Jeremy, 12, autistic host 4 ANCA Canada
Hi everyone, it's Dad Ray.
My son is so special that he won an international award for being a really special autistic person. He is an entrepreneur at age 12. He runs his own jewelry business. We have supported him with his love of jewelry and he started his own little business. Can you believe that! He helps other kids in the community, to make and learn to sell jewelry too. Take a look below and see his interview. He is so cute. My wife and I would really like if you could help him get there on this special occasion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQW4QuSipvA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Jeremy and Diane Bernstein "“ ANCA Sundays Radio Interview Questions
Sunday, November 27th, 2011
Jeremy
1. What made you want to take up making Jewelry as an interest?
"I just thought of it in my brain because I like rocks and shells. I was earning points at Kidspace museum in Pasadena for my answers to questions about rocks, shells, and minerals and that got me about 20,000 points. I got to take home crystals, rocks, and shells and I showed it to my mom and dad.
2. Has jewelry been an interest since you were little or was it a recent thing?
"In Sunny Days camp I made a CD necklace , which is my show piece that I wore on my recent CNN Headline News interview, and some bracelets. When I was in the fourth grade I had a project called Dreams to Jobs and I came up with jewelry making and finally my jewelry business came true."
3. How did you start up your own business? What did you do and who helped?
"My uncle Michael from Brazil gave me some Brazilian beads, jewelry case and organizers."
4. What kinds of Jewelry do you sell to people? Can you describe them for our listeners?
"Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, all Vintage. The rings I finish the raw gems with a polished tone and make them smooth for mounting."
5. What piece of jewelry you sell is the most popular with customers? Any idea why that is?
At the Chalk Art festival in Azuza my customers liked my gem and Brazilian bead designs the best. I guess they like Vintage stuff."
6. How do you make your Jewelry? Do you do it by yourself?
"I make my jewelry with stretchy string, glass beads, and Brazilian beads. My jewelry teacher Raquel helped me find patterns and fire up ceramic pieces. Richard and Emily, both kids like me, are my helpers". Emily helped me get sponsors to go to Vancouver, Canada before Richard joined me. Richard and Emily are very compassionate workers."
7. How did you end up getting nominated and chosen for an award at the 2011 Naturally Autistic People Awards? What were your feelings on it?
"Kelly Green met me and liked me and liked the way I sold my jewelry and gave away shells at the Chalk Art Festival in Azuza. Kelly told my mom to apply for the Naturally Autistic Awards for my jewelry making business. I got picked from the judges as an entrepreneur. I felt great like I was going to cry for joy but I didn't when Leo and Charlie called me".
8. When you came to the awards, what were your favorite moments?
"My favorite time was when I received the award. It was so beautiful and it still is."
9. What did you think of the people there? Did you make any friends?
"I think that it's pretty cool because I got to meet people with Autism. I fell in love with Samantha secretly. And Joel Anderson is now one of my good friends. Joel gave me a picture of his drawing of All Dogs Go To Heaven."
10. So what are you doing now? Any future plans?
"I am going to the sell my jewelry at the Festival of Trees on December 3rd in Reseda and 25 % of my sales will benefit senior citizens." My mom made me some business cards. Next plans are the Walk for Autism, and Venice Beach."
Diane Bernstein
1. What was it like witnessing your son being nominated and winning an award for his work?
"I felt that we were welcomed into this caring ANCA community and it felt like a validation of Jeremy's strengths."
2. Have you always supported your son in his endeavour? How do you support him?
"From early childhood Jeremy has always included himself and I followed his lead with others in our community. For example, Jeremy was naturally interested in tactile objects like rocks and shells so I got him a membership at Children's museum that had a rock and shell exchange library. My support was to give the place and space and to let Jeremy develop and share his abilities with others. Supporting Jeremy now means letting him lead in sales while showing him how he can help others with his success."
3. What was your experience like at the 2011 Naturally Autistic People Awards? Any highlights?
"I felt lucky to be there because of Jeremy's sponsors. I loved all the artistic talents of the people I met. A highlight was some of the lasting connections I made."
4. Do you agree with the overall message of recognition for autistic people's talents the awards represented? In what way?
The awards validated my view of Jeremy. He was baffling, beautiful, and brilliant. Now I just breathe to let him be who he is. The recognition for autistic people's talents is just beginning to bloom, and my heart goes to ANCA with all my support.
5. What's it been like to see your son go into business for himself?
"Jeremy's first business love was dog walking, but he found he could make more money selling jewelry that he made. As Jeremy began to make his own jewelry, I got a teacher who worked well with Jeremy and we started a jewelry class at home. I just watched but did not help Jeremy develop his patterns, colors, and unique style. After a few shows, Jeremy added some autistic friends to help with his business plan. Jeremy is a natural salesman and he is making a future for himself and with others."
6. How has Jeremy's business benefited himself as an autistic individual?
" A fair hearing judge for the North Los Angeles County Regional Center viewed Jeremy's CNN Headline news interview and granted funding for an afterschool program for Jeremy to work with animals. "
7. What was your reaction to Jeremy's interest in jewelry and the inception of his business? My initial reaction was curiosity as to how jewelry making could hold his attention. Although I knew that Jeremy had interesting design ideas and color combinations, he was not interested in doing 2 dimensional Art like I do.
8. Has all this "“ award, jewelry business "“ added to your relationship with your son? In what way?
"Jeremy received his award for his jewelry business at a difficult financial time for our family. He inspires my Art teaching with other Autistic families I work with. I'm happy for the friends that I have met and continue to meet because of Jeremy's jewelry business. Jeremy adds hopefulness to my life."
9. With your son as an example, do you believe supporting autistic people in valuing their work ultimately makes them better people compared to focusing on the negative aspects of autism? Why?
"I always say that my son got me my job. As an art teacher of people of all abilities and ages, I support the self esteem of individuals with autism and other disabilities. I practice teaching according to my student's interests and unique skills in a positive coaching way. I think that all peoples' strengths help stretch them through difficulties."
10. Where do you see your son headed in the future?
"Jeremy is experiencing business and social skills that are an investment in his making choices for his future. I picture him receiving a business grant or a scholarship to a trade school. I see him connected with others and happy."
