academy Blog

Social Media:  You can follow All Seasons Community on the following social media.

• Facebook - All Seasons Community
• Facebook - Darlene Borre

Thank you Darlene Borre for being an Autism Light and raising money for 'sensory home makeovers'. You are truly representative of a group of parents taking it upon themselves to raise money to assist other parents, who have children with autism but do not have the financial resources to be able to afford all of autism's tremendous costs.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

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This Autism Light post was mentioned in the CANadda Daily on October 28, 2011.
This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

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Eytan Nisinzweig - Susan Nisinzweig

Autism Lights #76 are Eytan Nisinzweig and Susan Nisinzweig.

Eytan Nisinzweig and his mother Susan

Today we honor Eytan Nisinzweig and his mother Susan.  The Nisinzweig family is from Riverside, Connecticut. Eytan has autism and is gifted in art and music. Seeing this artistic talent Eytan's mother Susan created the business known as EytanArt.

• Eytan Nisinzweig is an autism light because of the ways in which he is using his art and music as inspiration to make a difference in the world as he lives with autism.  
• Susan Nisinzweig is an autism light for finding a creative way as a parent to take the necessary steps required to help her son with autism build a business that will increase his independence as well as change the world with positive messages.

EytanArt:  EytanArt features some of Eytan's orginal artistic designs. Susan Nisinzweig writes this about the origin of EytanArt.

About a year ago, I decided it was time to start sharing Eytan's delightful artwork with others.  An inspiration led me to pair his designs with messages about respecting differences, discovering similarities and about making a difference in the world.  I created a website and started a business called EytanArt™ whose "tag line" is Designs About Difference.  The 5 designs and messagesthat are currently on the site have been a big hit and there will be more to come.  The exciting thing is that these designs and messages are shifting attitudes around the country and around the globe each time someone wears an EytanArt t-shirt, hangs a poster in their classroom or office, mails a note card to someone they care about, etc. 

Eytan:  Eytan will be 26 on November 1, 2011 and he is very involved in his community.  Susan Nisinzweig again writes this about her son: 

In addition to Eytan's artwork, he also contributes to our community each week through his musical talent.  He volunteers at a nursing home weekly where he plays songs from the 30's through the 70's, as well as show tunes and some classical music.  He is hired by our school district to do weekly sing-along sessions with the preschool classes and he also hired monthly to do the same at a local church pre-school.  Because of this, Eytan is well known, appreciated and loved throughout our town.  Although Eytan doesn't fully understand the impact he is having on so many people,  he is happy, he does what he loves to do, and his life has real meaning and purpose.  To learn more about Eytan and to see clips of his piano playing visit www.EytanArt.com/about-eytan

Here is Eytan Nisinzweig singing and playing Elton John's "Your Song".  This is one of his favorite songs.

Susan:  Susan Nisinzweig is the founder of EytanArt and Eytan's mother. She is also the writer of the blog "On a Better Note" that is part of EytanArt's website.  Susan writes this about her blog:

I named the blog on the EytanArt website "On A Better Note", in an effort to counter-act all of the negativity that we so often see, hear and read in the media.  I use it as a platform to share life lessons, tips and information that has been  inspired by bringing up Eytan and that I believe would be useful to parents, teachers, therapists, and everyone else who lives with or works with children - with or without special needs.   Examples of the articles you can find on our blog at www.EytanArt.com/on-a-better-noteare:

• What puts the biggest smile on your face? 

• How to say "I love you" everyday without words.

• Bullying has got to go! 

Susan Nisinzweig has also written an insightful article about how she started her business that is called "How I Did It" and is found on Maria Shiver.com.

Social Media:  You may follow EytanArt on these social media areas:

• Twitter
• Facebook
• EytanArt YouTube Channel

For more information on EytanArt visit their website at www.EytanArt.com.

Special thanks to Susan Nisinzweig for the use of such helpful and detailed quotations to help us truly understand these Autism Lights. One of the unique things about this post today is that it is the first time that a mother and her adult son were honored together. Susan is representative of the many mothers who never stop loving and are there to provide an extra helping hand to their adult children with autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

Photo: Photos in this post used with permission of Susan Nisinzweig.

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Dr. Jeff Kinner

Autism Light #75 is Dr. Jeff Kinner.  

Dr. Jeff Kinner is a Dentist and the Director of the Autism Dental Center for Children in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Dr. Jeff Kinner is an Autism Light because of his dedication to make the process as easy as possible for children with autism to receive needed dental treatment.

Dr. Jeff Kinner began his dental practice in Nevada in 1983.  He limits his practice to children up through age 18.  His work with autism began in earnest in 2007.  According to his website,

In 2007, Dr. Kinner had a sense that children with special needs, especially those with autism, were not receiving dental care with the dignity they deserved. He formed the Autism Dental Center for Children to forge new strategies for the treatment of children with autism. Children who were once automatically taken to a surgery center or put into a straight jacket for dental treatment are now often integrated into a private practice environment. Most can receive routine recare visits without being hospitalized, restrained, or sedated.

The following is a promotional video about Dr. Jeff Kinner's practice.

