Fighting with Autism- Strong, Autistic, Female & Empowered (SAFE)

Over autism awareness and acceptance month, huge onus is placed upon the youngsters who along with their families are beginning their journey on the spectrum, huge leaps are made in these realms, sometimes frustrating as it sounds it is a case of "one step forwards and three steps back", this is the ideal time for people to share their experiences with emphasis is put on awareness campaigns and rightly so, by removing the barriers it enriches us all to accept everyone irrespective of how different they may be.
Yes it is a month of heightened awareness, but for those on the spectrum and their loved ones it still leaves a further 11 months where the battle for acceptance rumbles on.

Depending where you are in the world the statistic varies, one country will say 1 in 100 people are on the spectrum, another will say its 1 in 68.
Frightening isn't it thinking that the difference in the percentages vary so massively and that all depends on what country you reside in, but then if you were take either one of those numbers and divide it by the worlds population the figure is startling to say the least, if 2 of the worlds leading countries in autism diagnosis have a difference in percentage, then look at the global statistics with some nations still being in the dark ages without adequate access for people to get a diagnosis let alone access to the services required that can make the world of difference to the person and to their families.
Then you have the varying levels of autism, as it is a spectrum that covers many complex conditions, so no 2 cases are ever truly the same, you often get to hear of those who excel in a certain subject or speciality, but on the other hand there are cases where every day is a battle, not just to get additional support required but also against bigotry and misunderstanding, as Autism doesn't have a look it is often misunderstood and misinterpreted by still many people despite awareness drives and campaigns, awareness is one thing acceptance is another thing entirely.

One of the core groups that seems to slip beneath the radar are the ladies who are on the autistic spectrum, although one of the most celebrated and recognised people on the spectrum is Dr Temple Grandin, a world renowned professor of animal science, author and many other accolades including an entry as being one of the worlds top 100 influential people by times Magazine in 2010, and in her early years had to battle daily against bullying with the persistent  name calling of  " tape recorder"  called owing to her repetitive speech,
Dr Grandin did not receive a formal diagnosis of being on the spectrum allegedly until she was in her forties.
The incredible part is that you have someone with a what is often described as a social interaction disability, has gone on to  be recognised for taking the feeling of animals into consideration and her theory now put into practice around the world.

With that in mind and the importance of female role models within the autism community, we have asked ambassadors from around the globe who are Strong, Autistic, Female and Empowered to give an insight into what autism means to them and importantly what if any changes they would like to see occur in regards to the support and assistance that is received.
What we are hearing of however are that cases of the females on the autistic spectrum being under represented, and often without support in daily life.
and with that in mind we have launched the Fighting For Autism -S.A.F.E initiative.
We have been fortunate enough to have some incredible ambassadors from around the globe, some of whom are female and are on the spectrum themselves, so they are more than aware of the challenges that are faced.

 

What makes the SAFE initiative different?

 

The reason behind the SAFE initiative is to give females on the spectrum a voice, also to heighten awareness and acceptance, by asking females on the spectrum to share their stories, and step forward not just as positive role models for those on the spectrum but for females of all ages,

 

Chloe Spiteri:

Freestyle Wrestler, Mixed Martial Artist, Teacher

 

Chloe is a Fighting For Autism, Fighter Ambassador who resides in the United Kingdom.

Chloe is multi time national champion and Commonwealth competitor in Freestyle wrestling and an aspiring mixed martial artist, aside from her achievements in sport, Chloe is also a teacher, she is renowned for giving inspiring speeches and insights on life as a female on the spectrum and the challenges that come with it.

 

Claire Smith.

Boxer, Mixed Marital Artist, Mother 

 

Claire is a Fighting For Autism, Fighter Ambassador who resides in the United Kingdom.

Claire is champion martial artist and Boxer who also is an amazing mum, dedicating her time between training and bringing up a child, Claire has also written some absolutely outstanding blogs on her experiences of being on the autistic spectrum, Claire has avidly been involved in assisting Fighting For Autism in the UK.

 

Serena DeJesus

Mixed Martial Artist, Writer  

  

Serena is Fighting For Autism Fighter Ambassador who resides in the USA.

Serena is a champion Mixed Martial Artist and an outstanding writer whose is also a regular attendee on podcasts in the USA.

Serena's insight into Autism is outstanding, as she explains in a way that both people on and off the autistic spectrum can relate to and understand, explaining her own experiences with passion for autism awareness and acceptance.

 

These are 3 outstanding young ladies who are carving their way in being role models to people both on and off the autistic spectrum, we know there are a lot more females who definitely have a story to tell and we would like to hear from them, importantly we would like to build a network and show that not only is it ok to talk about experiences of being on the autistic spectrum, but also to highlight the obstacles that are faced and how some remarkable people have overcome them and are thriving.

