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

 

 

 

Fighting With Autism- Champion Wrestler and Mixed Martial Artist Chloe Spiteri

Fighting For Autism takes pride in highlighting positive stories from the Autistic Spectrum, and are incredibly proud to introduce Fighter Ambassador, Champion Freestyle Wrestler and Mixed Martial Artist, Chloe Spiteri who is from London, United Kingdom.

Chloe is a 6 time National Wrestling Champion, has represented Team Great Britain and got to the finals of the Commonwealth Games, as well as recently winning a title in Mixed Martial Arts, to say Chloe is inspirational is an understatement, Chloe has also gone on to offer support and guidance to others.

"My Journey hasn't been an easy one, having being diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 3, neurological problems and Autism.
Some of the symptoms of my autism were, I  struggled to communicate effectively i.e not looking people in the eye, I struggled to mix in large groups, I didn't like change at all, and if any change came I would lash out and lots more.
I was written off by many professionals and told I needed to be on heavy medication and in full time boarding school.
but my parents knew me best and knew with the right support I could overcome and go on to achieve great things, and with overcoming adversity I did just this.
My epilepsy stopped at age 11, my symptoms have decreased and become mild, however I do still not like sudden changes in my schedule and some communication/ social difficulties.

but, I am not ashamed to be who I am and want to go out there and share my story to others and let them know that know that nothing is impossible, as well as provide support and advice.
through self belief , being persistent and understanding and accepting myself, I have been able to defeat any barriers that have come my way and get to where I am. 

 

When the professionals wrote me off, I was predicted not to get any qualifications, after not going back into full time "mainstream" high school until the later years after being placed into special needs, I went to achieve 10 A-C grades and also went onto achieve a sports science degree from Brunel University in the UK, so not only did I excel at sports, I also excelled in my education."

 

 

 

 

Fighting For Autism would like to say a massive Thank You to Chloe Spiteri,  Chloe can be found on Twitter www.Twitter.com/chloe_spiteri and on Instagram www.Instagram.com/chloe_spiteri

Fighting With Autism- Shining Through the The Spectrum with Judo and Jiu Jitsu. Maximus Jolly

 

 

Today's Fighting For Autism Blog, is  brought to you by a remarkable young gentleman from Tampa in the USA, his name is Maximus "Prime" Jolly

Max is one of Fighting For Autism's Junior Ambassadors and is an inspiring character not only raising Autism Awareness on the mats, but proving that a diagnosis of Autism does not define you as a person, this gentleman's story of hard work and determination to smash down stereotypes and shine through the spectrum is truly amazing.

 

Maximus Jolly, is a 14 year old who trains and competes in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, and Wrestling. It is BJJ that is his passion and what transformed his life. Max was diagnosed with Autism at age 2. He did not speak until age 3. He has been bullied, and called “weirdo” and “crack head”.  On one occasion, peers threw balls at him as hard as they could. At the time, he thought they were playing with him, laughing with him. They weren’t. 

Max struggles to overcome the challenges Autism brings which can be invisible to most people. Autism is a diagnosis. He is not a diagnosis. Maximus Jolly is the 2016 FFBJJ State Champion. He is a dedicated mixed martial artist who trains 6 days every week. He runs/swims about 20 miles every week. He has a passion to compete at the highest level.

Max is no longer bullied. He has made a choice to take action and has chosen to speak out about something he is uncomfortable with in order to help others with autism know they can be whoever they want to be by making a decision to break through their barrier as Max has. The fight is not over. Training at Gracie Tampa and Gracie Tampa Judo has transformed the way he views the world and people living in it. He has the honor of training under one of Royce Gracie’s 1st black belts – Prof. Rob Kahn and the 2015 USA Judo coach of the year – Sensei David Cainas.

 

 

Everyone has challenges. Max’s happens to be a diagnosis of Autism that comes with various learning, communication, and social barriers. He was told that if he works hard, he could be whoever he wants to be. Honor, respect, humility, and work ethic are things Max learns from mom and dad and they are reinforced on the mats by his coaches and mentors. Maximus is a fighter and he is proud to be Fighting for Autism.

