Garrett Giauque

Autism Light #289 is Garrett Giauque.

Garrett Giauque is a 13 year old boy with autism from Salt Lake City, Utah.  An amazing talent for drawing has surfaced in Garrett. Garrett Giauque is an Autism Light for the way his talent at drawing is serving as an inspiration to the autism community.

The following is a news story on Garrett's wonderful talent in drawing done by Peter Rosen of KSL.com-Utah.


In Garrett's Words: When asked to describe himself in the above news story, Garrett said, "Well Garrett's a different man and Garrett's a surviving guy, surviving autistic kid. Trying to survive this life and world (Source)."

Mormon Faith and Autism: In August, 2011, Garrett's mother April, who also has two other children with autism, wrote an article called, "Garrett Was God's Child First" which appeared in the Ensign, a publication of the Mormon Church. The article is very helpful in showing how faith, in this case Garrett's mother's Mormon faith, gives a perspective on autism. April Giauque writes in the article about what she has learned from Garrett:

What I have learned from Garrett and our other children who fall within the autism spectrum is that they are children first and people with autism second. I imagine that it is much the same way that our Heavenly Father sees all of us: we are His children first, and we have trials and experiences second. Our children want love, attention, help, success, and praise. They want their pain to be eased, and they want to feel hope. They enjoy life differently than many people do, yet their needs and wants are similar to those of most everyone  (Source)."

Autism Contributes to Garrett's Artistic Ability: Garrett's mother, April said, "The ability that autism has given him in the sense of how to focus, how to look at detail, how to create things. That is going to be his gift back to the world."

Future Plans: While 13 is young to have one's future planned out, Garrett's mother foresees that he might have a career someday working in a museum and drawing animals (Source).

Special thanks to Garrett Giauque for being an Autism Light. We look forward to hearing amazing things about how his talent develops in the future. For more information on artists with autism visit the Autism Light Art page.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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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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Ivan and Charika Corea

Autism Lights #146 are Ivan and Charika Corea.

Charin Corea

Ivan and Charika Corea are from London, England in the United Kingdom. Their teenage son Charin has autism and inspired them to become autism advocates. They are responsible for launching Autism Awareness Year in the UK in 2002 and founding Autism Sunday, which has grown into an international observance of autism awareness in the religious faith community. Ivan and Charika Corea are Autism Lights for their influential advocacy for autism. Their groundbreaking autism awareness work has not always been easy, but with hearts of true heroes they are compelled to fight for those that have no voice.

Ivan Corea wrote this about Autism Sunday: 'We want to thank God for the life of our son Charin. He is a wonderful son and has been such a blessing. Charin made me get out of my comfort zone and campaign on autism. He is the inspiration behind Autism Sunday. We have done all of this - not for money - but for love. Autism Sunday has become a global event because it comes from the heart - it's all about love.'

Autism Sunday:  2012 will be the 10th anniversary of Autism Sunday. It also known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism & Asperger's Syndrome.  This year it will be observed on Sunday, February 12, 2012. Cathedrals, churches, and religious organizations are being encouraged to remember in their worship the over 67 million people worldwide who are living with autism. In concert with Autism Sunday there will be a Autism Sunday 2012 Twitter Storm. People are encouraged to use the hashtag #autismsunday when they tweet on Twitter during February 12, 2012.

Here is a video featuring a poem by Janice Cox and a song by Kirk Franklin from the worship service in London for Autism Sunday in 2010. Families are being encouraged to upload their personal autism videos like this one on YouTube to mark Autism Sunday 2012.

Supporters of Autism Sunday:  Hundreds of organizations and dozens of dignitaries in the United Kingdom are backing Autism Sunday. According to the press release on the event sent to Autism Light, "Among those who have wished Autism Sunday well are HRH Prince William and HRH Prince Harry, His Holiness the Pope, Sir Cliff Richard, Pastor Rick Warren, Deputy British Prime Minister Nick Clegg, Leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband, the Bishop of London Rt.Rev Richard Chartres and the Archbishop of York, Rt. Rev. Dr. John Sentamu." British Prime Minister David Cameron also is supportive of the initiative.

For more information about Autism Sunday visits these websites and social media areas:

• Autism Sunday Official Website
• Autism Sunday Wikipedia page
• Autism Sunday on Twitter
• Autism Sunday on Facebook
• Autism Sunday Channel on YouTube

UK Autism Foundation: The UK Autism Foundation is a charity for autism in the United Kingdom. Ivan Corea continues to lead the work of the foundation that he started. The UK Autism Foundation has information about their work on their website.