 

Please get in touch with us via our Facebook page www.Facebook.com/FightingForAutism or Twitter www.Twitter.com/FightForAutism

 

Voices For The Voiceless- The Inspiring story of Carl Clements.

We have been so incredibly fortunate at Fighting For Autism to have met some amazing individuals who have joined in the fight for awareness and acceptance, these phenomenal individuals come from a multitude of different backgrounds across the globe, todays blog is written by his mum Christine, and is about a young man that brightens a room wherever he goes, his passion for martial arts and life is infectious, this gentleman is Carl Clements whom we are absolutely honoured to have as a Fighting For Autism - Voices for the Voiceless Ambassador.

"Someone recently said to me ‘I’ve just been watching your son, odd little chap isn’t he?’ and it occurred to me that people who haven’t known him very long don’t really get his little Carlisms. So I thought I’d tell you a little about him.
Born with a failure to thrive Carl has had many challenges throughout his life, at the age of 3 he was diagnosed with a learning disability at the rate of half his age alongside feeding problems from birth which led to him being tube fed first with an NG tube and later with a gastrostomy. There followed many different feeding routines to try to overcome the constant vomiting until the age of 7 when he was diagnosed with a lactose intolerance. It was then we were able to start the long process of teaching him to eat. As Carl had never eaten he hadn’t developed the muscles in his mouth needed for early speech and with his learning disability his speech and vocabulary were both affected as were his fine and gross motor skills.
Fast forward many years of speech therapy and physiotherapy and many trips to various hospital departments covering almost everything from head to foot (literally) Carl isn’t diagnosed with Autism but I can see similarities on Carl's Journey as experienced by those on the big and beautiful spectrum.

Carl on the Mat at the Fighting For Autism Seminar held by club affiliate Immortal 365
under the watchful eye of Coach Ambassador Tony Bailey

In 2012 I received an email from Cambridge’s disability sport initiative inviting Carl to participate in a 6 week summer course of Martial Arts run by Cambridge Kung Fu and that is where he met his now friend and Sensei Neil Kirkland. Neil immediately got his Carlisms and Carl had a great time. At the end of the course we had a dilemma, for Carl to continue with martial arts where could he go? For his age (18 at the time) he should join the adults, not an option. For his size he should join the youths, again not an option as his learning disability means he could never keep up and for his ability he should join the very young class, obviously not an option, he was 18! Neil told me to leave it with him and true to his word a few weeks later contacted me with details of a new class. The Snow Leopards, a class for any kind of disability has grown from strength to strength and Carl continues to attend every week. In the meantime Neil set up his own association, Adaptive Martial Arts UK and Ireland open to anyone, any age any ability, is fully inclusive and means me and Carl can train together. It has provided many opportunities to meet some truly inspirational and brilliant people and led to Carl being given the great honour of becoming a Voice for the Voiceless Ambassador with Fighting For Autism.

 

Throughout all of this and despite many years of looking and testing no one has ever been able to give us a reason for Carl’s disability until... now! We have recently received confirmation, thanks to the advance in technology, of a diagnosis of Noonans Syndrome, a genetic disorder that proves a mutation of one of Carl’s genes. So after 23 years of not knowing we now have an answer, it’s quite something but won’t make any difference to Carl and his little Carlisms.

So there he is, Carl Clements, in a rather big and long winded nutshell, my very own Peter Pan, my fully qualified X-Man, my Hero".

Carl With his coaches Robbie and Neil from Adaptive Martial Arts UK and Ireland, along with Coach Ambassador Anthony Pillage

Carl continues to go from strength to strength, his willingness to learn and make a brighter day for everyone despite of the challenges and adversities that he has faced is truly the stuff that legends are made of, earlier this year Carl was in hospital and was incredibly poorly, but bounced back with enthusiasm and spark, Coach Ambassador Neil Kirkland and everyone at Adaptive Martial Arts UK and Ireland really do bring the very best out in people, Neil was recently awarded Community Martial Artist of the Year at the British Martial Art Awards, an award given to a remarkable man who most definitely dares to be different and whose club, friendship and guidance will see so many inspiring stories of some of the most courageous people you could ever meet is what the world needs to see more of.
The Snow Leopards class that is run by Neil's school does really strike a chord, as the snow leopard is unable to  roar like the other big cats, but certainly adapt to their surroundings, for more details on Adaptive Martial Arts UK And Ireland please check out their Facebook page.
                        https://en-gb.facebook.com/AdaptiveMartialArtsUkAndIreland/

Carl holding the runner up award for Seminar of the Year at the 2017 British Martial Arts Awards along with Head of Fighting For Autism ( Europe) Paul, and Coach Ambassadors Pete Holmes, Chris Jones, Tony Bailey, Neil Kirkland, Steve Lloyd and Russell Jarmesty.

