Book To Be Published in 2008 Seeks Nominations for 150 Profiles Of Remarkable “Everyday” Individuals Who Have Improved Life for Persons With Autism
Sanibel, FL — National estimates are that one of every 150 children in the United States has autism or a closely related disorder, a level of occurrence that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, makes autism an “urgent public health issue and major public health concern.” Significant media attention now focuses on the condition. At the same time, funding for research into the causes of and cures for autism escalates (including the Combating Autism Act that Congress passed in December, 2006).
Yet beyond the buzz, hype, research and science, many significant gains in the quality of life for persons with autism are being accomplished today by “everyday people” — parents, relatives or teachers of children with autism. These everyday people, most without any formal education or training in developmental disabilities, are remarkable for their creativity, ingenuity, passion and persistence to improve the life of the child with autism they love — and doing so, their unique accomplishments often improve the lives of many others.
Writer and author John Sprecher — whose 21-year-old son Jeff has autism, and who in 1991 founded Special Kids, a video modeling company that has helped children with autism in 30 countries learn, based on a successful technique he used with his son — is now seeking nominations for “everyday heroes of autism” for a new book he plans to publish in 2008, entitled “1 Out of Every 150.”
“I’m interested in stories of parents or people who, when faced with the diagnosis of autism in their life, mourned appropriately — but then picked their lives back up and, with determination and love, set out to make the world better for their son or daughter,” Sprecher explains. “As is often the case, when one child benefits, many others do too."
Examples Sprecher cites are parents or persons who’ve established foundations for research; public awareness groups or campaigns; new and effective products, programs or services in the treatment or care of autism; or schools or residences.
“There are many remarkable heroes for autism out there and I’m seeking 150 of the most inspiring,” Sprecher notes. “Their stories are triumphant and should be shared. Each is a story of love, passion and compassion. These people have stared adversity in the eye and responded by making the world a better place. They will make fascinating profiles and a fascinating book, and it’ll be my great pleasure to write about them.”
Nominations should be in the form of 100 words describing the person’s situation, child with autism and accomplishments, and include name, address, city, state, zip, telephone and email. Nominations should be made by November 30, 2007 and submitted to:
• MAIL: “150”, c/o John Sprecher, P.O. Box 869, Sanibel, FL 33957 or
• EMAIL: “150” (in subject line), email to johns@make-noise.com
