With over 70 million worldwide being somewhere on the autism spectrum, more and more celebrity parents in our community have come out about having a child with autism. Not only have these dads took action to make a difference in their child’s lives, many of them have started foundations to raise funds and awareness for autism. I’ve met several of these dads in person to actually share about my experiences growing up from nonverbal autism to professional speaker. Here are several that have stood out…
Brendan Fraser
Fat Joe
View this post on Instagram
Dan Marino
Football legend Dan Marino is supporting autism through chocolate >> http://t.co/wsCt125EUf @Lindt_Chocolate pic.twitter.com/BTiovTj1jm
— Autism Speaks (@autismspeaks) March 16, 2015
Highlights: Hall-of-Fame QB in the NFL who played for the Miami Dolphins. Started the Dan Marino Foundation in 1992 after being inspired through his experience of raising his son with autism. Opened The Dan Marino Center in 1998 to pursue his work to advocate for others.
Shawn Stockman
Gr8 being onset 2day with @shawnstockman & his wife #Sharonda talking abt #Autism w @ExhaleTV on @tvASPiRE @Photoham pic.twitter.com/AHHVFb1Zy2 — Areva Martin, Esq. (@ArevaMartin) January 30, 2014
Highlights: One of the members of the multiplatinum R&B group Boys II Men. Shawn’s son Micah was diagnosed with autism at 2. Throughout the years, he has worked with Autism Speaks and later founded the non-profit “Micah’s Voice.”
Gary Cole
@AutismLiveShow LET’S TALK AUTISM W. SHANNON & NANCY at Walk for Autism in Pasadena, CA with actor Gary Cole! pic.twitter.com/tKbGoXfP — Nancy A. Jackson (@Nancy_A_Jackson) April 21, 2012
Highlights: Actor who is well known for his roles in Office Space and Entourage. Gary’s daughter Mary was diagnosed with autism in 1995.
Doug Flutie
Good luck to Doug Flutie running in today’s Boston Marathon for The Doug Flutie JR Foundation. #WBZ pic.twitter.com/Yizn6jTWLy — STEVE BURTON (@STEVEBURTONWBZ) April 20, 2015
Highlights: Pro-Bowl QB in the NFL who played for several teams including the Bills, Chargers and Patriots. Started the Doug Flutie Foundation to help improve the quality of life for people and families affected by autism.
Joe Mantegna
Here’s @JoeMantegna Talking About Temple Grandin & Friends: @autismworksnow http://t.co/s25ZxNC8fD pic.twitter.com/zXwzDA5sEY — Good Day LA (@GDLA) May 18, 2015
Highlights: Actor known for his role in shows such as Criminal Minds. Joe’s daughter Mia was diagnosed with autism. Joe’s wife Arlene created the Autism Families Together Network to help spread awareness and education of autism.
Ed Asner
Ed Asner and son Matt call for jobs for adults with autism >> https://t.co/mfYzq9Ub1c http://t.co/A2uQ7WPw2B pic.twitter.com/hSqyP5nmbG — Autism Speaks (@autismspeaks) June 8, 2015
Highlights: Historic actor for his roles in Up, Elf, and several others. Ed has both a son and grandson on the autism spectrum. Today he advocates with his son Matt for individuals with autism with organizations such as Autism Speaks.
Tommy Hilfiger
Fashionable @Tommy_Hilfiger @TommyHilfiger @BTIGCharityDay Makes A Grand Entrance 4 @autismspeaks #btigcharityday pic.twitter.com/Yk8UGJQ3Mj — BTIG Charity Day (@BTIGCharityDay) May 4, 2015
Highlights: A fashion icon for his Tommy Hilfiger brand. Tommy has both a daughter and son on the autism spectrum. Tommy has worked closely with organizations such as Autism Speaks to help spread awareness and funds for the cause and along with wife Dee are on the Board of Directors for the organization.
Sean Rodriguez
Sean Rodriguez of @RaysBaseball stopped by @autismspeaks today. Nice guy, beautiful family. Still need @Yankees win. pic.twitter.com/UW32Z8zlgN — Michael Rosanoff (@AS_ScienceGuy) September 9, 2014
Highlights: Current utility MLB player for the Pittsburgh Pirates who has a young son on the autism spectrum. Has partnered with several organizations including Autism Speaks.
John Schneider
Seahawks GM John Schneider, family tackle autism http://t.co/ZlznLppz0o (@deanrutz) pic.twitter.com/Uqd35lKQxr
— Seattle Times Photo (@SeaTimesPhoto) April 21, 2015
Highlights: Current General Manager of the former NFL Champion Seattle Seahawks. Started the foundation, Ben’s Fund, in honor of their son Ben who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three.
Ernie Els
Golf pro Ernie Els and wife start #autism school in #Jupiter. Story, PHOTOS: http://t.co/VfYGstikOP pic.twitter.com/oYSPZZ3SjQ — PB Post Photo (@PBPostPhoto) May 28, 2015
Highlights: Former PGA Golfer who started the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009 and later broke ground on The Els Center of Excellence. Inspired to get involved with the cause based on their son Ben who was diagnosed with autism.
Kerry Magro, a professional speaker and best-selling author who is also on the autism spectrum started the nonprofit KFM Making a Difference in 2011 to help students with autism receive scholarship aid to pursue a post-secondary education.
Have Kerry, one of the only professionally accredited speakers on the spectrum in the country, speak at your next event by sending him an inquiry here. If you have a referral for someone who many want him to speak please reach out as well! Kerry speaks with schools, businesses, government agencies, colleges, nonprofit organizations, parent groups and other special events on topics ranging from employment, how to succeed in college with a learning disability, internal communication, living with autism, bullying prevention, social media best practices, innovation, presentation best practices and much more!
If you liked this post you may like 5 Celebrities Who Have Siblings on the Autism Spectrum that you can read here.
