Faith Jegede

Autism Light #275 is Faith Jegede. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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John Schneider

Autism Light #271 is John Schneider.

John Schneider is an actor and musician from Agoura Hills, California who is probably best known for his role as "Bo Duke" in the 1980's television show The Dukes of Hazzard.  John Schneider has a personal reason for having a passion for autism causes. John Schneider's son Chasen has the form of autism known as Asperger's. John Schneider is an Autism Light for his role as an autism father, his advocacy for autism and for helping to show how actors can help the cause of autism.  Actors for Autism: The following is a Public Service Announcement that John Schneider did for Actors for Autism.  
Autism Speaks: John Schneider has worked with the autism organization Autism Speaks. John Schneider said, "My involvement is raising funds for their cause as well as speaking to people, firsthand, about the experience of raising a wonderful young man who is among those on the spectrum (Source)."
Acting Career: John Schneider has a prolific acting career. His first and most famous role was as Bo Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard, which started when he was just 18. He also starred in 100 episodes of Smallville, where he played Jonathan Kent, the father of Superman.  In addition, he had a recurring role on Dr. Quinn: Medicine Women. You can view his complete list of acting roles on his IMDb Webpage. 
Music Career: John Schneider is also a country music singer who has recorded over 10 albums. In 1985, his album, A Memory Like You featuring the song What's a Memory Like You (Doing in a Love Like This) was #1 on the charts. Here is a live performance in 1986 of Schneider's #1 Country Song.
Children's Miracle Network:  In 1982, John Schneider co-founded with Marie Osmond the Children's Miracle Network to meet the needs of children while they are receiving hospital care. Here is a video of John Schneider explaining what the Children's Miracle Network does. 

John Schneider explained that he is involved in charities that are important to him personally:

That is why I helped start the Children's Miracle Network 25 years ago. A child's experience while in a hospital happens to really mean something to me. How kids on the autism spectrum are treated and how those around them are educated about their specifics is truly important to me (Source).

Christian Faith: While living with Johnny and June Cash, John Schneider converted to Christianity (Source). Schneider continues to be  practicing Christian to this day. John Schneider also starred in the Christian movie, What Would Jesus Do?

FaithWorks Productions: John Schneider founded FaithWorks Productions in 1995 to produce family oriented films and media. Over the years many films have been produced by FaithWorks. In 2012, John Schneider produced two pro-life films in the same year (Source).

Advice to Parent about Autism: John Schneider has given this advice to parents of those on the autism spectrum.

Autistic kids, as well as adults, are amazing people who we can learn from. I believe the best thing you can do is to help them focus on something they are truly interested in, and you will be amazed at what they can accomplish! For example, my son, Chasen, was interested in both sport and history of body building when he was eleven. He focused and was published in two separate magazines on the sport with the byline "But what do I know...? I'm just a kid!" (Source).

Additional Information: For more information on John Schneider visit these websites.

• John Schneider's Wikipedia Page
• John Schneider's Official Webpage

Social Media: You can follow John Schneider in the following social media areas.

• Twitter @John_Schneider - Verified Account

Special thanks to John Schneider for all he does for those with autism. John Schneider's work as an Autism Light is an important help to the autism community.  
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
The photo of John Schneider in this post is in the Public Domain and is attributed to Phil K. Onstantin.

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Vana Thiero

Autism Light #261 is Vana Thiero.

Vana Thiero is a film producer and single mother of two boys who have autism, Carter and Bakary. She lives in Los Angeles, California. Vana Thiero is developing a documentary series of 5 parts called My Thiero Boys to show what real everyday life with autism is like in her family. Vana Thiero is an Autism Light for her dedication as a mother and autism advocate, and for the constructive impact her films on autism can make towards greater autism awareness in society.

Education: Vana Thiero earned her BFA and her MA in Communications from Western Michigan University.

Film Experience: In 1987 she partnered with producer Jim Heyden to produce commercials and instructional music videos. Vana Thiero worked for CNN from 1994-2002, and won an Emmy for their "9/11 coverage." She also produced the documentary "Low Riders the Real Story" and edited for "Inside Edition" and BET's "Comic View".