The award was won for the Fighting For Autism Seminar held at Immortal 365 Martial Arts Academy in Peterborough UK.

 

We also wanted to take this opportunity to thank each and every ambassador and club involved with Fighting For Autism, the award received is testament to the hard work, care  and support shown by some of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet who are dedicated to making a difference to so many , these are the true superheroes that are allowing some phenomenal people to chase their dreams and show the world that Impossible really means I Am Possible, if you dare to be different.

 

And finally a massive Thank You to Christine for an amazing write up on a truly remarkable young man, Carl you are a Superstar :-)

 

 

 

Fighting For Autism- Shining through the spectrum, Joshua's Story

In todays blog we would like to introduce you to Joshua Wilding, who lives in Derbyshire United Kingdom.

Joshua's story has been submitted by his mum Amanda who runs the Warriors Within Martial Arts Club which is in Belper, Derbyshire, United Kingdom.
Amanda is also a Fighting For Autism Coach Ambassador who is raising autism awareness and acceptance in her classes as well as being Mum to a young superstar on the autistic spectrum.

 

Joshua wearing his Fighting For Autism Cap

"Joshua is 18 years old, he has Autism and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, he as severe sensory and sensitivity, and severe Anxiety and Panic disorder. He suffers from IBS, and he has to have quarterly injections for Vitamin B12.

Joshua struggles socially, he becomes very distressed when people are around him, he struggles to cope with it, he doesn’t like being anywhere busy and he doesn’t like being in shops. He doesn’t like going to parks or open spaces also, as he becomes terrified of birds, and dogs. He is happier in his own room, in his own space. Also Joshua struggles to walk far, so he as to go in a wheelchair which then makes him more aware of the environment around him, he cannot walk far as his muscles in his leg start to really hurt, the way josh explains how he feels after trying to walk for so long is " my legs hurt like someone is hitting them or pushing something in to them and my whole body feels the same" and he will be in pain for up to 3 weeks just for trying a 10 minute walk. Josh explains is M.E. as " everyday I get up I feel like I have the flu, my whole body hurts and I am in constant pain with it, I feel exhausted.

Joshua came out of school when he was 13 years old and had to be home schooled, which he also did his GCSE’S from home, he took the exams at home for Science, English and Maths, he has 2 Science GSCES, and passed Maths twice, but failed one part of his English, so didn’t get his English. he was so poorly at the time, and it all started with just tonsilitus, it then went to laryngitis , to the stage he was put on steroids. He never came back from then, his illness took over and turned to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Up to the age of 13 Josh had always been quite healthy apart from getting tonsillitis frequently or ear infections, but healthy. Now he cant walk far, doesn’t like leaving the house, cant eat meals properly without suffering, and cant cope with noises, smells, outside places.

But Joshua is a very very clever young man, 2 years ago he taught himself quantum physics, he taught himself to code, and he can now code in 8 different languages. He built his own computer, and he loves to design games.

He can build websites, he can design as he designed my logo for my martial arts club, and he has designed other things as well, he can build apps and do so much more.

a sample of some of what Joshua can do, this remarkable gentleman is entirely self taught, imagine how bright his future could be with some encouragement and guidance

Joshua’s aim is to build games but due to his social issues he cant cope going to college or university and sitting in a room of people, we tried this with him when he was 17, and we ended up at the hospital with him having severe panic attacks to the stage they thought there was something wrong with his heart, for one day in college just to enrol, took him one year to get over it. So I tried to get help for him to do a course from home, I applied to several colleges and no one would let him do a course from home. I contacted my local politician. which they said they would help, which in all fairness I had a few phone calls but nothing ever happened, we are still waiting. I begged for them to keep in education but no one wanted to help, so now Joshua doesn’t have that luxury and he should be allowed to be in education until he is 25 as he as Autism.

I paid for on online course last year for a beginners programme built your own game, which he received a diploma and he was so proud. However there isn’t courses available for Joshua’s needs, he is happy to do courses but needs to do them from home".

Are you in a position to help Josh?
This young gentleman has a remarkable gift, Joshua's passion is for anything that is computer related, and he dreams of building his own personal computer so he can widen his knowledge base, perhaps you know someone who is involved in the computer world or computer games industry, this amazing young man uses his ability and passion as a means of speaking to the outside world and can produce some incredible results, How cool would it be to see what Joshua can do with some advice from people in those industries, perhaps someone who is developing a distance learning course that Josh can study or maybe you have a part that you may want to donate so that Josh can build his dream personal computer.