Dr. Jeff Kinner feels that traditional dental practice is often not tolerated by children with autism. He notes on the front page of his website these three ways to help children with autism adjust to dental treatment:

1. Provide repetitive familiarization
2. Offer rewards
3. Listen to the parents knowledge of what works with their child

"Our philosophy is that every child with autism must be given the opportunity to receive routine dental care visits without the use of drugs or restraints," says Dr. Jeff Kinner.

The Autism Dental Center for Children is located at Summerlin Medical Center, 653 N. Town Center Drive, Suite 104, Las Vegas, NV 89144.   You may contact them through one of these means.

• Phone: (702) 233-3338
• Email: info@autismdentist.com
• Website: www.autismdentist.com

Social Media: You can follow Dr. Jeff Kinner at these social media areas:

• Twitter 
• Facebook

For more information on Dr. Jeff Kinner and his work read his bio from his Website at this link.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Update: Dr. Jeff Kinner retired at the end of 2011. This post was written prior to his retirement. 

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Alex Plank

Autism Light #74 is Alex Plank.

Alex Plank is from Beverly Hills, California.  He studied film and video at George Mason University in Virginia.  Alex Plank has Asperger's Syndrome and is the CEO of Wrong Planet, a popular social website for individuals with Autism and Asperger's to communicate online with others.  Alex Plank is an Autism Light because of how his Wrong Planet website provides an online gathering place for people with autism to interact and share ideas and thoughts about all types of subjects that effect their lives.

Wrong Planet: WrongPlanet.net currently has over 57,000 members who are able to interact with each other on the Website system. According to the Website this is the mission and function of Wrong Planet:

Wrong Planet is the web community designed for individuals (and parents/professionals of those) with Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADHD, PDDs, and other neurological differences. We provide a discussion forum, where members communicate with each other, an article section, with exclusive articles and how-to guides, a blogging feature, and a chatroom for real-time communication with other Aspies.

It should be noted that parents and professionals who have a connection to autism are welcome to become a member and interact with the Wrong Planet community.

Here is a video of Alex Plank discussing the origins of Wrong Planet.

Autism Talk TV:  Alex Plank is also the founder of an Internet television program called Autism Talk TV, which he started in 2010. You can view episodes of this series at this link. Autism Speaks is a sponsor of the project (Source).

Social Media:  You can follow Alex Planet and Wrong Planet at these social media areas.

• YouTube Channel
• Facebook (Public Figure)
• Facebook (Friend Page
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

Here are some other links to information on Alex Plank.

• Biography at AlexPlank.com
• Thinking Autism Guide Blog (2011)
• Washington Post Article on WrongPlanet.net (2005)
• Wikipedia Article on Alex Plank

Special thanks to Alex Plank for having the vision to create a social website community geared specifically for those with autism. 50,000 members are testimony that your website is meeting some real needs in the autism community. We expect that some of the problems of both autism and the world in general will have some constructive solutions with the collective input from the amazing people at the Wrong Planet community.

For more information on Alex Plank or to become a member visit the Wrong Planet Official Website at WrongPlanet.net.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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Boston Red Sox

Autism Light #73 is the Boston Red Sox.

The Boston Red Sox are a Major League Baseball Team located in Boston, Massachusetts.  They were organized in 1901 and were one of 8 charter teams that started Major League Baseball 110 years ago.  The Boston Red Sox are today's Autism Light because of their compassion and commitment to encouraging the participation of people with autism over the past years at their games for Disability Awareness Day.

The following event from the Summer of 2007 epitomizes the reason the Boston Red Sox were awarded an Autism Light. I encourage you to watch this video clip where a man with autism is offered a helping hand in finishing the song after he gets nervous. You won't be alone in watching this though, because almost 1.5 million people have viewed it on YouTube.

Two previous Autism Lights with autism were also given the opportunity to sing the United States National Anthem at Fenway Park for the start of a Boston Red Sox game.

• Christopher Duffley (10/9/2011 Autism Light) 
• Listen to Christopher Duffley Sing the National Anthem at Fenway Park
• Gianna Hitsos (9/19/2011 Autism Light) 
• Listen to Gianna Hitsos Sing the National Anthem at Fenway Park

Social Media:  To follow Boston Red Sox on social media visit these pages.

• Facebook
• Twitter

For more information on the Boston Red Sox visit these links:

• Official MLB Website of Boston Red Sox
• Wikipedia Page of Boston Red Sox

Special thanks to the Boston Red Sox for shining a light on the cause autism by opening the door over the past years to special people with autism to sing the National Anthem at Fenway Park.


Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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This Autism Light post was featured on the Boston Pro Sports Daily on October 22, 2011.

This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

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Ann Eldridge

Autism Light #72 is Ann Eldridge.

Ann D. Eldridge lives in Sumter, South Carolina. She is President and Director of Clinical Services for the South Carolina Early Autism Project, Inc.  Ann Eldridge is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

South Carolina Early Autism Project, Inc.:  Ann Eldridge has served as the President of the South Carolina Early Autism Project since 2000.  The South Carolina Early Autism Project, Inc. is located in Sumter, South Carolina and was founded in 1998.  The mission of the South Carolina Early Autism Project, Inc. includes providing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism and also to equip parents and schools to utilize ABA in educational moments with children with autism.  This is accomplished through working in collaboration with the various professionals and caretakers in a child's educational support network.