The following is a KCAL9 News story that featured Vana Thiero and her autism awareness efforts.


Faith-Based Inspiration: Vana Thiero has received blessings from her families faith based involvement with In His Presence Church. The church is featured in the My Thiero Boys video series.

Sears Family Pediatric: Dr. Robert W. Sears provided some of his insight in the My Thiero Boys project.

Autism Quote: Vana Thiero gave this word via Autism Light to encourage people to be autism advocates.

Advocate! The future of autism depends on an expanded consciousness regarding how, we as a global society, plan to care for ASD individuals when parents are no longer around. Get loud get creative. Educate others regarding how they may employ our children and let's be confident to teach our children how to earn an income doing what they do best. Push the kids to succeed the same as we do with our typical kids. Expect Success!!!

Here is the trailer to the first video in the My Thiero Boys film series.


Vana Thiero writes on her website about the mission of the My Thiero Boys documentary to reach the broad autism community. 

The mission of "My Thiero Boys" is to create awareness regarding the needs, behaviors, and lifestyle inherant in the autism culture to better equip the world, helping all who view the film(s) understand and learn how to include the autism culture into society both socially and professionally. The autism culture is made up of children and adults who are diagnosed with autism as well as relatives, friends, educators, therapists, medical professionals, attorneys, politicians, advocates, neighbors, etc: those whose daily lives are impacted by autism (Source).

Contact: For more information on the My Thiero Boys documentary email info@mythieroboys.com.
Social Media: You can follow My Theiro Boys and Vana Thiero at the following social media pages.

• Facebook
• Twitter @VanaThiero
• YouTube Channel

Special thanks to Van Thiero for making a documentary that can share with the world what autism is like. Van Thiero is shining her light for autism as a mother and a film maker. 
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
The photos in this post were used with the permission of Van Thiero. 

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James King

Autism Light #235 is James King.

 

James King is a military contractor from Orlando, Florida. He is married to Diane King and is the father of five children. James King is an Autism Light because on April 13, 2010, he rescued then 11 year old Nadia Bloom from a Florida swamp where she had been missing for four days.

Nadia Bloom has the high functioning form of autism known as Asperger's Syndrome.  She disappeared on April 9, 2010 and it would later be revealed that she had went on a hike by herself and got lost in an alligator infested swamp in Winter Springs, Florida. Search teams had been trying for days to find her. James King went out in the swam by himself on the morning of April 13, 2010 to search for her. When he found her James King used his cell phone to call 911 for help to get Nadia Bloom out of the swamp. Here is a news story on this rescue of a girl with autism done by the Today show in April, 2010.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

 

James King proclaimed that God helped him find Nadia Bloom. Norris J. Chumley gave this account in the Huffington Post about how faith helped James King be an Autism Light.

Rescue teams searched for days on foot, by helicopter, and with search dogs, but James King, a volunteer and member of Nadia's church, began to pray while searching. On ABC's Good Morning America, King said, "I prayed and prayed, and God showed me the way. The hardest part of it was getting out of my own way; putting my own thoughts aside and listening to God." Appearing on NBC's Today Show, King confessed to Meredith Vieira that his wife, Diane King, gave him advice the night before joining the search, "James, when we lose something we pray in the spirit and we always find it.(Source)."

Tanya Bloom, Nadia's mother said, "'Thank you' is not appropriate for what James King did. We are so fortunate God used him to bring her back to us (Source)."

For more information on this rescue on April 13, 2010, see the following news stories

• Watch Press Conference with James King Full Video (Examiner)
• Church Member Finds Nadia Bloom in Dense Woods (WESH.com)
• James King Speaks About Nadia Bloom on Today Show
• Proven: 11 Year Old Nadia Bloom's Rescue is a Miracle

Special thanks to James King for being an Autism Light and helping find Nadia Bloom when she was missing in 2010. When hope was diminishing for Nadia, James King armed with his faith and courage went searching for her. We wish both James King and Nadia best wishes in the years ahead.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

 

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Dez Childs

Autism Light #234 is Dez Childs.