Fighting For Autism advocates and encourages those with autism to shine through the spectrum, if you can help in any way please contact either ourselves or Joshua's mum Amanda at warriorwithinmartialarts@gmail.com

Or there a Just Giving Page that has been set up.


https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/amanda-wilding-3?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Yimbyprojectpage&utm_content=amanda-wilding-3&utm_campaign=projectpage-share-owner&utm_term=kDjEyJX4J


a huge thank you to Amanda for sharing Joshua's story.

Fighting with Autism- Lewis "Twitch" Daykin

Fighting For Autism has had some absolutely amazing people come onboard as Fighter ambassadors , one of the things we pride ourselves on is actively involving those from within the autism community, in hope that their success stories go on to trigger the spark that will ignite so many more.

One of these ambassadors is a gentleman from Yorkshire in the United Kingdom named
Lewis "Twitch" Daykin.
Lewis is a larger than life character, an amazing personality that truly does shine through the spectrum and encompasses the message of Fighting For Autism message to Dare to be Different.
This gentleman along with our friends at Almighty Fighting Championship in Leeds, UK went to do fundraise from which the proceeds raised went to give 30 Fighting For Autism Junior ambassadors from around the world their own Fighting For Autism hoody and choice of patch or a  baseball cap, these youngsters are both on and off the spectrum and raising awareness in their respective clubs and in competition and driving the message of Autism awareness and most of all acceptance and understanding, and with some truly inspiring stories of their own.
Lewis truly does have a heart of gold.



My name is Lewis “Twitch” Daykin
I have Aspergers Syndrome, I have been doing boxing and Muay Thai now for nearly 9 years (including competing 2 years) my idol is world champion Muay Thai fighter  John Wayne Parr and I hope to train with him one day.
Besides training and competing, I love motorbikes.

How does Aspergers impact on your life?
“Well it impacts me with like new situations or going new places or having changes in my life and I do take things to heart a lot, but if someone explains everything to me slowly and n in a way i can understand i can be ok, so if I don’t understand something I will tell you that I don’t understand and because of that I can have a short temper sometimes“.

How old were you when you were diagnosed?
“I think i was about 3 years old when i was diagnosed with autism, according to my Mum“.


How was school whilst you were growing up?
“To be honest it was tough n not to sound like a sob story but I only had a few friends as I found it hard to make friends i was easily distracted at school n since autism was a relatively new thing non of the teachers really knew what to do same when i was in high school i was bullied throughout, for being autistic and the "freak" amongst many others name I was jumped about 7 times in high school, my Mum and Dad did every thing they could to make sure I was ok or as good as I could be“.

 A young Lewis whilst on holiday with a friend

How has Boxing and Muay Thai helped you?
“It helped me by giving me confidence in going out n been able to talk to new people and learning about the Thai culture and handling things better, I don’t think I could live without it” .

Lewis has also gone onto coach youngster at the gym where he trains Ludus Magnus

Who have been your biggest influences in your training?
“My biggest influences in training are champion Muay Thai fighter, John Wayne Parr but my biggest influences are Neil Wain and John Popelwell I want to be as successful as them they have made there mark on the combat world and I want to follow in there foot steps. (I love them both like family J )”.

Lewis in competition at a boxing event.

What would be your advice be to someone on the autistic spectrum be?
“Hmmm my advice would be yes things in life are going to be hard really hard but set a goal in life start of with small goals and gradually make bigger ones if you are on the  autistic spectrum, please understand that  you are more awesome than you can ever imagine J ”.

Fighting with Autism - Smashing down Stereotypes, Daring to be Different with Boxing

We proudly introduce 5 gifted young boxers, each one of them is a Fighting For Autism Junior Ambassador and each of them is on the Autistic Spectrum
.

Josh Westcott, Alex MacDonald, Zak Lovell, Nas Stowell and Rhys McCole

In a little over a year Fighting For Autism, started the Junior Ambassador programme with young champions both on and off the Autistic Spectrum from around the globe helping to raise awareness through their chosen sport or martial art whether it be  Boxing, Jiu Jitsu, Taekwondo, Judo, Muay Thai, Kickboxing and the list goes on, with some truly inspiring journeys and stories being shared.

In the past year Fighting for Autism has accrued some of inspiring youngsters from around the world to help raise awareness together with us and at their respective clubs  and when they compete.
the amazing part is that the Junior Ambassadors are made up of future champions who are both on and off the autistic Spectrum todays blog brings you an insight into 5 of these individuals who are not only boxers, but are also on the autistic spectrum.

Josh Westcott, Zak Lovell, Nas Stowell, Rhys McCole from the United Kingdom and Alex MacDonald from the USA, are not just training and competing but also inspiring each other and others to perhaps try something new and pick up a new skill.
To say these gentlemen were inspiring would be an understatement these young men are leading the way in smashing down stereotypes, and shining the torch high for so many other people to show the world what they can do.
Last year, Nas, Rhys, Josh and Zak got the chance to interview former WBC world champion
Wayne "Pocket Rocket" McCullough, their passion for their sport is phenomenal, and the questions asked were excellent.