Fighting For Autism- Scott Tunstall, Father to a Superstar on the Spectrum, Freestyle Wrestler and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Scott Tunstall, is a father to young superstar on the Spectrum , he is also an Irish Freestyle Wrestling Champion and active in  Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as well as becoming the Regional Director for Fighting For Autism in Northern Ireland.
The Martial Arts and Boxing communities have been absolutely amazing towards Fighting For Autism, with the amount of clubs, coaches, active fighters and so many more really taking to raising Autism Awareness with us to their hearts, and the wonderful thing, is that through these same communities we are seeing a wave of extremely gifted athletes who are on the spectrum themselves and some truly remarkable people who are assisting in bringing out the very best in them.

 

This is Scott's blog on his experience as a parent of a superstar on the Autistic Spectrum.



What I have learned from Autism?
As we navigate through the sometimes tranquil sometimes turbulent oceans of Autism, a multitude of emotions surface. Sometimes the torrent is too much control and it feels as if your ship is sinking beneath waves of unbridled fear and pain.

These times no matter how testing are necessary and fundamental to understanding our child's condition and by learning to guide your loved one around these treacherous waters and keeping afloat we deepen our understanding of ASD and our child's psychological driver's. I know I speak for both my wife and I, that learning to overcome our child's fears through slow methodical strategies has allowed us to gain a deep understanding of our beautiful boy's mentality, creativity and emotional expression. Not every impending storm front leads to a full blown hurricane and there is always, as with everything in life a silver lining. So I want to write of untold treasures and secret cove's that Autism will pilot you to, sometimes inadvertently when the Tempest is at its peak and all hope is lost.... a ray of light a glimmer of hope shining brightly through angry skies, the eye of the hurricane........a lighthouse guiding you to safety

These precious few moments! Maybe just a smile or a hug with warmth and intent...maybe just maybe those three heart melting words. So I pose a question? What has Autism taught you? What have you found when you have braved the storm and traversed the deluge? Does it bring it you closer together and deepen your already indescribably strong bond? How have these experiences changed and shaped your humanity? These are the questions I would like to ask? For me I have gained a wealth of understanding and a deep connection with my son's feelings, his fears and his likes (which are many!) and importantly how his mind works. This has been invaluable to me and his affection towards us as parents has grown since we have taken the time and patience to really understand him. This has not only affected my life with our son this has affected me at a deep level and changed the way I interact with people in general.

Autism has altered my world view dramatically. I find that I have become more patient and warm towards people and definitely more empathetic (which was always an issue for me before we had Lewis) I also take more time to understand problems and really listen to people. We are very lucky in that although our son is profoundly Autistic, he is also very caring and shows his love on a daily basis with big hugs, excellent humour and loving words. This too has warmed my heart and has allowed me to become friendlier and open with my family and friends. We still face stormy waters with our son as we ALL do as parents/carers of children with ASD but there are oasis's of calm tropical waters out there and they hold treasures beyond measure...Thanks for taking your time to read this today it is greatly appreciated, my aim with this short piece is just to focus our attention on the positives of Autism. So please feel free to share your thoughts......
What have you, learned from Autism?

Fighting For Autism- Paddy "The Baddy Pimblett" Helping to raise Autism awareness through Mixed Martial Arts

Patrick "Paddy The Baddy" Pimblett is a Champion Mixed Martial Artist and who fights for Cagewarriors Mixed Martial Arts promotion.

The awe inspiring performance's being displayed in the cage by the Lightweight fighting out of Next Generation Mixed Martial Arts in Liverpool are touting Paddy to be one of the shining stars on their way to world stardom in the sport, and has definitely gone on to seen him as one of the hottest properties of Mixed Martial arts in Europe, This gentleman has the ingredients of being a truly remarkable fighter.
Paddy who started his Professional Mixed Martial Arts Career in 2012, and has 11 Wins with his last bout seeing him crowned as The Cage Warriors World Champion at his home city of Liverpool on what was an electrifying evening, along with team mate Chris Fishgold who was making the first defence of his Cage Warriors Title as well ,both train with the widely respected and renowned Next Generation MMA Gym in Liverpool under the guidance of coach Paul Rimmer.