Dez Childs is a contemporary Christian singer and songwriter from Cherry Hill, New Jersey.  Dez Childs is an Autism Light for her contribution to autism awareness through her inspirational autism song called Father Song.  Dez Childs helps us understand autism through the perspective of a talented musician and believer in the Christian faith.

Dez Childs began singing at conventions and festivals when she was just 12 years of age. She was following in her mother's footsteps who had a professional singing career under the name of Gigi Parker. Dez Childs became a Christian believer at age 15 and then started using her musical talent at worship gatherings for the church. Dez Childs is married to Steve Childs. Steve Childs is her producer, and a vocal instructor who is featured on the website www.virtualvoicelessons.net.

The following is a video of Dez Childs singing her autism song called Father Song.  It is about the challenges faced by family members of children with autism. You can purchase the song on iTunes as part of Dez Childs album called Heart Cry. A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit autism organizations.

The lyrics to Father Song were written by Tara Bruce, a good friend of Dez Childs. Tara's son Colin has autism and through this song both Tara Bruce and Dez Childs are able to share the story of Colin's struggle with autism. The song accompanies the autism book Tara Bruce wrote called Why Is Colin Like That?

Dez Childs has received positive reactions to the Father Song in the autism community. She writes to Autism Light:

We have received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback concerning the song. From YouTube subscribers to family members of Tara Bruce, they have all been moved to share the song with others to help create an awareness of this behavioral disorder.
 

Autism Light asked Dez Childs if she had any encouragement for the autism community.  She shared these words of particular relevance to those who believe in the Christian faith:

Father Song is a simple prayer to God Who is the source of all hope. When families are faced with these kinds of situations it is easy to lose hope. Jesus said that in this life we will have tribulation but to not be afraid because He has overcome the world. There will be a day when there will be no more tears, disease nor death, but in the meantime we are to keep praying for strength to push on.
 

Music Teacher:  Dez Childs has also served as a music teacher for School of Rock and Musically Speaking Studios (Source). You can vist her website at www.dezchilds.com for more information on her outstanding up and coming career as a musician.

Social Media:  You can follow Dez Childs on the following social media areas.

• Facebook
• YouTube
• Twitter - @DezChilds

Special thanks to Dez Childs for being an Autism Light. Father Song is an inspiration to the autism community. A link to this post for Dez Childs will also be placed on the Autism Light Music page today. We look forward to hearing more inspiring things about Dez Childs' work as a musician in the future.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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The photo in this post was used with permission of Dez Childs.

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Kathy Medina

Autism Light #190 is Kathy Medina.

Kathy Medina is from Clovis, California. She and her husband Glenn have three children, including a son with autism named Zack. Kathy was a Life Insurance Agent for 15 years with American United Life, and left that position in order to be able to home school her son Zack. She is the author of the book Finding God in Autism and has developed a fantastic website that compliments the book and offers around the clock spiritual encouragement to families living with autism. Kathy Medina is an Autism Light because of the lives that she has touched with spiritual encouragement in the face of autism through her writing and website.

Author: Kathy Medina is the author of the book Finding God in Autism. The book includes Biblical resources to help parents raise their child with autism that the author gathered in her study and in conversations with clergy. You can find an outline of the book on the front page of the website www.findinggodinautism.com.

You can purchase the book at her website for $9.99 plus shipping.  Group discounts are available. Kathy mentions on her website that 50% of the people who purchase the book later purchase an extra copy for a friend.

Prayer Book: Kathy Medina also has a 63 page E-Book available called Livin on a Prayer. For information on its content and ordering it visit her website.

Education: Kathy Medina is a graduate of Fresno Pacific Bible College (now Fresno Pacific University).

Website: Kathy Medina's website www.findinggodinautism.com has rich resources focused on themes of her book. It has diverse spiritual resources that will encourage families with autism or any special needs with faith-based questions.

Home Schooling: Kathy Medina is devoted to assuring her son Zack has a good education. She started out by using curriculum from the Lovaas Institute. She has used  RDI (Relationship Development Intervention) curriculum since 2005 and is very pleased with the results for her son. For those considering home schooling, Kathy Medina advises people to consider if it meets their unique situation. Kathy says, "Home schooling has worked well for us. I can't recommend it to everyone. It is a great sacrifice."