Teaching Career:  For 15 years Ann Eldridge served as a special education teacher in South Carolina.  In recognition of her outstanding work with children with autism, the South Carolina Autism Society gave her the teacher of the year award in 1996.

National Speaker:  Ann Eldridge was a speaker at the Autism Insurance Implementation Workshop that featured the collaboration of Autism Speaks government relations team and the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA).  The workshop was held at the first APBA national convention in April, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts.

ABA Mentor:  Ann Eldridge was mentored in ABA by the remarkable Dr. Vincent Carbone.  Dr. Vincent Carbone was designated an Autism Light on July 7, 2011.

For more information on Ann Eldridge, see her biography online at the South Carolina Early Autism Project website.  Special thanks to Ann Eldridge for leading the South Carolina Early Autism Project, Inc. and assuring that ABA treatment is available to many children in the Sumter, South Carolina area.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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Will and Lisa Clark

Autism Lights #71 are Will and Lisa Clark.

Will and Lisa Clark are from Louisiana. They have a son named Trey who has autism. Will Clark was a professional baseball player and is currently working in the SanFranciso Giants organization.  Will and Lisa Clark are Autism Lights because of how they have worked to raise awareness and funds to help the cause of autism.

Parents: Will and Lisa Clark's autistic son Trey is their top priority. Will Clark said this about his son:

Being a baseball player, I had to wait for certain pitches, and I had to be a patient hitter. Having a special needs child, you have to be even more patient. Patience is something that my wife and I were definitely taught because of this experience (Source).

Baseball Career:  Will Clark played 15 seasons (1986-2000) in Major League Baseball and was a six time all-star.  He started his career with the SanFrancisco Giants and concluded it with the St. Louis Cardinals. Clark's nickname was "The Thrill". His complete major league career statistics are at Baseball-Reference.com. Will Clark was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. One of Clark's many on field achievements include hitting a home run against the great Nolan Ryan in his first major league at bat.  Here is a video that is a tribute to Will Clark's playing career.

Charitable Organizations: Will and Lisa Clark have worked with Cure Autism Now, which is now merged with Autism Speaks. They have also been involved with Athletes Against Autism.  Lisa Clark has been co-chair of a Spring training fundraising event that was sponsored by Athletes Against Autism and is put on by the Baseball Wives Charitable Foundation.

Current Position: In 2009, Will Clark was hired to work as a Special Assistant in the front office of the SanFranciso Giants and since then he has been a part of their annual Autism Awareness Night. The press release on Will Clark's return to the SanFranciso Giants organization is available at this link.  In 2010, Will Clark was part of the front office team that helped lead the SanFranciso Giants to capture the World Series Championship.

Social Media: You can follow Will Clark on the following social media.

• Facebook
• Wikipedia

News Stories:  The following news stories are about Will and Lisa Clark's family and autism related efforts.

• Will Clark: Still "The Thrill" (2009)
• Will Clark Still Thrilled and Learning from His Son (2009) 
• In Parenting Clark's Intensity Comes with Patience (2009)

Special thanks to Will and Lisa Clark for being dedicated to your son Trey and using your opportunities from success in the world of major league baseball to help raise awareness for autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.


Photo: The photo in this post is from the Wikipedia Commons and is attributed to John Bonzo.

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Dr. Joseph Borio

Autism Light #70 is Dr. Joseph Borio. 

Dr. Joseph Borio is from Cicero, New York. He has operated the Borio Chiropractic Health Center for the past 20 years. Dr. Joseph Borio is an Autism Light because his chiropractic practice is helping making a difference in the lives of individuals with autism.

Research on Autism and Chiropractic: Dr. Joseph Borio is being chosen as the first representative of a growing community of chiropractors that are providing a special help for those with autism. Evidence of this is found in the number of different chiropractic practices that have chosen to put a link on their Website to this news story on YouTube of Dr. Joseph Borio's success with a boy with autism.

Dr. Frank M. Painter has compiled research on autism and chiropractic care that is available online at this link. This research may be helpful to further understand the reasons that some chiropractors are making a difference with some patients with autism.

Treating Autistic Patients:  Dr. Joseph Borio's practice at the Borio Chiropractic Health Center in Cicero, New York targets a diverse group of patients, which includes children with autism.  In 2008 a new story was written about Dr. Joseph Borio's positive involvement with treating autism.  The article and a crisper version of the above YouTube video is available at this link.

Dr. Joseph Borio explains the way treatment works for autism in this way.  "When you adjust the spine, you actually stimulate certain parts of the brain and actually turn some of those switches on (Source)."  In addition to regular chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Borio's treatment plan for children with autism includes biomedical procedures such as eliminating wheat and dairy from the diet and using volcanic ash to detoxify. Dr. Joseph Borio is also concerned about the effects of the use of vaccines and medication in children.

Consulting:  Dr. Joseph Borio also operates a consulting program for chiropractors.  His consulting practice is known as Chiropassion Consulting.  This program is allowing Dr. Joseph Borio to coach other Chiropractors.

Social Media:  You can find Dr. Joseph Borio on the following social media.