Hearing amazing insights about these young men from their parents, carers and coaches on how through boxing, notable improvements socially and academically has gone on to see them blossom into gentleman that are truly something to be proud of, they are an absolute credit to themselves, their families, their clubs, their sport and #FightingForAutism


Nas(Naseem) " T-Rex" Stowell- Junior Ambassador from Hessle, England

 

 

 

 



"I always knew Nas was different but no one would listen to me. When he started school age 4 he could hardly speak and cried constantly as he rocked back and forth.
By the age of 7 he had been labelled the naughty child in school, had no friends and was struggling to survive at school. His naughty label followed him through school, where he was falling further behind and spending hours in isolation.
I was called into school every day and told he was disrupting the class with his strange noises and periods of zoning out. I told him he wasn’t naughty and begged for help.
Nas started play therapy two afternoons a week as well as school and home observations with a psychologists followed by months of testing at the children’s centre. All through this the school told me I would never get a diagnosis for Nas and that he would never achieve anything as he was simply just naughty.
Eventually when Nas was 10 the results come in, Nas was diagnosed with ADHD, Tic’s and falls into the spectrum for Autism as he has many autistic traits.
Naseem Started on medication twice a day and the change was amazing, he could suddenly focus and began to catch up.
Nas went from 60/70% attendance at school to 100% also making a couple of friends and was happy.
Naseem started to train in 2012  and took to Boxing Instantly, boxing has now become his passion and he trains every day.
Naseem has had 6 fights, won 3 and lost 3 and won best boxer of the night 3 times and has also won the most dedicated boxer award at the club". (Liz - Nas's Mum)

In between this Nas is a keen fundraiser, putting his feet to the floor, doing sponsored runs to raise funds for his boxing club so that they can purchase new equipment so other kids can benefit from the sport just as he has.

Josh Westcott - Boxer and  Junior Ambassador from Glasgow, Scotland

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Josh was diagnosed with Asperger's when he was 10 after 5 hard years fighting to get the school and doctor to listen. Josh was bullied by staff in his primary school and received a written and verbal apology for it. He started boxing 3 and a half years ago after completing CBT for the anger he had from being bullied. From the very first boxing session Josh was hooked, improving and growing every week. Boxing has helped every area in Josh's life, from confidence, self esteem, patience, even helping him not be fast reacting to frustrating situations, and he now also helps coach his clubs under 12 class, it has been 100% beneficial.

Josh doesn't have his nickname yet, some call him "Juggernaut Josh" although he's not used it at a bout yet. He boxes as a 75kg Junior Middleweight which is tough to match for in Scotland as his year peers have always been smaller, we're hoping for more matches as his peers stretch. Josh boxes out of Bellahouston Boxing Club in Southside Glasgow Scotland. (Serena- Josh's Mum )

Josh has also gone on to become good friends and a training partner to Junior Ambassador  Rhys McCole

 

 

Zak "Rocky"  Lovell- Boxer and Junior Ambassador from Burton on Trent, England

 

 

 

 

"Zak is 16 years old,  He is 59kg, and fights for Burton Amateur Boxing Club, he has had one skills bout and competitive bout, his club said he did them really proud.   Zak trains 4 nights a week at Burton ABC, and then a 5th night at the club with coach Neville Brown - he also has some private coaching sessions with Neville". ( Cat-Zak's Mum, who has gone on to gain a boxing qualification)

 

Zak was inspired to become a Junior Ambassador by Nas "T-Rex" Stowell, and is going from strength to strength.

At Christmas we asked for  festive posts to be put up with a Fighting For Autism hash tag, with the winner receiving a pair of customised Fighting For Autism Gloves, Zak's post not only that wasn't your average yuletide theme, but what it did do was look at a young gentleman who has come so far on his journey, never gave up, keeps practicing and is becoming better and better at the sport he loves on a daily basis.
a young man inspired by boxing greats like the "Brockton Blockbuster" Rocky Marciano this is where Zak has taken his fighting nickname from.