Kathy and her son Zack

Diverse Treatments: Kathy Medina has tried several treatments in the past with her son, including the gluten free/casein free diet, specific carbohydrate diet, occupational therapy, speech therapy, supplements, IV Secretin, ABA, SonRise, hyperbaric oxygen chamber,  cranio-sacral therapy, AIT, Sensory Learning Institute, saunas, clay baths, and chelation. Kathy Medina told Autism Light, "We are still on the road to recovering Zack using the Body Ecology Diet, vital sounds listening therapy, the MMS protocol, supplements, horse therapy and RDI."


Church Life: Zack Medina attends Sunday School and the class at their church uses a curriculum from the organization Joni and Friends. Joni and Friends will help any church set up special classes for special needs students. 

Encouragement:  Kathy Medina offered this friendly advice to parents of children with autism.

I talk to many parents who are overwhelmed and discouraged by what they think is the future. I have found it to be much more productive to not look to far into the future but to focus on the present. I focus on what my child can do. I am grateful what he has overcome. I have found that if you do not control your thoughts your fears will be magnified.

Kathy Medina believes that parents need support in dealing with autism and that they can find that on a spiritual level.

I see many parents exhausting themselves trying to help their children. None of us were designed to go this road alone. Each of us can get God's favor. But to get God's favor, we must do our part and seek a relationship with Him.We need to ask our Almighty God for wisdom, direction and strength. If we seek God we will gain character, endurance, patience, wisdom and know unconditional love. We will become the people that God wants us to become. 

Special thanks to Kathy Medina for being an Autism Light and helping people with faith questions related to autism. For more information on Kathy Medina visit her biography on her website.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.


Photos: The photos in this post were used with permission of Kathy Medina.

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Charles Colson

Autism Light #186 is Charles Colson.

Charles "Chuck" Colson was born on October 16, 1931 in Boston, Massachusetts. He died on April 21, 2012 from complications of a brain hemorrhage. Some people have heard of him as a Special Counsel from 1969-1973 for U.S. President Richard Nixon. Others were introduced to Colson for his role the last 36 years as a leader and prolific author in evangelical Christianity, and founder of the organization Prison Fellowship. But not everyone may know that Charles Colson, the towering figure that he was, was brought to his knees in order to communicate with his now 20 year old grandson Max who has autism. It was with vigor and enthusiasm that Charles Colson approached being a grandparent of a child with autism for the last years of his life, and he has helped the autism community by talking publicly about how his faith was impacted by having a grandson with autism, especially as he witnessed the love demonstrated by his daughter Emily, as she raised Max as a single parent. Charles Colson is being named an Autism Light for the contributions he has made to autism awareness as a grandfather and as a leader in the faith-based community. Charles Colson was placed on the Autism Light Memorial Roll and this post updated, as he passed away the same day he was named an Autism Light.

Christianity: Charles Colson converted to Christianity in 1973. He served his prison sentence for his role in Watergate, and out of that experience he founded the organization Prison Fellowship in 1976. Prison Fellowship is the world's largest organization for prisoners in over 100 countries. Much of his writings are available for reading at the Colson Center website.

Awards: Charles Colson has received numerous awards. Two awards Colson received were the Others Award from The Salvation Army in 1990 and the Presidential Citizens Medal by President George W. Bush in 2008.

Author: Chuck Colson is a prolific author or co-author of over a dozen books about his life, faith and views of society from 1976 to 2011. His first book Born Again was published in 1976 and his most recent The Sky is Not Falling was published in 2011. The book Dancing with Max that he co-wrote with his daughter Emily is of a personal nature like Born Again. You can read more about Charles Colson's books and awards at his Wikipedia page.

Biographer Jonathan Aitken in his book Charles Colson: A Life Redeemed said about Colson:

With infinite patience and constant attention he has built a close and good relationship with his autistic grandson, Max. This private achievement has required more effort and more love than many of Colson's public achivements (Source). 

Jonathan Aitken also concludes that, "Colson communicates well with all his grandchildren, even though he is in some ways closest to Max as both a father figure and a grandfather (Source)."

