Japan Tsunami Disaster Preparedness Summit and Research Travels throughout Japan ;
Jared develops the logo of Ohana (to be supported by family, medical, and communities); he speaks to Autism and Traumatic Brain Injury / PTSD at US-Japan Exchanges and Medical Conferences in Washington, DC, and Hawai’i ;
Jared’s induction into Omicron Delta Kappa, a University Service and Leadership Honor Society, for his efforts for Persons with Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) / Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD); and Tsunami and Disaster Risk Reduction in Japan, the US, and worldwide ;
Jared captures his journey through Autism, and his attempts to help others;
( www.maxfantasy.weebly.com/about )
Jared reaches out to Sammie – the next Generation on the Autism Spectrum; Jared sensed Sammie’s need to be cuddled; this contact is very difficult for Jared’s Sensory Defensiveness. For Jared, a handshake is often a “bridge to far! ” Sammie reaches out- and Jared connects and comforts.” These guys make the day for 2 Happy Dads!
Jared’s 31st Birthday: An Update
Jared has taken on challenges – and used his gifts, his journey, and insights from the worlds of challenges – to help provide hope to so many others.
Jared’s Journey: “A Series of Fits and Starts – and Fits Again! “
Until the age of 5, Jared’s world was self-contained; He lived through the movies, images, dinosaurs, Disney, and the unique visions and animations created by his “Mind”s Eye.”.
Mom ( Sheila ) said “..we need to find a way to ‘connect’!”
His first words – to us – were directed to his Baby Brother, Ryan.
*** His Mom, Sheila and I were thrilled beyond words; no guarantees, but we have embarked with Jared, and his brothers Ryan and Nathan, to connect with the world – and with each other – as a Family.
For years, we’ve connected to Jared through (his) Animations, movies, dialogue.
As an adult he still communicates visions through his Art and imagination.
Jared has also reached out to connect the worlds of Autism; Veterans and Persons with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and PTSD; and Cognitive and Physical Disabilities to medical experts, technology and reading Consortia, and advocates – to develop shared abilities, shared Family dreams and our common humanity.
At a U.S., Japan, VA Veterans Health medical Best Practices Conference, Jared spoke to the Medical and Research and Government and Non-Profit Panelists.
** Jared stated: “All of us bear our own flaws; each of us also bear our own gifts; all we ask is is that you allow us to join you and to share our gifts; That’s all I have to say.”
**
Jared spoke of inclusion and dignity for: Persons with Autism; Veterans with TBI/PTSD; and for all Disabilities.
The physicians, Neurologists, and scientists said – that Jared’s words impacted them more than all other lessons shared.
He has spoken with gentle (but strong) words of hope; of the need for: Gaman shi Maisho (Japanese: “to Soldier on..despite trials and tribulations”).
Jared has braved Sensory Overload and overwhelming Conferences – to share these gifts of insight and dreams for many Families.
These included National and International Conferences for:
Persons with Autism;
Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury and Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD );
Persons with Disabilities for Survival of Tsunami and Disasters – both across the U.S. And Japan.
Jared has spoken at, and contributed to, Medical and Disaster Preparedness Conferences with magnificent physicians, researchers, and worldwide champions from :
– The Defense Veterans Brain Injury Center;
– The Japan Autism Society;
– The U.S. VA/Veterans Health Affairs;
– The Japan National Rehabilitation Center for Disabilities ( NRCD), Tokyo ;
– The University of Louisville Kentucky Autism Training Center;
– The DAISY Worldwide Consortium for Disabilities Libraries and Reading;
and
The MindKnit Research Center, Non-Profit.
** It has been my responsibility, my purpose – and my honor and privilege to help fight for Jared’s “Right to Rise Up” – through 50-54 adversarial Education Department hearings. Mom and I have fought to design and build a continuously planned, and fine-tuned education, with a critical connection to the world and to the supportive people embracing him.
I’ve been privileged to use my Neuro-Sensory mapping research background and Autism to strive shoulder-to-shoulder – alongside his Mom (Sheila) who brought her: RN in nursing, her empathic link with Jared, and her( vital ) human connection and communications, and social skills insights and training gifts. We have also worked “hand-in-glove” with supportive members of his School Disabilities Teams.
We have stood up against Administrators who said “…a “C Level Education is all we owe him!” This devaluation and depreciation of Jared was narrow and small; and it came from (a very few) small minds – who would (settle) to see him “sit on the sidelines of school, work, Family and Life!”
Jared, and his brothers Ryan, and Nathan, have always supported each other as “…one mind, one heart, and one pulse!”
This Brother’s Ryan and Nathan; and Mom and Dad Mentor Team stood behind him, when needed for advice.
Jared evinced the grit and determination to balance the sensory overload; and the indecipherable fog of interpretation and innuendo of Spanish and Art Appreciation; as he devoured computer animation, graphics, and Art expression classes – which “fit his world.”
Jared persevered in his 7 1/2 year drive to earn his Associates and his Bachelors Degree in Visual Arts and Computer Animation. He was also inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership and Service Honor Society – for his contributions to Persons with Autism; Veterans and Persons with TBI and PTSD; and to Tsunami and Disaster Warning for Disabilities, and for all Persons.
**Not bad for the Kid…who was treated as the “Odd Man Out” – in Elementary School.
He has endeavored to help “heal the world” ( Tikkun Olam ) – for Persons with Disabilities and for us all.
Our hearts stay warm, knowing that these Brothers will be there for one another – for Life.
**They are. One and All, our most precious gifts and Treasure.
Jared, 31 years ago you came into our Lives.
You have enriched our Family, and we Love you Forever!
Happy Birthday Jared,
Love, Dad, Mom, Ryan, and Nathan