• Facebook

To find out more about Dr. Joseph Borio visit his biography at his Website. Special thanks to Dr. Joseph Borio for including the condition of autism in your chiropractic treatment program.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

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Jim St. Leger

Autism Light #69 is Jim St. Leger.

Jim St. Leger lives in Phoenix, Arizona and works as the Technology Marketing Manager for Intel in California. His son Schuyler has autism.  Jim St. Leger is an Autism Light because of his advocacy and motivational speaking that help people understand autism.  

Here is a video of a dynamic presentation on autism by Jim St. Leger that is found on YouTube. The presentation is called Surprise! Your Child Has Autism. Now What!

Jim St. Leger and his son Schuyler were also involved in the Hacking Autism event on October 11, 2011.  Hacking Autism is an ongoing initiative sponsored by Hewlett-Packard and several autism organizations, where people are being invited to brainstorm ideas that can be used to create new apps for smart phones and the iPad that could potentially help those with autism.  Jim and Schuyler's idea was to use a smart phone's camera to assist children with autism to improve their comprehension of facial expressions on others.  Jim St. Leger said about this idea, "Children on the Autism spectrum, including my son, have a very difficult time understanding what you and I would take for granted with social cues, including a person smiling or frowning (Source)."   A related blog is written about Jim and his son at the Digital Scriber.

Social Media: You can follow Jim St. Leger on the following social media.

• Twitter

Special thanks to Jim St. Leger for the positive difference you are making for the cause of autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

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Jewish Autism Trust

Autism Light #68 is the Jewish Autism Trust.

The Jewish Autism Trust is a charitable organization located in London, England in the area known as Edgeware. The Jewish Autism Trust is an Autism Light because of the work they do to support people with autism in the Jewish community in London.

According to their website, the mission of the Jewish Autism Trust is to "exchange ideas and experiences and to give each other mutual support."  It is aim is to help those in the Jewish community who are touched by autism. They meet once a month in members homes and offer encouragement through special speakers, special events, and ongoing email communication.

Special Speakers:  One of the ways they accomplish their mission is through arranging for special speakers to give sessions of interest to the autism community. The Jewish Autism Trust has training program on autism in 2011 included the following:

• Mental Health and Autism Spectrum Condition
• Autism and Sensory Issues
• Sex and the Autism Spectrum

For more information on their training programs visit the training section of their website.

Special Events:  The Jewish Autism Trust sponsors monthly activities for its members. These include social events and autism related seminars. On December 11, 2012 there will be a Chanukah Party.  For more information visit the event section of their website.

To find out more details about the Jewish Autism Trust visit their website.  Special thanks to the Jewish Autism Trust for supporting those with autism in the Jewish community in the London, England area and being an excellent model for how an autism organization that is faith-based can reach out to its community. It seems that their model could be applied to other groups around the world.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

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Brett Bigham

Autism Light #67 is Brett Bigham.  

Brett Bigham is from Portland, Oregon. He is a special education teacher in the school-to-work classroom of the Multnomah Education Service District. Brett Bigham is an Autism Light because of his dedication to effectively teach children with special needs, including autism.

Online Social Books: In order to help his students with autism, Brett Bigham created picture guide books called Explore Portland. Bridget A. Otto wrote an article on these online photo books for the Oregonian. Brett Bigham said the following about the photo books.

Autistic students often use something called social stories. They are little stories written for them to learn about a big transition coming up or deal with noisy hallways. They are just a guide to read or look at...They don't understand the communication about what is going on, so they need a picture or a combination of both (Source).

Awards:  Brett Bigham was one of the finalists for the OnPoint Excellence in Education Award in 2010.

Reviewer: Brett Bigham is very knowledgeable about the needs of students with autism to transition to adulthood. In recognition of that background he a reviewer of a chapter on Independent Living and Community Participation in the 2011 publication called  Preparing Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder for Adulthood.

Special thanks to Brett Bigham for being an Autism Light by dedicating your life to teaching young people with autism in Portland, Oregon.  You are representative of the hard work and dedication of teachers of special needs students all over the world.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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Camp Rising Sun

Autism Light #65 is Camp Rising Sun.

Camp Rising Sun is a camp program for children with autism in New Mexico.  The camp is held at the Manzano Mountain Retreat in the Manzano Moutains southeast of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Camp Rising Sun is an Autism Light because of the helpful way in which they are helping children with autism to have a camping experience.

Camp Rising Sun was formed in 2006 and in 2009 it's programs became part of the autism programs at the University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability.  The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association.  It's mission involves the three tier approach of providing life-changing camp experiences to children with autism, providing practical training on working with young people with autism to camp staff and volunteers, and giving respite for parents of children with autism.

Here is a Camp Rising Sun's promo video for the 2011 season.

Camp Rising Sun states on their website that their "Camp activities may include swimming, hiking, sports and games, arts & crafts, theater, photography and video, geo-caching, music, campouts, nature activities, campfires, low and high ropes and challenge course, martial arts, campfire and evening programs, and a variety of other activities."  They have two weeks of camp.  One week is a Teen Camp and the other is a Kids Camp.  Registrations for 2012 are accepted beginning in January, 2012. The 2012 dates have been set as follows:

Teen Camp - June 25-29, 2012

Kids Camp - July 29-Aug. 2, 2012

There is an inspirational story about a camper's experience at Camp Rising Sun that Dennis J. Carroll wrote for the Santa Fe New Mexican in July, 2009.  For more information on Camp Rising Sun, including financial aid forms and camper or staff application forms visit the camp's website at this link..

