Understanding Autism Through The Eyes Of A Sibling

Lori DeMonia knows what it's like when an autistic child is bullied. She relates an ugly exchange she witnessed while waiting for her daughter Leah to exit the school bus, and she feels empathy for the parents of the autistic Bay Village teenager who was recently the target of an ice bucket challenge prank.

Lori has written Leah's Voice, the story of an autistic child and her sibling, told from the sibling's point of view.  It is meant to show how understanding can be taught by example.  Leah DeMonia, now 13, contributed illustrations to the book,

Leah's voice has won a prestigious award from the Autism Society of America. The book is available at bookstores and online, and is put out by Halo Publishing, founded by Cleveland-area native Lisa Umina.

Lance's Brewery Tour Winds Down With #BeerAutismHope Day

#BeerAutismHope Day is inspired by Lance Rice, a Vermillion man with an amazing knowledge of beer, who happens to also have autism.  In honor of Lance's year long tour of America’s greatest breweries, autism organizations and families nationwide will take to Facebook and Twitter to start a movement by sharing Lance's message of hope and the hashtag #BeerAutismHope.

Lance's Brewery Tour has taken him to over 70 beer breweries, while his nephew Aaron Rice films a documentary, due out later this year. Lance has traveled 25,000 miles, has spoken at autism schools and centers for the disabled, has met families with special needs children, and was named one of Cleveland Magazine’s “Most Interesting People of 2014.”

A year ago, Lance was an unknown beer historian who was reticent to talk to strangers or even leave his house.  He gave Jim his first interview, which is replayed here, along with an updated interview with Aaron on the tour, the movie, and the book Lance plans to write about his brewery tour.

Teaching Children How to Treat Kids With Autism

Lori Demonia has two daughters.  One of them has autism.  Leah was diagnosed when the family lived in Cleveland.  Lori talks about their journey with Leah and her sister, and how she fought to get Leah into a regular classroom, not a "special" one for autistic children.

Leah is an artist who has won several grants for her work. Her mom Lori is now writing a follow-up to Leah's Voice.

Money Talks for Autism Speaks

A big fundraiser last weekend drew many of Cleveland's best chefs together to benefit Autism Speaks. Michael Symon hosted the event, where big money was raised.  The cause is very close to Chef Brian Doyle's heart.  The chef for the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern and the founder of Sowfood, his CSA (Chef Supported Agriculture) is also the father of an autistic child, and is closely involved with the local chapter of Autism Speaks.

Chef Doyle talks about his son Logan in this interview.  He is joined by Eileen Hawkins, whose organization, The Autism Society of Greater Cleveland  provides education and resources to families in Northeast Ohio.

Walk Now for Autism Speaks is coming up September 22 at Voinovich Park.

Lance's Brewery Tour is About to Begin Pt. II

In part two of Jim's interview, Lance Rice reveals his vast knowledge of beer.

Lance's Brewery Tour Is About To Begin

Lance Rice is about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.  He's touring several of the breweries in the midwest.  Lance has encyclopedic knowledge of beer, thanks to his phtographic memory, and his passion for the beverage.  Lance also has autism.  His nephew Aaron Rice plans to document the tour on film.  And lance plans to write a book about beer when he returns.

Lance has been interviewed several times prior to the start of his brewery tour, but Jim's interview was his first.  It had to be done in a creative way, and it was, as you'll hear in this interview with Lance and Aaron Rice.

A Most Excellent Race For A Most Excellent Place: Camp Cheerful

A Most Excellent Race is the name of annual benefit for the Achievement Centers for Children's Camp Cheerful.

Deborah Osgood, Vice President of Development and Marketing describes the race, to be held on June 23rd at Beaumont School.  Deborah also tells Jim the kind of help offered by the Achievement Centers for Children at Camp Cheerful.