Dancing With Max: Charles Colson wrote the introduction and epilogue to his daughter Emily Colson's book called Dancing with Max that was published in August, 2010.  Emily Colson raised Max as a single parent, making Charles Colson a father figure as well as grandfather to Max. One of the highlights of Charles Colson's family and ministerial life includes being given the opportunity to baptize his Grandson Max, who made a profession of the Christian faith. The following is Colson's weekly segment called 2 Minute Warning from September, 2010 where he discusses the book Dancing with Max. 

Although Charles Colson is a leader in the Christian world who has wrote dozens of books and spoke to millions of people around the world about his faith, he said that he continues to learn new things about God by witnessing the unselfish love demonstrated in his daughter Emily toward her child with autism. Here are two favorite quotes from Charles Colson directed toward parents of children with special needs.

• "Watching Emily, and other parents of children with special needs, has taught me what it means to love in the biblical sense of the word agape (Source)." 
• "Being the parent of an autistic child, or any child with special needs, requires a level of commitment and dedication that is impossible to understand unless you've been there (Source)." 

Here are some additional online information on Charles Colson's discussion of autism.

• Breakpoint: Charles Colson had a website called Breakpoint with regular features. He has a Breakpoint Article called Autism and Agape: What Max and Emily Taught Me.
• Dr. James Dobson Family Talk: Charles Colson and Emily Colson were on the Family Talk Radio Broadcast discussing their relationship with Max. Their Interview with Dr. James Dobson can be listened to online. 
• Joni and Friends: An inspiring report on Chuck Colson's relationship with his grandson Max can be found on the Joni and Friends episode called "When Disability Hits Home".
• World Over:  The World Over segment from May 19, 2011 features an interview with Charles Colson and Emily Colson about their relationship with Max and the book Dancing with Max.

Social Media: You can interact with Charles Colson, his family, and work on his Facebook page.

Funeral: For updates on services for Charles Colson's check the Official Updates from Prison Fellowship.

Special thanks to Charles Colson for caring about autism and being a wonderful grandfather to Max. Your efforts are an example to the multitude of grandparents of people with autism, especially those that share your Christian faith.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.


Photos: The photos in this post were used with permission of the administrator of the official Charles Colson Facebook page. 

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John Mikkiah Thompson

Autism Light #181 is John Mikkiah Thompson.

Easter Sunday is known for featuring the life changing music of the Christian faith. For this Easter Sunday we wanted to feature a young man whose life has been touched by autism and whose autism has been touched by Christian music and its message of Christian faith. John Mikkiah Thompson is 18 years old and from Shelbyville, Indiana. He has autism and did not speak until he was age 8. John Thompson is also an up and coming Christian music singer who sings almost every weekend at church somewhere. When not singing John works as a page at the Shelby County Library. John Mikkiah Thompson is an Autism Light for the awareness he brings to autism when he shares his excellent musical talent. 

If you notice John Mikkiah Thompson sings with a lot of heart behind his words, perhaps it is because the music came to this young man with autism before he had any words. And he credits this victory to the act of the God he praises and adores through his music. John's father Grant Thompson said, "By the time John was 8 years old he could listen to just about anything and play it the same day. This is what the Lord used to "unlock" John Mikkiah Thompson's tongue. When he holds that Mic in his hand or sits down behind the piano, a Miracle take splace right before your eyes EVERY SINGLE TIME. All of the autism disappears and you would never, ever known that it even existed."

The following is a video of John Mikkiah Thompson singing his song "I Believe" on GodTube. 

John Mikkiah Thompson from johnmikkiahthompson on GodTube.

Many of John's songs can be heard on videos at his YouTube Channel. Singles of three of his songs are available on his iTunes page as of right now. They are Take the First Step, You Made Me Who I Am, and God Has a Plan for Me. You Made Me Who I Am was written by John's father Grant and a version of him singing this is below.

Dann Veldkamp of The Center Grover Community Newspaper describes John's experience on the stage this way, "Once John Mikkiah's talent was recognized his career started to take off. In 2010, he won the 'Shelby Idol" contest and swept multiple categories in the Franklin Fall Talent Contest. He appeared at the 2010 Indiana State Fair and formed the National Anthem at the opening of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May, 2011 (Source)."