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

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Dr. James Adams

Autism Light #64 is Dr. James Adams.

Dr. James B. Adams, Ph.D. is from Phoenix, Arizona. He has a long tenure of serving as a professor of chemistry at Arizona State University and he is currently a President's Professor and the Director of the Autism/Asperger's Research Program at Arizona State University, where he is responsible for ASU's cutting edge autism research. His research has focused on the biological causes of treatments of autism. He went in this direction after his daughter Kim was diagnosed with autism in 1994.

Nightline Presentation:  The following is a portion of a Nightline special on Dr. Adams' story.

Specific Research: 

I asked Dr. James Adams if there are three things that people who have a loved one with autism would find helpful related to his research.  He noted research has found that these three treatments are helpful to many children or adults with autism.

1. Vitamin/mineral supplements. Dr. James Adams indicated that he considers his most important research study to be the one called the "Nutritonal and metabolic status of children with autism vs. neurotypical children, and the association of autism severity."  This was published in 2011 and is critical to understanding the role that vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids have in individuals with autism. The study found statistically significant nutritional deficiency in people with autism. It has important implications for the utilization of a dietary plan for treating people with autism.
2. DMSA therapy to remove toxic materials. In 2009 Dr. James Adams did a study related to the safety of oral DMSA therapy which is available online at this link. 
3. Seizure treatments. In 2011 Dr. James Adams completed a study on various traditional and non-traditional seizure treatments which is available online at this link. The research can help with selecting a treatment for seizures for people on the autism spectrum. 

Autism/Asperger's Research Program at ASU:  Dr. James Adams is the director of the Autism/Asperger's Research Program at Arizona State University.  The AARP at Arizona State University says their "focus is primarily on biomedical issues, including nutritional deficiencies, heavy metal toxicity, and bacterial/yeast overgrowth in the gut."

Autism Society of America: Since 2000, Dr. Adams has served as the President of the Autism Society of America's Greater Phoenix Chapter. In 2007, Dr. James Adams received the Evening of Champions Award from the national Autism Society of America. The award was given for research and service to autism.

Autism Research Institute: Dr. James Adams has been involved in the Autism Research Institute as a board member from 2007-2009.  He is also currently the co-chair of the Science Advisory Council of the Autism Research Institute. Dr. James Adams has presented science workshops at Autism Research Institute Conferences, including the one October 13-16, 2011 in LasVegas, Nevada.

Dr. James Adams is an Autism Light because his scientific research on the causes and treatments of autism is very helpful to the biomedical area of the autism community. For more information on Dr. James Adams view his full resume available at this link at the website for the Autism/Asperger's Research Program at Arizona State University.

Special thanks to Dr. James Adams for being dedicated to conducting priceless research on autism.  Your time and findings are providing the opportunities for new insights into treating autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

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Photo: Photo in this post used with permission of Dr. James Adams.

This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

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J. Manerling

Autism Light #63 is J. Manerling.

J. Manerling works in the field of neuroscience. He is a father of a son with autism. J. Manerling is an Autism Light because he utilized a cat named Clover to help his son with autism. He also wrote an article about his families experience with the cat.

Richard was non-verbal at age 4.  His father wondered if a pet might help him. After bypassing a dog, Richard picked a cat out at the animal shelter. His choice was clear because his first spoken word was when he said, "Cat." The family decided on the name Clover for the cat because it was easy for Richard to say (no small feat for a boy with autism). Clover helped Richard grow by being there to listen to him in a non-judgmental manner. Richard grew so much in his life he went on to attend college as an art major.

J. Manerling tells the story of the miracle that Clover brought to his son in an cats.about.com article. For more information read the full article written by J. Manerling at this link.  J. Manerling's story of Clover was also highlighted on the blog called Your Cat Care Guide and the blog called Hemmingways Cat Adventures.

J. Manerling writes this disclaimer about pet therapy at the end of his article.

Courtesy of Grant Thompson

I would caution that I don't know if pets improve the life of all children with autism. However, there is a great deal of anectdotal material out there, including books of people with autism whose lives have been enriched by domesticated animals such as cats, dogs, and horses. I have known a little boy with autism who is a very different person when he is with his dog. I have a strong suspicion that there is some correlation. 

Sadly, the Manerling family cat named Clover has passed on but the true story of her ability to brighten the life of a boy with autism lives on.  The story of Clover as shared by J. Manerling is a positive part of the history of cat therapy for people with autism.  Cats.about.com also has more stories on the subject of cat therapy for autistic children.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

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Photos:  The picture on the top of this post was taken by Alan Stokes of his autistic son Jonathan and their cat Misty sitting together.  The photo of the 3 cats is courtesy of Grant Thompson.

Special Note: If you enjoyed this post you may like the other Autism Light posts with the label Animal.

