Autism & Magic Science Fair Project

Austin James (Austin J. Cuddeback) is a 15-year old Freshman student at Hardee Senior High School in Wauchula Florida.  At the age of 12,  Austin was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (a High-Functioning form of Autism) and had been the target of bullies and had many social problems.   One day he showed a card trick to an aquaintance at school and soon a crowd gathered to watch. 

Since then, Austin's popularity soared with each new trick, and crowds of over 100 kids would gather to watch in the cafeteria at lunch.  It was Magic that turned this socially awkward kid into a popular, likeable kid. 

For his 2014-15 Science Fair entry, Austin decided to do a Psychosocial Scientific Study on how the public views Autism.  He is going to approach random people in public places and show them a magic trick.  He will then ask their opinon on Autism and then tell them that he has a form of Autism and see if their interaction with him has changed their view for the positive. 

However, we need to video this interaction and have no funds to be able to undertake this portion of his project and have 1 1/2 months to complete the video portion.  We are asking for $500 to purchase a decent digital video camera and have gas money to travel to Orlando or Tampa to find public places in which to film.

Please help!!!! Every dollar helps!  Please watch the video attached (shot with a cell phone) to see an example of Austin in action and what we expect to see from the public.    Thank You!!