The following is a video of John singing at the Strand in Shelby, Indiana. He is introduced with the master of ceremonies reading a letter from his family that tells a story of how autism, music, and faith have been a part of John Mikkiah Thompson's life. 

John Mikkiah Thompson offered the following advice for people with autism about finding success in life:

Never Give Up and the Lord Will Help You!

Social Media: You can follow the work of John Mikkiah Thompson at the following social media:

• Facebook
• YouTube Channel

Booking: John Mikkiah Thompson plans to take his singing on the road in the future. He plans to share his songs of praise to his Lord with many people. If you would like information on scheduling John Mikkiah Thompson to sing at your church or event, please email him at crimsoniu1@embarqmail.com.

Special thanks to John Mikkiah Thompson for singing the songs of praise and blessing churches and community groups with your talent. We expect to hear great things about about your music in the future.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo in this post is used with permission of John Mikkiah Thompson.

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Theresa Noye

Autism Light #132 is Theresa Noye.

Theresa Noye is a native of Brooklyn, New York, who lives today in St. David's, Pennsylvania. Her son Regal has autism. Parents do a variety of things in response to having a child with autism. Today's Autism Light is a singer, songwriter, and worship leader. Theresa Noye is an Autism Light because as she writes and sings about her faith she is also reflecting on her personal autism journey. As a public figure with an amazing musical talent, she is also an advocate for autism awareness and is using part of the proceeds of this project to raise support for her son's autism therapy. 

Eastern University: Theresa Noye lives on the campus of Eastern University (formerly Eastern College), where she serves as a Resident Director and is a Chapel Worship Team Advisor. Theresa Noye has a passion to make a difference in the lives of college students.
Theresa Noye said this about her faith and music and its relationship to her journey with autism.

Parenting a child with autism is a gift. This journey is teaching me to love. Laughter has been my medicine. My faith has challenged me to embrace community and believe that nothing is impossible for my child. Through music I've been able to express my fears, pains and longings to God. He responds back to me with a song. Songs that strengthen, encourage and inspire...reminding us that we are never alone; no never alone.

Here is a video on YouTube of Theresa Noye singing the signature song You Saw Me from her debut album by the same name.

If you like the song You Saw Me, you can purchase it at iTunes or Amazon. According to her agent Gregory Greene, "All of the songs on Theresa's music project "You Saw Me" were written or co-written by her. They represent times from her personal worship, drawing on her faith and her family's journey through autism with her son - Regal. A portion of the proceeds from this project will benefit Regal's Walk, a fundraising and awareness initiative for the support of Regal's home therapy program and for educating families in the inner city."

Social Media: Theresa Noye can be followed on these social media areas. 

• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

A great source for information on Theresa Noye is her website at www.theresanoye.com. There are a variety of resources on the website, including some free downloads of her music and it includesher bio. For more information on Theresa Noye's music or events you may email info@theresanoye.comor contact her agent Gregory Greene by phone (215) 964-7092 or email greene@cool-beans.us.  

Special thanks to Theresa Noye for sharing her gift of worship music and being an inspirational part of the autism family. The angelic voice of Theresa Noye is a fitting addition to the group of stellar Autism Light musicians, several of which are mothers of children with autism like Theresa. 

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo in this post was used with the permission of Theresa Noye's agent.


This post went into syndication on Autisable.

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Jose` Henriquez

Autism Light #130 is Jose` Henriquez.

Jose` Henriquez is an evangelical preacher from Chile. He survived the mining disaster in Chile in 2010 and was also known as Miner #24. Jose` Henriquez is an Autism Light because he shared a hope with the autism community on World Autism Sunday in 2011 that their would be a light at the end of the tunnel just like there was for him and 32 other men who were trapped for 69 days in the Chile mine disaster before they were rescued. Jose` Henriquez becomes the first Autism Light from the continent of South America.

Mining Rescue: The Chile Mining Disaster in 2010 was an inspirational story of 33 lives being saved even though they were trapped in a mine for 69 days. The following is a video of Jose` Henriquez being rescued from the mine.