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Christopher Duffley

Autism Light #62 is Christopher Duffley.

Christopher Duffley

Christopher Duffley is 10 years old and lives in Manchester, New Hampshire. Christopher Duffley is blind and has autism. However, this young man is gaining national recognition as a gifted vocal singer. He also plays the piano.

Christopher has been blind since birth. He was born premature and weighed only 1 pound and 12 ounces. Steve and Christine Duffley adopted him and have encouraged his musical talent from a young age. Read his full story at this link.

Christopher Duffley is a Christian musician who also sings some patriotic music at public events in the New England area. His favorite musicians are Matt Maher, Paul Colman, and Chris Tomlin. He was able to sing with some of these musicians at SoulFest 2010. See this link for an uncut version of Christopher Duffley singing his favorite song Open My Eyes on YouTube.

The following was Christopher Duffley singing the United States National Anthem at the start of the New Hampshire Speedway on September 24, 2011 for the FW Webb NASCAR Truck Series 175. This was also his first time he sang before a nationally televised audience.

Christopher Duffley is an Autism Light for sharing his musical talent and inspiring thousands of people at the major events he performs at. Here is a list of some of the events Christopher Duffley has performed at.

• FW Webb NASCAR Truck Series 175 (see video above)
• Red Cross Gala
• Fenway Park - Boston Red Sox Game
• Teamsters Convention
• New Hampshire State Hockey Championship
• SoulFest 2010

To view several of these occasions when Christopher Duffley has sung publically visit his YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/user/ChristopherDuffley. He has several videos uploaded and has also has added to his favorites some of his videos that are housed on other channels.

You may follow Christopher Duffley at the following Social Media.

• Facebook
• Twitter

In addition, his official website is at http://duffley.com/christopherduffley.html. Special thanks to Christopher Duffley for being an inspiration that people with disabilities can accomplish great things. You are truely an inspiration and Autism Light plans to follow the amazing time of your life that lies ahead for you.

If you found this story interesting you may wish to read about Derek Paravicini who was Autism Light #108 and has an amazing musical ability despite being blind and having autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The Photo in this post was received from Christopher Duffley's family for use here.

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Felicity Nyambura Ngungu

Autism Light #61 is Felicity Nyambura Ngungu.

Felicity Nyambura Ngungu is a Founder member of the Autism Society of Kenya and has served as its Director and Chief Executive Officer since 2000. Felicity Nyamburu Ngungu has a grandson with autism.

Felicity Nyambura Ngungu is a graduate of Sussex Institute of Economics and Management. She majored in Marketing, Nutrition, and Oral Health and worked for 23 years for East Africa Industries (which is now Unilever Kenya) doing demonstrations on nutrition and health.

She has traveled to two other continents of the world to learn about autism and she is passionately dedicated to do all she can to help the Autism Society of Kenya make a difference for people living with autism in Kenya. Felicity Nyamburu Ngungu is an Autism Light because of her leadership and development of the Autism Society of Kenya.

On September 9, 2003 the Autism Society of Kenya opened up a program in the City Primary School in Ngara. The Autism Society of Kenya describes their program on their Website in the following way:

The core of our autism program is a nutritional program, which runs concurrently with an appropriate and highly structured educational program. Dietary intervention is one of the therapies, which has shown consistent positive results in the management of a child with Autism. Intensive occupational and educational program incorporating principles of behavior modification must accompany this.

The Autism Society of Kenya has an excellent website at www.autismsocietyofkenya.org. The Website has information on the organization's activities and some helpful information to families living with autism in Kenya. They have an Information Portal and also have a separate section for Dietary Interventions. The following is a video that the Autism Society of Kenya has put together and features on their Website.

The Autism Society of Kenya also has an excellent Facebook Group you can join to stay informed of their activities.

Special thanks to Felicity Nyambura Ngungu for spreading light and hope for those who have autism in Kenya. Felicity's hard work for autism in Kenya is a tremendous blessing to the cause of autism in Kenya and she is a bright and shining light in the global autism community.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

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Jamie Manning

Autism Light #60 is Jamie Manning.

Jamie Manning lives in Boston, Massachusetts and works in the marketing field. He is a father of a child with autism and is also a musician who wrote an album of music focused on autism. Jamie Manning is an Autism Light for sharing his heartfelt music and writing on the theme of autism and parenting.

Jamie Manning has had an interest in music since he was very young and he wrote his first song at age 10. Almost three years after his son was diagnosed with autism, he began to write an album of songs to show how parents struggle with autism.

Album: His album What Remains features exclusively songs that communicate a parent's feelings about dealing with autism. A list of songs on the album accompanied by audio clips is also on his Website. Jamie Manning tells the story behind the album on his Website.  His dedication of the album on his website includes this:

I dedicate What Remains to the parents who are fighting the good fight every day to give their special children a chance in this world. They fight insurance companies that will not pay for critical therapy, school systems that blithely ignore federal laws while providing inadequate services, and a bevy of carpetbaggers who exploit their desperation to find a cure in order to make a fast buck. They are often abandoned by family and friends and judged by those who know nothing of their struggle. They give up their homes, retirement savings, and any other assets to move their children as far as they can into this world. Yet despite all this, they are some of the kindest, most generous people I've known. You will rarely find people as courageous.