 

Paddy's performances outside of the cage are also becoming the stuff of legend, this is a gifted young fighter who is extremely vocal and defensive of his home city Liverpool and is becoming recognised as a fan friendly fighter, who always goes the extra mile to put a smile on someone else's face.
The team around him are like a family, they train together, eat together and socialise together it really is a fantastic thing to see, as each one brings the other on to the next level, I've been privileged enough to be in their company and are among some of the nicest people I've met in Mixed Martial Arts.

Next Generation Gym currently has Chris Fishgold and Paddy Pimblett as Cagewarriors Champions, and Molly McCann-Pearson who also is alumni from Next Generation and also trains with the widely respected Ippon Gym in Bournmouth is also Champion with Shock n Awe Mixed Martial Arts.
All 3 of these amazing martial artists along with so many other across the globe have become Fighting For Autism Ambassadors, and the amount of positive feedback has been incredible, from parents/carers to a loved one on the Spectrum, but also from people on the Spectrum themselves who are beginning to find their voice and confidence, getting parents to talk about Autism can be quite hard, especially with the males, but when Martial Arts are used as an ice breaker, people are beginning to open up, share experiences  and begin to investigate what Autism is, this is also the trend with youngsters who see a role model speaking about Autism and will investigate what is meant by the word Autism.
And people are beginning to come forward, a huge amount of people who have an interest or who are martial artists have a link to someone on the Autistic Spectrum.

Paddy is also a Fighting For Autism Fighter Ambassador, who together with Fighting For Autism is assisting in raising Autism Awareness from the Mats, Paddy was also the first Ambassadors to nominate one of his students as a Junior Ambassador a superstar in the making called Connor Orford, who's influence and friendship has brought Connor on in leaps and bounds over the past few months.
Connor who is on the Autistic Spectrum is thriving through the sessions with Paddy, and this is now a gentleman who cannot wait to get to class to train and in our view Connor is very much a champion in the making too.
We issued Connor a top secret mission to present Paddy with his very own personalised Fighting For Autism Cap, and Connor passed the test with flying colours. as the pictures shows.

Paddy and Cage Warriors Owner/ President Graham Boylan  in September placed a bet with Paddy Power Bookmakers for Paddy to beat UFC champion Connor McGregor by the year 2020, the bet in itself was massive, to which we are so grateful and to which we can only ever say thank to you Graham Paddy Power Power book makers

 and then this morning Paddy put up on his Instagram feed that he had put up tickets for auction for his upcoming bout, these tickets are not for sale to the general public, with the proceeds going to Fighting For Autism...

Paddy we will never forget the kindness and generosity you have shown towards us, that makes you every part of the champion both in the cage and in life itself, we can never thank you and everyone at Next Generation MMA enough and we wanted to say a special Thank You to you all and Graham Boylan from Cage warriors too.

Fighting For Autism Ambassadors, clubs and promotions around the world are very much the driving force behind making a brighter day to so many people on the Autistic Spectrum and their families too,  they are becoming the Voice for The Voiceless, collectively working alongside clubs and coaches we are being able to make students aware of what Autism is, and also working to wards creating autism friendly classes around the word, as well as being to highlight success stories of Athletes on the spectrum and raise some much needed Autism Awareness, we wouldn't be able to do what we do without these amazing people.

