Cameron's story in Louisville paper

[Jen]

I put the link in under 'In the News' but had a few emails asking for the article to be printed here-so here it is.

courier-journal.com > News > Neighborhoods >  Clark County 
 
Wednesday, January 16, 2008 
 
 

A voice for the autistic
Jeff teen thrives as a speaker, musician

By Ron Cooper
Special to The Courier-Journal



Until he was in second grade, Cameron Blackwell was anti-social, adrift in a friendless sea with isolation the norm. He stumbled and fumbled, and ran into walls. Then he was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism marked by poor coordination skills, social isolation and repetitive behavior.

That was Cameron's first major turning point.


   
The second came in the sixth grade at Parkview Middle School in Jeffersonville, when he discovered music and became part of the school band. His life began to blossom with a new passion and new friendships.

Today, the 16-year-old sophomore at Jeffersonville High School has a track record of achievements in music and honors-level studies, and is active in Boy Scouts and in his church. His mother, Jen, seems to run herself ragged as his chauffeur -- but she doesn't mind.

"Cameron's a young man of many musical talents," she said. "His idea of fun is reading the encyclopedia of band instruments. He plays French horn, the vibraphone in the drum line, and many more. He can play most anything that he can touch."

The son of Jen and Eric Blackwell of Jeffersonville, Cameron has yet another feather in his hat: He is an accomplished public speaker at autism conferences and meetings for educators and parents, sharing the stage with nationally renowned authorities on autism and Asperger Syndrome.

In fact, Cameron and his brother Jordan, 9, who has autism, often speak together, creating PowerPoint presentations to drive home their point: They're different, but should not to be pitied -- just valued as individuals.

"They're the myth-busters when it comes to what children on the autism spectrum can and cannot do," Jen Blackwell said. "It's really something because I know where they started."

"I get a lot of confidence with public speaking," Cameron said. "It is one of my better abilities and I use it to do some good."

Jordan said he really enjoys speaking with his older brother, and gets a charge out of the audience's appreciative response.

"That makes me happy," he said.

One of the boys' fellow speakers is Dr. Brenda Smith Myles, co-director of a graduate program in Asperger Syndrome and autism at the University of Kansas and author of more than 150 books and articles.

"Cameron's insights and his abilities and motivation to help others understand autism spectrum disorders have always amazed me," Myles said. "He is selfless and compassionate."

Dr. Stephen Shore of Boston -- like Myles a leading authority, writer and speaker on Asperger Syndrome and autism -- also serves as Cameron's mentor. They also share billing as speakers at conferences. Between speeches, they enjoy a jam session, with Cameron on the trumpet and Shore on the trombone.

"I've loved music for a long time, and I like the social group that comes with it," Cameron said.

He also likes being part of his school's marching band. "We march in front of thousands of people," he said. "It's so much fun."

Shore, who also has Asperger Syndrome and teaches music to autistic youths, said: "Cameron comes across so well. His driving motivation is to help people better understand the world of autism and Asperger's. He breaks myths that people with autism are unable to have friends or don't have a sense of humor."

Cameron is a well-rounded student and is well-liked by his peers and teachers, principal Steve Morris said.

"He is a fine young man who is personable and outgoing and conducts himself in a very positive manner," Morris said.

Cheryl Reagan, Cameron's honors chemistry teacher, agrees.

"Cameron is a wonderful young man," Reagan said. "He is always diligent in making sure that assignments are complete and turned in to me. … he doesn't want anything to stand in his way. He is always ready to advocate for himself, which is a huge plus."

Cameron would have it no other way. More than anything, he wants people to understand that those with autistic conditions are special, but still can and do fit into the mainstream of society.

"I'm thinking of writing a book on my experiences on the autism spectrum," he said. "The theme would be 'potential.' "