The following is Ivan Corea speaking about the UK Autism Foundation's mission of encouraging help for the poor who have children with autism.

Special thanks to Ivan and Charika Corea for being Autism Lights. The autism community is very blessed to have their leadership in a project that calls us to pray and ask God to help give mercy in dealing with autism. Autism Sunday is needed now more than ever as autism is impacting millions of more people now than could have ever been imagined on that first Autism Sunday ten years ago.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photos in this post are used with the permission of Ivan Corea.

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Gateways: Access to Jewish Education

Autism Light #110 is Gateways: Access to Jewish Education.

Gateways: Access to Jewish Education is an organization located in Boston, Massachusetts.  It was created in 2006 when Etgar L'Noar and The Jewish Special Education Collaborative merged to work together in service to Jewish children with disabilities, including autism. Gateways: Access to Jewish Education is an Autism Light because they are providing important opportunities for Jewish children with autism to learn their faith and traditions. 

It is noteworthy that Gateways was named one of the top 50 most innovative Jewish nonprofits in the United States. In the Fall of 2010 they received a grant from the Slingshot Fund. The following is a musical video students at Gatways submited to JewishBoston.com about why it is great to be Jewish and live in Boston. It won 2nd place. 

Arlene Remz is the Executive Director of Gateways: Access to Jewish Education. According to their website their mission is, "to ensure that Jewish children with a full range of learning styles, abilities and challenges succeed academically, socially, and spiritually to their fullest potential." For more information on Gateways: Access to Jewish Education visit their website at http://jgateways.org/.

The following is the story of a boy named Ethan who was in the Gateways program. This presentation is when Ethan had his Bar-Mitzvah.

Social Media: You can follow Gateways: Access to Jewish Education at the following social media areas.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube Channel

Special thanks to Gateways: Access to Jewish Education for being a light for Jewish children with autism to work out their faith. Mazel tov!

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.


Photo: The logo with this post is used with the permission of Gateways: Access to Jewish Education.

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Karen Jackson

Autism Light #106 is Karen Jackson.

Gray Puryear, Vice-President with Karen Jackson, President (Faith Inclusion Network)

Karen Jackson is from Norfolk, Virginia. She is a band director for a private K-8 school and is the mother of three children, including a daughter Samantha who has autism. Karen Jackson is also the Founder and Director of the Faith Inclusion Network. Karen Jackson is an Autism Light because of her leadership of the Faith Inclusion Network and her advocacy for faith opportunities for autistic people.


Karen Jackson founded the Faith Inclusion Network in 2008. Karen Jackson and her family go to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Norfolk, Virginia, where she serves as a Parish Advocate. The board of directors of the Faith Inclusion Network represent a variety of different faith communities. Karen was inspired to start the Faith Inclusion Network (FIN) by her daughter Samantha who has autism and continues to strive to successfully work out her faith as a teenager in the Catholic Church. The hope since FIN's conception is to bring together experienced people and inclusive churches to help families integrate their disabled members into a faith community of their choice.


As the President and Founder of the Faith Inclusion Network, Karen Jackson is instrumental in helping to develop and accomplish the mission and goals of the 501c3 organization. The Faith Inclusion Network provides support for people with disabilities to be integrated into faith communities in the South Hamptons Road, Virginia area. According to their website, their mission is "helping faith communities to develop inclusive ministries for people with disabilities and helping families affected by disability to find welcoming and accessible places to worship in South Hampton Roads, Virginia."

The Faith Inclusion Network (FIN) website has several helpful sections. There are sections about FIN's mission and history, resources, a listing of participating faith communities divided by geographical area, and stories. One of the practical resources featured on the website is a link to a detailed publication on faith based ministry with disabled persons called Dimensions of Faith. For more information on the Faith Inclusion Network and the resources they provide visit their website at www.faithinclusionnetwork.org.

One of Karen Jackson's stories of a time when her autistic daughter Samantha taught her about God was featured on a blog at Beliefnet written by Amy Julia Becker. In the story Karen Jackson explains how an occasion when Samantha said sincerely and clearly that "God is Great" taught her a valuable spiritual lesson. She says this about that incident:

But then I got a wonderful little moment from God, a few well chosen words from my daughter who speaks so seldom. I had to agree. God is great. And I realized once again that I am blessed to be a part of Samantha's world and blessed to be reminded of some of the simplest lessons. God is great and God is good. And I thank God for the many blessings in my life...especially for the one wrapped up in the special package of my beautiful daughter Samantha. [Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/thinplaces/2011/02/perfectly-human-god-is-great-by-karen-jackson.html#ixzz1gCUKbiVd]

Special thanks to Karen Jackson for helping diverse faith communities to be inviting to people with autism. Perhaps this type of network will be duplicated in other parts of the Nation and World. If you are interested in discussing the Faith Inclusion Network with Karen Jackson email her at Faithinclusionnetwork@gmail.com.


Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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Photo: The photos in this post are used with permission of Karen Jackson of Faith Inclusion Network.

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St. Peters Roman Catholic Church

Autism Light #89 is St. Peters Roman Catholic Church.

St. Peters Roman Catholic Church is located at 350 Fair Street in Warwick, Rhode Island.  The church was established in 1933 and the present pastor of the church is Rev. Roger C. Cagne. St. Peters Roman Catholic Church is an Autism Light because they have a special autism program that helps Catholic individuals with autism in Rhode Island to experience the Sacraments.

History: In the Fall of 2008, St. Peters began the program of offering Autism & the Sacraments as part of their Faith Formation offerings. The program is part of several like it in the Catholic Church, but it is the first of its kind in the state of Rhode Island. In March of 2009 an article was written by the Associated Press on this unique autism program by the church. More information on this successful and ongoing program can be found on their website at http://stpeterswarwick.com/autism-program/.

Program:  As part of the program, children meet every two weeks to learn about their faith. To develop the program volunteers were used that come from the Catholic faith but who also have professional experience in working with autistic students outside of the church.Anyone interested in having their child enroll should call Margaret Andreozzi, who is the elementary faith formation coordinator.  Her number is 401/461-5691. There is a waiting list to get into the program.

Mass: 3 Masses (worship services) are celebrated with the families in the Autism & the Sacraments program.  These Masses have been led by the church's pastor, Rev. Roger Cagne. Some of the changes he makes to these special Masses is the hour-long liturgy is shortened to 15 minutes, by skipping music, making prayers optional, and having only a brief message. Rev. Roger Cagne said about this program, "The whole point is Jesus is totally inclusive. He directs his followers to do the same (Source)."

Social Media:  You can follow St. Peters Church on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Peters-Roman-Catholic-Church/129192947151438?sk=app_2373072738.

For more information on St. Peters Church visit their website at http://stpeterswarwick.com. Special thanks to St. Peters Roman Catholic Church in Warwick, Rhode Island for helping those with autism to be able to participate in the Catholic religious faith.

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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Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts

Autism Light #49 is the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts is an Autism Light because they have demonstrated a commitment and compassion for autism by creating a faith based program for people with autism called A Special Grace. This program is an excellent demonstration of inclusion for those people with autism in Massachusetts who want to participate in religion through the Episcopal Church.

Services: A Special Grace is a religious program for people with autism and it is sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.  The program is hosted currently in the Epiphany Episcopal Church in Walpole, Massachusetts. On the first Sunday of every month at 2:00pm EST they hold a service and offer the Eucharist for those on the Autism spectrum and their families. These services take place at the Epiphany Episcopal Church in Walpole, Massachusetts located at 62 Front Street in Walpole, MA (directions are available at a link on their website).  Some of the features of the service outlined on this page of their website include:

• Sensory Spaces
• Sensory Diet Aids
• Gluten Free Wafers for the Eucharist
• A Parent Guide Available on the Service
• Therapeutic Play

Transition Inclusion: A Special Grace also has a program to help people with autism to be integrated (mainstreamed) into the congregation.

• They train volunteers to assist families with mainstreaming people with autism into the congregation.
• They help adapt some of the materials for the better understanding of people with autism.
• They train clergy on how to minister to the unique needs of people with autism. 

Resources: Clergy involved in A Special Grace are available to offer workshops at the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts Congregational Resource Days (including one coming up October 1, 2011).  Some of the resources are listed on their website.  A Rhythm of Grace also offers a quarterly newsletter on their ministry.  The most recent one is online. To find out more about A Special Grace visit their webiste at www.aspecialgrace.com.

Curriculum: A Special Grace uses a curriculum of the same name available from Church Publishing.  Audrey Scanlan and Linda Snyder are the author of this faith based resource for ministering to people with autism.

Social Media: To follow A Special Grace via social media Like Rhythms of Grace on Facebook.

If you know of other religious groups or clergy that are doing special things for people with autism please let us know and we will consider them for future recognition.  Email: autismlight@gmail.com.

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 September 26, 2011.
This Autism Light post went into syndication at Autisable.

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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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