Autism Supporter:  Jamie Manning conducts charitable concerts for autism.  In addition, a portion of the sales of his songs is donated to Autism Speaks.

Writer: Jamie Manning was featured in the book, Autism, Heartfelt Thoughts From Fathers.  He wrote a section called "Casualities of War".

Grant Award:  In 2009 Jamie Manning won a Passim Iguana Music Fund Grant. On his Facebook Group he indicated the grant was going to be used to build a home studio so he could finish a second album on autism. To join his Facebook Group go to this link.

For more information on Jamie Manning visit his website at www.jamiemanning.com or www.autismsongs.com.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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Photo: Photo in this post used with permission of Jamie Manning.

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Jim and Nuala Gardner

Autism Lights #58 are Jim and Nuala Gardner.

Jim and Nuala Garder are from Scotland. They are parents of a son and daughter with autism. Both Jim and Nuala are praised for their hardwork and dedication that went into facilitating a healing relationship between a Golden Retriever named Henry and their autistic son Dale. Jim and Nuala Gardner are Autism Lights because their story of being engaged parents has had an impact on other families around the world who may be considering getting a dog for a child with autism.

Jim and Nuala Gardner had a lot of problems with their son Dale's self-destructive behavior. As they struggled with what they should do, they acquired a dog for Dale, and the dog changed everything. They were able to create a voice for the dog to facilitate their communication with Dale and other positive effects poured in over time.

Nuala Gardner wrote the book, A Friend Like Henry (2008) to document the dramatic change in her son Dale (now in his early 20's) as he developed a relationship with their Golden Retriever named Henry. The book is evidence of the positive effect that a dog can have on some children with autism. In Dale's case his dog Henry helped improve his behavior, communication, and self-concept. The following is the YouTube video made to give a brief glimpse at the story of Henry and Dale.

After Thomas was a movie based on the Golden Retriever Henry and Dale's relationship.  Henry is called Thomas in the movie because of Dale's love for the Thomas the Engine character.

Nuala Gardner is an encouragement to all parents. Nuala Gardner said the following to help parents, "Be your child's mother but be their carer, their speech therapist, their lawyer and their champion, too. And never, ever give up hope (Source)."

The dog in this story called Henry died in 2006, but his legacy of having changed Dale's life lives on. Dale said, "He was my dog and I loved him. He died in April this year (2006) and even though I love our new dog (also called Henry) it was terrible for me. The first Henry was special (Source)."

Dale Gardner's parents are very proud of what he is accomplishing as a well adjusted young adult. After Henry arrived into their life, Jim and Nuala Gardner had a daughter Amy who also developed autism. More information on their family can be found in an article written by Daphne Lockyer.

Special thanks to Jim and Nuala Garder for being Autism Lights and being engaged parents who showed the world the tremendous value a dog can have on a child with autism. If you liked this post you may like to read about other Autism Lights with the label "Animal"

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

This post went into syndication on Autisable.

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Sergei Morozova - Svetlana Morozova

Autism Lights #57 are Sergei Morozova and Svetlana Morozova.

Sergei Morozova and his daughter Svetlana Morozova run the main autism charity in Moscow, Russia called the Dobra Association for Autistic Children. Sergio and Svetlana are Autism Lights because of the leadership and advocacy they are doing for the needs of people with autism in Russia.

Sergei and Svetlana Morozova run The Dobra Association for Autistic Children, which was founded in 1989. Dobra means "good" in Russia.  The organizations has a school component that uses a variety of techniques in order to meet individual needs of students.

Sergei is a professor that, in addition to leadership of the Dobra Association, teaches autism at three Moscow universities. Sergei and his daughter Svetlana have found that Russia has some of the same needs regarding autism as the rest of the world like early intervention and how to help adults with autism find productive employment. However, some of their concerns are unique to Russia. Sergei Morozov said this about autism in Russia.

We have no legislation specifically for autism here. We have laws referring to mental retardation, deafeness or blindness-but not autism. So even if parents receive the correct diagnosis, they cannot find where to go. There are simply not enough professionals capable of working with children with autism (Source).

Sergei and Svetlana Morozova were mentioned in Adam Feinstein's book A History of Autism: Conversation with the Pioneers, which was published in 2010. Sergei and Svetlana are advocates and experts on the history of autism in Russia. They mention that Samuil Mnukhin (independently of Leo Kanner) discovered autism cases as early as 1947 in Lenningrad, Russia.

Svetlana Morozova is also a Russian author and has written two books on autism which were called:

• Autism: The treatment of severe and combined forms
• The principles for creating individual treatment programs for children with autism. 

For more information on Sergio and Svetlana Morozova reference these online articles.

• Interview with Adam Feinstein.
• A Letter from Moscow at Autism Connect

Special thanks to Sergei Morozova and Svetlana Morozova for shining a light for autism in Russia.


Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

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Jeanette O'Donnell

Autism Light #56 is Jeanette O'Donnell.  

Jeanette O'Donnell is from Austin, Texas. She is a mother of 5 children with autism. When she has made public comments on autism, Jeanette O'Donnell has chosen to explain her unconditional love and acceptance to her children rather than emphasize the cause of the autism or any other specific treatment or intervention.