 

 

Alex "White Chocolate" MacDonald - Boxer and  Junior Ambassador from New York USA

 

 

 

 "I started boxing 1 year ago and loved it ever since. Growing up with autism no one really understands me. No one had my back so I would always have my own. People who always call me names and harass me non stop. I always stood up for myself and not run away. I would always confront them and never back down. This lead to me getting my butt kicked everyday. It was not until 10th grade were I wanted to play a sport. I found out wrestling a few days into 12th grade and joined the team. After the season was over I wanted to be in another combat sport. I wanted to box when I was young so I started boxing 1 year ago. Right now I love boxing more than anything in the world. I have found my purpose in life. It is to be the best boxer in history and to do it having autism. I know if I accomplish that there will be so many people who will think differently about them having autism. They will start having themselves to a higher standard in life. They will not think autism is a curse, they will start thinking it's a blessing".(Alex McDonald)

Alex is Fighting For Autism's first boxing Junior Ambassador in the USA and is highly regarded by his coaches and training partners.

Rhys McCole-  Boxer and Junior Ambassador from Greenock, Scotland

 

 

 

 

Rhys is a young gentleman who has over come significant adversity, Rhys not only is on the Autistic Spectrum but also faced battles with asthma, multiple holes in his heart, visual disorder and
Meares-Irlen Syndrome  as well.
Rhys who started boxing at the age of 10, and has gone on to capture gold medals at National level, a few months back Rhys was in hospital not knowing if he'd be able to compete, not only did he get out of hospital, he went on to win his weight category, his determination and dedication have seen him earn praise from Sports Scotland.
Rhys has said  " Boxing has given me the chance to flourish and make friends, its helping me to progress as a person as well as an athlete".

"Rhys was born with four holes in his heart and spent time in intensive care as a baby. He fought then and he is still fighting, despite being diagnosed with five other disabilities and learning difficulties.
Boxing has been a life-changer for Rhys and he had to battle his way into it as there is no disabled strand in boxing within Scotland. Luckily, consultants gave him the green light to be a mainstream boxer and he has excelled.
His hard work and dedication have not only led to him winning medals and titles but also many admirers at his sheer bravery and unwavering belief that everyone should be treated equally".
James- Rhys's carer.


   

Fighting For Autism. Coaches and Clubs join in the Fight for some much needed Awareness

 

One of the most amazing things has begun to develop over the past few months with Fighting For Autism, we are starting to work together with many martial arts and boxing clubs from around the world in a bid to raise Autism Awareness together, the response has been phenomenal, each of them has been so supportive and truly embraced the message of what awareness is all about, and the exciting news is that many more are stepping forward to embrace the challenge and their open hearts and minds in welcoming some amazing youngsters and adults on the Autistic Spectrum to their clubs, with some looking into running Autism Friendly classes and others already doing so.......how cool is that?

 

Pete Holmes,Ross Hanratty, Aaron Stevens, Cesar Silva, Chris Jones, Simon Martinelli, Christy Dunne, Danielle Joyce, Tony Bailey, Joe Worden, Rodney Moore, Pete Lavery, Neil Kirkland, Damien Mulgrave, Deano Wade, Andy Ryan, Tom Lamont, James Mulroy, Alfie Lewis, Sean Davitt, Walton Hart, Mark Spence,Mark Epstein, Stewart Francis, Steve Lloyd, Karl Butcher,Jason McCabe, Tony Pillage, Chris Brown, Paul Bentley, Lucci Del Gaudio, Kain Royer, Gaz Collins



Each affiliate club has had a set of Autism factsheets that are designed to take a lot of the jargon away and concentrate on getting everyone actively informed about understanding a bit more about Autism, each and every coach and club we have asked has been absolutely phenomenal in their response, and equally so have their students.

Fighting For Autism have had the privilege of talking to some amazing people involved in Martial Arts that either have a good understanding or are very keen to learn about autism, one of each journey is different although you hope to all get to the same destination.

Each person is different and learns at their own pace, one of the amazing things that we have been so fortunate to be able to tell are the success stories of people who have overcome adversity and despite their diagnosis have blossomed through Martial Arts or Boxing, not just as martial artists or boxers but have improved both academically and socially as well, from a personal level and as a Dad to a child on the spectrum it leaves you speechless at seeing how powerful that message is, not just to those on the Autistic Spectrum but to their families and loved ones too.

The Ambassador and club programme that Fighting For Autism has, includes professional athletes, Martial arts and boxing clubs, coaches, junior ambassadors and promotions affiliates all working to raise Autism Awareness Together.

Can Martial arts or Boxing make that much of a difference? 101% yes, not just through the training of these disciplines, but importantly the message that is portrayed through them, these clubs are where role models and champions are made, strangely enough the response from the martial arts and boxing communities has been incredible, sadly politicians aren’t so quick to take up the invitation.

 

 

The message of Martial arts and boxing as well as the fantastic clubs and people that teach them, from a parents view it gave me hope that for my sons future there are people out their willing to go the extra mile to bring the best out of someone (my son is severely autistic, seeing first hand a coach have the patience go over a basic technique with a Lightsabre which was made fun and easy to understand, until my son felt confident in it, and standing and watching my little boy interact with another child and laugh while he did it, Pete Holmes, Beth Holmes, Steve Lloyd, Alan Apsden and Karl Butcher from Immortal 365 in Peterborough, I never got the chance to say Thank You from the bottom of my heart I am doing that now.)

