Discussing Autism

Yes, I know that I am a bit late with this type of post but better late than never, right? These famous fathers have teed up, suited up, shot goals, field goals, and hatricks for their sons and their disabilities. They have proudly displayed ribbons, buttons, pins, and raised money for foundations like Autism Speaks and Athletes Against Autism.

The founding “fathers” of Athletes Against Autism, Olaf Kolzig, Byron DaFoe, and Scott Mellanby are all fathers of children with autism. They have “realized the importance of using their status and influence to make an impact on the over 1.5 million people in the United States alone affected by autism.”

They are currently hosting the 3rd Annual Golf Tournament, which will be Presented by Cadillac. It will be held at the Bacara Resort and Spa and Sandpiper GOlf Club in Santa Barbara, Ca.

Kolzig currently plays for the Washington Capitals, Dafoe is a former NHL goaltender, and Mellanby is a former NHL player.

Texas offensive lineman Scott Jackson has one autistic son, Tyler. Jackson can line up without fear everyday for practice or suit up for a game but when it comes to dealing with a tantrum from his 2.5-year-old son he admits that he is just like us…

Texas special-teams coordinator Joe Marciano who has an adoptive son who is autistic. Marciano candidly admits that his son lacks social skills but can type, text, and is great at reading, spelling, and math.

Star Quarterback for the San Diego Chargers, Doug Flutie found out five years ago that Doug Jr. has autism. Flutie has promoted awareness and supported families for over ten years with the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism.

Dan Marino: Similar to the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation, the Dan Marino Foundation has been funding and supporting children for years. Recently, in September 2005, the Foundation pledged $1.2 million to establish the Marino Autism Research Institute to develop and implement research, focusing on key questions about the causes of autism and the treatment.

Joe Mantegna: An Advisory Board Member for Actors for Autism, Mantegna has a daughter with autism.

“I’m a firm believer, you play the cards you’re dealt in life,” Mantegna has said. “I wish she didn’t have to deal with it, but she’s a happy girl. She knows she’s autistic but it doesn’t seem to impact her in a negative way as much as it does the support group around her. We try to keep her as involved in the world as possible, and it’s OK. People are kind and understanding if you meet them halfway.”

Aidan Quinn: Quinn has a daughter, Ava, who he says went into convulsions after a vaccine. He is involved with Autism Speaks.

Ernie Els: Just this year, Els revealed his son’s autism. He has since teamed up with Autism Speaks.

William Christopher: Best known for playing Father Mulcahy and Private Lester Hummel on Gomer Pyle, IU.S.M.C, Christopher has a son with autism, Ned. Christopher served as honorary chairman of the National Autistic Society and a member of the board of trustees at the Devereux Foundation, which provided facilities for adults living with autism and other developmental disorders.