“According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 36 are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). When my son was diagnosed over 30 years ago, only 1 in 10,000 were diagnosed with autism. We became trail blazers in our community. I had to be my son’s biggest advocate as nearly everyone did not know what to do. I am a mom on a mission to help raise awareness; to provide resources, encouragement and hope. Making this documentary film became a healing process for me. I finally realized my son didn’t need a cure; he just needed life-skills tools to thrive, to be happy, to function responsibly in society – tools to self-advocate,” – Lori Ciccarelli Stotko, MPS, mother to 36-year-old JJ with ASD.
Over the decades, Lori was approached by several to share their story, experiences and resources. As a result, she created the movie, “JJ’s Journey , A Journey about Autism” to encourage others on this same journey. “Why reinvent the wheel? If these therapies and tools worked for us, maybe they can help others.” Lori had no film experience, but was determined. It took her three years to complete this project and released her film in 2008. She and her son understand the importance of raising autism awareness and want to help make a difference. Lori and her son present on the imporance of “self-advocacy” to help raise awareness.
Through this riveting documentary film, experience the challenges and triumphs of JJ. “Since intolerance has been the hardest part of our journey, we want to help educate society on unconscious bias.” School districts around the country are using JJ’s Journey to address issues on intolerance in addition to universities using the film as part of the autism curriculum for special education credentialing programs.
JJ’s Journey was nominated for the 2009 Autism Society of America Media Excellence Award and showcased around the world as the Official Selection for many international film festivals. Lori and JJ have been featured on NBC and touted by Oprah’s Angel Network as “Ambassadors of Hope.” In honor of their 10-year anniversary release of the film, she in partnership with her son as the illustrator, have published an award-winning workbook Myself, My Responsibility – tools to self-advocate sharing their simple 4-step process. Enjoy the video book reveal.
During college, JJ became a student advocate to help other special needs students. He graduated Point Loma Nazarene University 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design – concentration in illustration and a minor in writing. He has had several articles published worldwide as a movie and game reviewer.
Lori served an appointed seat on the California State Council of Developmental Disabilities Board of Directors from 2011 – 2015. She earned a master’s degree in leadership from the University of Denver; and specialty training in spiritual direction, leadership and faith formation from the Leadership Institute in Orange, CA. Lori is also the founder of Transforming Lives Advocacy.
JJ’s Graduation Speech (this clip is not in the documentary as the film was released before JJ graduated from high school)
What’s new for JJ? He has over 25 publications. Check out his books!
JJ’s Journey, A Journey About Autism
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If you would like to view the trailer of JJ’s Journey, click here.
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