 

 

 

 

 

Matthew under the watchful eye of Immortal 365  Instructor Alan Apsden

Immortal 365 have gone on to make the light sabre classes at their club a permanent fixture at their club in Peterborough UK, where 5 of the class are on the Autistic Spectrum, the classes have proved so successful that the parents ( I mean Dad’s) have asked for a class of their own.
Immortal 365 have also gone on to host their very own Fighting For Autism Seminar, that saw different martial arts instructors from around the United Kingdom raise their hand in wanting to help raise awareness and also get their students involved too.
Also seeing coach/fighter ambassador Paul Bentley and Cut man Ambassador Steve Riley start their very own Autism Friendly classes at FPTS in Liverpool this past weekend.

also Chris Jones, a Martial Arts Instructor and Coach Ambassador  from Knaresborough, United Kingdom was sent an amazing message from the parent of one his students whose son is progressing in so many different ways, these are the positives that people want to hear, and why its an absolute privilege to write about, such awe inspiring people who are actively making a difference.

 

The success stories are becoming more and more frequent, with amazing clubs stepping forward to enlighten there students about the autistic spectrum, Fighting For Autism has developed a Junior Ambassador scheme which has seen  nearly 30 youngsters from around the globe, from a multitude of different backgrounds, some are on the Autistic spectrum and are thriving through boxing or martial arts, others are pulling out all the stops to raise as much awareness as they possibly can.

Each individual in this picture is on varying levels of the autistic spectrum, and each one of them is an Ambassador for Fighting For Autism, some are starting their journey in their chosen sport, some have become not only established but are respective Champions 

 We truly believe to Fight for Autism, you have to include those on the spectrum,  these amazing people along with so many others are raising their hand to volunteer in making a brighter day for others, and inspiring them to try something new, make a new friend and also help people to understand what Autism is.

 

 

Fighting For Autism Fighter Ambassador Lewis “Twitch” Daykin a boxer and Muay Thai fighter who trains out of Ludus Magnus and our friends at Almighty Fighting Championship, carried out a fundraiser at an event, that funded 27 Junior Ambassadors from around the globe with their own Fighting For Autism hoody and either a Gi Patch or a baseball cap, Lewis who is on the Autistic spectrum himself and is inspiring as they come is one of so many success stories not just as a competitor in his chosen sport, but has gone on to become a much loved coach and as a gentleman always wears his heart on his sleeve, which is an amazing quality to have.

The Junior Ambassadors are future champions in their respective disciplines from around the world who through martial arts are raising Autism Awareness with Fighting For Autism from the mats, these amazing youngsters know a thing or two about Autism as they are either on the autistic spectrum themselves or have a close family member or friend who is on the Autistic Spectrum, in the UK alone 9 of the the 10 junior ambassadors are on the spectrum themselves and are actively competing in either a martial art or boxing, with the 10^th having a sibling on the spectrum and truly wants to raise awareness, to say we are proud of each and every Ambassador we have would be an understatement, we cannot thank Lewis, as well as Steve and Ray from Almighty Fighting Championship as without them this would never have been possible.

 

We wanted to say a very special Thank you to each and every Ambassador that has raised their hand to become a Voice for the Voiceless, and encourages those to dare to be different and to live without labels, these are the very people that make Fighting For Autism what it is, around the globe a collection of amazing people who it is a privilege to write about.

 Over the past few years since Christian Mitchell set up Fighting For Autism in Australia, the response from clubs and coaches is often hard to put into words, particularly when you are the parent of a child on the spectrum, the number of top athletes, coaches and clubs from around the world that are working together with Fighting For Autism to raise as much autism awareness as possible is humbling and heart warming, and for that to each and every person who has done so much, to everyone who reads these blogs, or likes a facebook status, Instagram post or Retweets a Tweet, We Thank you all as you are the ones that make the positive change to people and bring the very best out of them. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fighting With Autism- An Interview with Mixed Martial Artist Serena "The Southpaw Outlaw" De Jesus

This blog features an interview with a Fighting For Autism Ambassador, who is a Bantamweight mixed martial artist who resides and fights out of Las Vegas, Nevada USA.
Her name is Serena " The Southpaw Outlaw" DeJesus.

Serena is such a positive role model for so many, her persistence and will to overcome adversity is seeing her thrive not only in the sport that she loves to compete in, but in so many different avenues as well.
The need for positive female role models is forever growing, and so does the need for role models who dare to be different and who can encourage people to stand out from amongst the crowd.
Serena knows a lot about the autistic spectrum, as she is on the spectrum herself,  her input into raising awareness has been exemplary, her ability to relate to those on the spectrum is also beginning to see a future generation of youngsters on the autistic spectrum, both male and female begin to shine through the spectrum, and that is something that is so very much needed.