Autism Sunday: While he was touring the United Kingdom, Jose` Henriquez gave words of hope on February 13, 2011 for Autism Sunday (this day is also known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Aspergers Syndrome). The message was directed at all parents and carers of children and adults with autism. Jose` Henriquez said:

All you parents with autistic children may feel at times that you are just like being down a mine. God gave me and my fellow miners a real hope and He wants to give that to you (Source). 

Autism Ribbons Presented to Jose` Henriquez: An article at I Love Chile shares about when during his tour of the United Kingdom, Jose received Autism Ribbons from Ivan Corea, the founder of Autism Sunday.


Other Information: More information on the Chile mining disaster and rescue can be read at these links:

• The Star
• New York Times 
• You may also visit Jose` Henriquez' Zimbio channel at this link.

Special thanks to Jose` Henriquez for being an Autism Light and using your story of surviving the mine to wish hope and blessings for the autism community. May your strength, story, and message bring the autism community encouragement.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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Julia Boyd

Autism Light #114 is Julia Boyd.

Julia Boyd is from Mattoon, Illinois. Her son Jacob has autism. She is the Director of the DRAGONFLIES special needs program at the Dance Life Center. Julia Boyd draws upon her Christian faith in her writings, prayers, and encouragement to the autism community, which includes a Christian Anthem called I Am the Child You Love. Julia Boyd is an Autism Light because of her passion and expertise to bring music and movement to the autism community.

I Am the Child You Love: In 2003 Julia Boyd wrote an autism awareness song called I Am the Child You Love. An original story on the song's release is at this link. Julia wrote it following her son Jacob's diagnosis with autism. Though Jacob is 11 years old and still largely nonverbal today, Julia believes the lyrics are Jacob's message to the world. In this song she reflects on how Jesus Christ, whose birth is celebrated by Christians around the world this weekend, is important in the life of her son Jacob. The presentation has some personal photos of Julia and her family, some autism statistics, a few of her favorite passages from the Bible, and a Parent's Prayer.

You can read more about the story behind the song at the CD Baby page for I Am the Child You Love.  Julia Boyd shared these thoughts with Autism Light about this song that has become a Christian Anthem: 

The song gave me hope and still does to this day. Jesus' birth changed everything. Jacob's birth changed me. Being his parent has given me new light and perspective that is beyond precious. I thank God every day that He loved me enough to give his son Jesus to me and that he would choose me as Jacob's mother (Julia Boyd).

Children of Destiny: Children of Destiny is a Christian support network for autism that has been especially helpful to the Boyd family in their journey with autism. As an appreciation Julia Boyd has donated some proceeds from her song in the past to Children of Destiny. Children of Destiny can be found at www.childrenofdestiny.org. One of the services of Children of Destiny includes an email list people can subscribe to in which they will receive daily prayers of interest to Christian families experiencing autism.

DRAGONFLIES:  Julia Boyd is the Director of Dragonflies. Dragonflies uses the techniques of Autism Movement Therapy that were founded by Joanne Lara. They are located in the Dance Life Center. Julia Boyd explains her work like this: "In our DRAGONFLIES Autism Music Therapy classes we wake up the brain by using music and movement exercises with counts and patterns."

Dragonflies is presently seeking to earn funds for a dance and drama program for autism and special needs children through a Pepsi Refresh Project. You can vote for the project at www.refresheverything.com/dragonflies. Below is a brief video of Julia using ABC movement therapy with her son Jacob.

Social Media: You can interact with Julia Boyd and her music and movement work at the following social media areas.

• Facebook (Julia Boyd)
• Facebook (Dragonflies)
• Facebook (I Am the Child You Love)
• Twitter
• YouTube

Special thanks to Julia Boyd for being an Autism Light by sharing her music and movement talents with those impacted by autism. She is a role model to mothers who are relying on their faith to carry on in the challenging moments of autism.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.


Photo: The photos in this post were used with permission of Julia Boyd.

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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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B.J. McKelvie

Autism Light #42 is B.J. McKelvie.