Jeanette O'Donnell described herself to American Online Health in March, 2010 this way:

I am the proud mother of 6 children. 5 of our children have autism. We do not feel our world has ended, but just begun. We do not chelate, intervene biochemically, give shots of any kind, practice ABA, etc. We treat them as we treat any human being. We treat them with kindness and respect and expect the same from them. They are exceptional children.

In 2007 the O'Donnell family was featured on the Extreme Makeover show for receiving a free home improvement.  The following YouTube video is from 2010 when Jeanette O'Donnell discussed her family for the first time after the Extreme Makeover show.

Here are some news articles written on Jeanette O'Donnell and her family.

• USA Today (2005) - This is the oldest news story on her family.
• AOL Health (2010)  - This is based on an interview with Jeanette.
• Statesman.com - This has a description of all 5 of the children with their uniqueness.

Jeanette O'Donnell is an Autism Light for being light to her 5 children with autism and for setting an example for all parents who somehow feel they can't carry on.  If you have heard of amazing parents with 3 or more children with autism please feel free to make recommendations via email to Autism Light, and we may be able to showcase them in the future.


Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

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Gary James

Autism Light #55 is Gary James.

Gary James is from England and in 1992 moved to the United States. He now lives in Connecticut. He is the parent of two children with autism. He is also the founder of two companies that specialize in helping families with children with special needs. Gary James is an Autism Light because of his commitment to help families with children with autism, whether it be with Nanny needs or to utilize App resources of the iPad.

Gary James left his job working for Rolling Stone Magazine after his son Benjamin was diagnosed with autism, in order to dedicate his time to helping families with special needs children.  He first formed a company that located and screened Nannies for families with special needs children. Nannies for Children with Special Needs is a free service of Connecticut Domestics.

Then after seeing what the iPad did to change the life of his own children, he started A4CWSN, which stands for Apps for Children With Special Needs. Through A4CWSN Gary James has quickly become an expert on iPad apps for special needs children and his website had over a million visitors in the span of a year. Gary James says this about the iPad, "from one father to all the Fathers and Mothers out there, if you can afford to get an iPad, get one. It's going to change your life (Source)."

The following video is Gary James being interviewed by Craig Evans at Autism Hangout. Craig Evans was Autism Light #178.  In the interview, Gary James reveals that he feels the tablet technology is the future of education, especially for special needs children.

This quote by Gary James is a practical explanation of why he is so invested in Apps for Children with Special Needs.

Children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum (ASD) particularly need to be taught in a way where they can literally touch the words and watch what the characters do when under their control. Apps on an iPad provide a huge benefit, allowing a match to be made between the pace of reading and interacting that works for an ASD child's unique style and needs (Source).

A4WCSN has had many programs over the years to help families that need an iPad or information on Apps. Some initiatives have been completed and some are ongoing. They including the following:

• 40 iPads in 40 Days was announced by Gary James on his Facebook page on June 3, 2012. You need to subscribe to his Family email list to be eligible for free codes and opportunities to win an iPad in this current campaign.
• Demonstrations of Apps for children with special needs, so that parents and educators can see how they work before purchasing them. Excellent video demonstrations about the most common Apps are featured on his website or YouTube Channel. Gary James does not rate Apps because he realizes that every App could be good for someone, so he just explains how they work and positive aspects of them. Gary James writes on his website, "Our aim is that these videos, along with relevant information and advice from an independent source you can trust, provides valuable insight into whether a product is suitable for its intended purpose or not, enabling sensible buying decisions to be made."
• App Parties where Gary James makes available codes from App companies that allow them to be acquired either for free or at discounts. These are normally conducted via the A4CWSN Facebook page.  App Parties take place often and the best way to find out when the next one is taking place is to stay in touch with the A4CWSN website or follow their status on Facebook. 
• IPads 4 U Campaign to offer subsidized iPads to needy families. Families pay $199 and Gary James is securing donors for the rest of the cost.  iPads are being subsidized as money is available and their is a waiting list of people set to receive future iPads.
• 50 States/50 iPads Campaign where Gary James is raising money to give away 50 iPads (one in each state in the United States). Gary James is personally delivering each iPad to a needy family as funds are available to do this. The following is a news story on Gary James program to deliver 50 iPads to special needs children in 50 States.

Social Media: The following are ways to follow Gary James on Social Media or other online areas.

• Official Website
• ITunes
• Facebook
• Twitter (A4CWSN)
• Twitter (A4CWSN News)
• YouTube

Support: There are many ways too support A4CWSN.  One can give direct donations or purchase products through the links on the A4CWSN page.

Contact: I personally contacted Gary James via his email at gary@a4cwsn.com regarding a technical question before I purchased the first iPad for my son with autism. Gary provided a very quick and helpful response. I had asked him what size of an iPad to purchase and he indicated the entry level with 16G memory will work because one can upload programs to the iPad from the computer as needed, but he said the more memory one can get will make it more convenient.

Special thanks to Gary James for helping special needs children and their families secure the right Apps for their iPad and for helping some of the most needy to receive a free iPad for their child.  

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: Photo in this post used with permission of Gary James.

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