Paddy can be followed on Twitter www.twitter.com/PatrickPimblett
or over on  Instagram  www.Instagram.com/PaddyTheBaddy



Children on the Autistic Spectrum are more likely to suffer from being bullied.
No two people on The Autistic Spectrum are the same and the symptoms of each particular persons Autism differ often massively.
Autism is one of the fastest growing developmental disorders but is the most underfunded.
If the Statistic of 1 in 100 is on the Autistic Spectrum in the UK is to be believed ( we believe it is more than 1 in 100 and more in line with the USA statistic of 1 in 68) , and the population in the UK is 65,000,000 that means that 650,000 people reside in the UK who are on the Spectrum-enough to fill Wembley Stadium 7 times over.
For more facts on Autism please check out our website www.fightingforautism.com

we can be found on twitter  www.Twitter.com/FightForAutism and over on Instagram too www.Instagram.com/FightForAutism and Facebook www.Facebook.com/FightingForAutism

Fighting For Autism- Voices For the Voiceless with Dwayne "The Titan" Smith

 

#VoicesForTheVoiceless

 

 

 

Voices for the Voiceless…

The idea of Voices for the Voiceless campaign, comes from Fighting For Autism USA, South Eastern Regional Director, Pro Wrestler, Personal Trainer and Part-time Ghostbuster, Dwayne “Titan” Smith.

“The idea of doing a Voice for the Voiceless campaign came from my son. He’s nonverbal and on the autism spectrum along with the combination of a situation close to my hometown.

There were 2 kids on the autistic spectrum being kept in a cage. This is beyond cruel it was unacceptable. They’re human beings and deserve to be treated as such. I was picking up a shirt order from Demingous Price for a wrestling event I had to do that night. I remembered a phrase that I had heard before “Voices for the Voiceless.” So I had a special shirt made for me that night and called the promoter, Tyler Gazaway, on my way to the arena and asked if I could speak on the microphone, he agreed that I could.

I stood backstage reading the article over and over becoming more and more furious. I gathered a few thoughts in my head and waited for my music to hit.
My music began to play, the crowd cheered and I hit the ring. Most of the time I walk around the ring, smiling, giving fist bumps/high fives but not this night. I went straight to the ring with a purpose. I hit all four corners raising my fist and began to tell the audience…

“Right down the road from this very arena there were two autistic kids found in a cage. Right down the road from here. I will NOT stand by and let this happen anywhere, anytime by anyone ESPECIALLY next to my hometown! I will be your voice. I will stand up for you. I will stand by you. I will be your voice for the voiceless!”

The crowd cheered and I came and wrapped my son in my arms. I began to order my shirts with the saying on the back. People immediately started asking what it meant and buying them in support of the cause”.

Dwayne has a heart of gold and when it comes to making a massive difference to those on the spectrum, he is definitely a man on a mission. Through building relationships with his local community and businesses, and actively involving those on the Autistic Spectrum has seen some absolute superstars on the Spectrum be given their chance to shine and also experience things in a setting that make those memories last a lifetime not just for them but also to their families too.

Dwayne, and our amazing friends at Valor Fights including Tim Loy Cutman Ambassador Mark Laws,went the extra mile to give Jayce Wisenhunt and his Dad a night to remember after Jayce’s chaperone wasn’t allowed to escorts him to his prom which led Jayce to leaving his prom upset, his chaperone was his sister who the school claimed was too old to attend, Jayce who is on the spectrum, was given the superstar treatment and Tim Loy awarded Jayce a belt of his own, Valor Fights have also gone on to become huge supporters of Fighting For Autism and have even hosted Fighting For Autism events, of where Dwayne is always there to raise a hand and raise awareness.

 Ahh, The Part-time Ghostbuster, Dwayne is a huge Ghostbusters fan, and recently along with some fantastic people had the very first sensory friendly screening of a movie in North West Georgia, USA and even attended the event in full Ghostbuster attire.A wonderful time was had by all, and the man we know as “Titan” was at the front leading the charge.

 

On behalf of us all at Fighting For Autism we would like to say Thank You to everyone who is truly making a difference, we could not do it without you, huge Thank You to Dwayne “Titan”Smith for his help in today’s blog entry
 

#VoicesForTheVoiceless #DareToBeDifferent #FightingForAutism  #BeBrave #BeBold #BeKind #BeInspirational #BeYourself  #Wrestling #MMA #MuayThai #BJJ #Judo #Escrima #Boxing #Karate #TaeKwonDo #Capoeira #Ghostbusters #ValorFights #CarmikeCinemas