B.J. McKelvie is from New Brunswick, Canada.  He is a musician and a trailblazer in the Christian faith in Canada to people with autism.  B.J. McKelvie is a clergy, a worship leader, a song writer, and a parent of a child with autism. His son Riley has autism. B.J. McKelvie is an Autism Light for helping write a song labeled as the "Anthem of Autism" and for starting Canada's first church for people with special needs like autism.

B.J. McKelvie has had a difficult past. When he was 20 years old he tried to commit suicide because of severe depression.  He credits God with giving him a new beginning after the despair of his past. The following is B.J. McKelvie being interviewed on 100 Huntley Street.  In this 20 minute video he discusses his personal problems of his past, his Christian faith, autism, his son Riley, and a popular song on autism that he co-wrote with Cathy Hutch called "I'm in Here".  In the interview Carly Fleischmann, who was the very first Autism Light and part of the inspiration for this series, is mentioned.

Song Writer:  In 2008, B.J. McKelvie co-wrote the "Anthem of Autism", I'm in Here with Cathy Hutch. Cathy Hutch was an Autism Light on September 1, 2011.  Proceeds from the sales of the song will be used to build the I'm in Here Healing Centers for Autism. B.J. McKelvie has a dream that these centers will be residential treatment centers for autism that will be located around Canada. The following is B.J. McKelvie's YouTube video of the song I'm in Here which has had over 144,000 views. 

In addition, B.J. McKelvie has written numerous Christian songs often classified as Christian rock and is a music producer. In 2008 he was named on of Canada's Top Ten Christian Artists. His first album released was an album on his faith called Accept Me As I Am. Accept Me As I Am can be heard on YouTube. Several of his songs can be heard on his YouTube Channel. His discography of 22 songs are listed on his song section of his website.  


Minister:  B.J. McKelvie founded the Family Circle Church in New Brunswick, Canada. This church is set up to provide a unique faith community that reduces barriers for those with disabilities and special needs, including autism, to worship God.  It is known as Canada's first church for special needs individuals. The following news story is about the establishment of Family Circle Church.

Social Media:  You can follow B.J. McKelvie on the following social media.

• YouTube Channel for B.J. McKelvie

Thank you B.J. McKelvie for being an Autism Light. For more information on B.J. McKelvie visit his website at www.bjmckelvie.com.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 


This post went into syndication on Autisable.

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Darryl and Tracy Strawberry

Autism Lights #12 are Darryl and Tracy Strawberry.

Darryl and Tracy Strawberry

Darryl Strawberry is known for being a former star Major League Baseball Player who hit 335 home runs in 17 seasons.  For full achievements see his ESPN stats page.  His personal life off the field was rocked by legal problems related to drug use and a battle with cancer. More details of his life can be found in his book Straw: Finding My Way that was published in 2010.  

Darryl Strawberry has said, "I'm not ashamed of who I am. Of course I'm ashamed of the things that have happened. But with life experiences, you're able to give back and help others." None of Darryl Strawberry's children have autism, but he was so moved by meeting parents and autistic children that he decided to "give back and help others" through the cause of autism.

Darryl Strawbery and his wife Tracy formed a foundation in 2006 that benefits autism.  Along with promoting the cause of the foundation they speak on the subject of their Christian faith, which they credit with saving their life. Their official webpage of the Darryl Strawberry Foundation is at www.fightforautism.org.  You can also find other related sites of Darryl and Tracy Strawberry at the page www.darrylstrawberry.com.

The following video below is Darryl Strawberry speaking at Bedstock 2010. In the presentation he reveals his passion to help those with autism.

Here are some links to other information on Darryl Strawberry.

• Darryl Strawberry Going to Bat for Autism
• Darryl Strawberry Tees Off Against Autism
  
• Darryl Strawberry's Wikipedia Article

The autism community is grateful for all the work that Darryl and Tracy Strawberry do to raise awareness and help make a difference for those who have autism.  Celebrities often take on the cause of autism if they have a child with the condition, but it is very encouraging to see an example of someone who has chosen to fight autism without having the personal family connection.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

This Autism Light Post was mentioned in the Spectrum Mom's Daily on August 9, 2011.

Photo: Photo in this post used with permission of Darryl and Tracy Strawberry. 

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