1. What Inspires you to be the very best that you can be?
"Growing up there were no autistic role models and I pretty much bumbled through life and to an extent still do trying to figure things out. I hope that my struggles and triumphs can inspire my fans, friends, anyone who feels their back is against the wall, and my siblings as two out of the three of them are also autistic".

2.  Can you tell us a bit about your diagnosis of autism.
"My diagnosis didn't come until after much trial and error. From ages 4-13 I was misdiagnosed and put through so many meds and went through psych wards and residential treatment facilities because of how crazy the medicines made me cause at the time in the 90's autism wasn't well known and the country was in the middle of diagnosing every child with ADHD. When I was finally diagnosed with asperger's syndrome when I was 13 and taken off all medications things kind of made sense. My social awkwardness and avoidance of social situations stayed and my one tracked mind too however with many years of social therapy and help with a case manager along with the support of my family I overcame a lot. But socially I don't think I fully flourished until I started training to fight. It was a form of exposure therapy but one that I chose and wanted to work on. So I put my obsession to learn towards something productive. My parents have told me out of everything I've put my mind to they have never seen me happier or healthier".

3.  How did your passion for martial arts develop?
"I was also active and loved watching old school MMA with my dad when I was little from the dark ages of the UFC, PRIDE, Elite XC, Strikeforce, etc so when I finally found a way to learn how to be a MMA fighter I joined up immediately and trained non-stop".

4. Can you tell us a bit about your training regimen and what your average day entails when you are preparing for competition.

"I wake up, do MMA class in the morning and take a break for lunch and then go running three miles, come back for BJJ, muay thai, and boxing classes and go home pretty sore and sleep and repeat. I pretty much train non-stop and makes me happy that with the rise of the internet freelance work is easily available".

Serena and her training partners at Syndicate Mixed Martial Arts

5. You are emerging as a positive role model, what advice would you give to someone who has recently been diagnosed or are awaiting a possible diagnosis of autism.
"I would tell them that it's a new chance for self discovery since they now have a more definite answer. I know before my diagnosis I always wondered why I am the way I am. But with my diagnosis I have taken better steps to know myself and act accordingly. I try to take care of my mental health and know my limits but at the same time try and work on expanding them little by little if I can.

I would also tell them to not be ashamed in being autistic and try to love themselves as much as possible if they haven't already.

For myself I tend to feel very self conscious as everyday I try to fight off the urge of stimming in public and avoiding meltdowns but I need to remind myself if it ever happens that I'm still human and people will understand and still love and respect me. Whether you're neureotypical or neureoatypical you're still human and no one is perfect".

Serena with one of her growing army of young fans

6. You have recently been awarded by Promoting Women in bodybuilding, Fitness and Mixed Martial Arts, what has been the thing that keeps you going through tough times?
 "I keep remembering that I wanted to be a fighter for a long time and that I have family and friends everywhere that love and support me and that I wish someone like me was around for the younger version of myself to look up to. So even when things go wrong and I stay in my room unable to converse with anyone I try and remind myself of that and in time I get my gears back in order and get back to the grind".

 7. You always seem to have a lot of fun around the people you train with, what has been the most fun part of your martial arts journey so far?
"The most fun I have had is a toss up between my journeys in Thailand training there and meeting my role model and now best friend Roxanne Modafferi which eventually led me to leaving my comfy life with my family in Philadelphia to further my growth as a martial artist here in Las Vegas. I would say that just travelling and meeting new people and making new friends has been the biggest joy and blessing in my life. I had very little friends growing up and I always wanted friends and now finally I have true quality friends who support me through thick and thin".

Serena with her best friend and fellow mixed martial artist Roxanne Modafferi

8. What are your goals for 2017?
"My goals are to get as many fights as I can and depending on what happens hopefully it may be time for me to go professional as a mixed martial artist."

9. If the Southpaw Outlaw could be in charge of the world for one day and could change one thing what would it be? And Why?
"I would make everyone join a martial arts gym. There's something about training that makes people gain a better sense of each other. Also it's great stress reliever and I believe the world needs a little bit of both"

Serena in competition ( photo courtesy of Ray Kasprowicz and TUFF-N-UFF)

 

 

We would like to say a massive thank you to Serena for taking time out of her schedule to talk to us, and we are sure 2017 will be the year of the Southpaw Outlaw.

 

Keep being inspirational Serena :-)

 

Serena Can be found on Twitter at www.twitter.com/SerenaSouthpaw and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/serenaSouthpaw