Lori Ciccarelli, mother to 22-year-old JJ, believes she is a missionary for autism and feels it is her responsibility to support other families. “My goal is to provide resources and hope to those in need. I was in denial of my son’s diagnosis for several years. Once I accepted it, doors started opening because I started opening those doors. I finally realized my son didn’t need a cure, he just needed tools for success and to function responsibly in society.” Lori shares successful tools and resources in her film, JJ’s Journey, A Journey about Autism. “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 to get her message out, so she bought a camcorder and software editing program where she learned film editing. It took her three years to complete this project and released the film in April 2008 in honor of National Autism Awareness month. She understands the importance of autism awareness and wants to make a difference. “Since intolerance has been the hardest part of our journey, I want to help educate society.” JJ's Journey is a story of hope encouraging other families on this same journey.
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Watch how JJ conquers autism through this riveting documentary film. Experience the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of JJ focusing on autism awareness, education, tolerance, gifts and talents, the spiritual journey, and an awakening through treatments. Because autism is a locked-in disorder, watch how JJ’s brain is unlocked. He was on medications for 10 years; after these therapies, JJ has been medication-free since 2006. The film is not your typical day-in-the-life of autism as Lori feels parents already live that daily; but it is a documentary told in a story format chronicling JJ’s life through high school highlighting resources and tools. School districts around the country are using her film to address issues on tolerance in addition to universities using the film as part of the autism curriculum for special education teacher credentialing programs.
JJ’s Journey has received international recognition as the Autism Society of America Media Excellence Award 2009 Nominee. The film has been the Official Selection for various international film festivals such as Mammoth Film Festival 2008, International Christian Film Festival, UK 2009, and the African Enterprise International Film Festival 2010. In 2009, Lori and JJ were featured on NBC news, and as “Ambassadors of Hope” on Oprah.com and Oprah’s Angel Network.org.
Lori taught school at the elementary level for 11 years. She strives to make a difference and does so by volunteering. Lori is currently serving on the Board of Directors, State Council for Developmental Disabilities – area 12, facilitates a Parents of Autism Support Group in addition to serving on a team for Advocates of Students with Disabilities in her community. Over the past few decades she has volunteered for Site Council for her local public schools, served as the PTA president for the local Junior High School, served on the Parents Advisory Team for the local School Board of Directors, volunteered for her county’s Search & Rescue team, and volunteered with her dog on the Animal Assisted Therapy team visiting hospitals, Special Olympics and her local county library.
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Look what others are saying about JJ’s Journey
"I have read hundreds of autism-related books, gone to countless conferences and seen dozens of DVDs. Yet, nothing has had such an impact on me as JJ’s Journey – A Journey About Autism... Compassion, determination and hope exude from this remarkable documentary about the journey of one, autistic, young man. You quickly realize that this is far more than just a mother’s devotion. It’s a valuable resource to be used by educators, doctors and therapists so that they can understand who our children are and why they do what they do. It is one of only a few media tools on the market that chronicles the life of someone living with autism from toddler to adolescence…with feedback and analysis from those who are pivotal in helping with development. And, in many ways, it supersedes an “autistic” learning tool, because it can be used as a lesson in tolerance and respect."
"The documentary speaks to so many things besides Autism. All the things about acceptance, integration, understanding, also apply to every relationship and interpersonal interaction, and how we should deal with people in general. I thought it was exceptional Lori!"
“I admire their courage, strength, spirit, spirituality, wisdom, humor and endurance.”
“I was touched in ways I did not think I would be.”
“They persevered with courage to keep moving forward…This is a must-see for parents with children of autism.”
“This documentary is a mind-blower and a real eye-opener for those who know little about autism.”
“This documentary is an inspiration to all.”
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If you would like to view the trailer of JJ's Journey, click here.
JJ's Graduation Speech (this clip is not in the documentary as the film was released before JJ graduated from high school)
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