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Elijah Wapner |
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Valerie Paradiz |
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Scott and Gail Werner-Robertson |
On Sunday, June 1, he will bring his act to the 7th annual GWR Sunshine Foundation dinner and oral auction. Proceeds from that event and a golf tournament on June 2 benefit the autism programs at UNMC’s Munroe-Meyer Institute.
Of note, Wapner himself has an autism spectrum disorder — Asperger’s syndrome. A high-functioning form of autism, Asperger’s syndrome is characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction.
With the help of humor, Wapner has learned to overcome those difficulties. A portion of his journey into standup comedy was featured in an episode of MTV’s “True Life” titled “I Have Autism.”
“His appearance on MTV’s ‘True Life’ has just changed his life,” said his mother, Valerie Paradiz, who also has Asperger’s syndrome. “It’s incredible. Since then, he’s started studying drama at the Stella Adler Teenage Acting Conservatory in New York City.”
Wapner, or “Mr. Inevitable” as he likes to be called, had to audition to be accepted into the program, which includes a series of workshops about movement, voice technique and scene study, all elements that address communication. To participate, Wapner travels to New York City, 90 miles one way, via buses and taxis.
“That is just huge for him,” Paradiz said. “Studying humor and performing on stage has helped him to develop a greater social understanding and real-world social skills. Basically, he has learned to communicate.”
Paradiz, author of the book “Elijah’s Cup” — a memoir on the cultural views of autism — will accompany her son to Omaha and speak about his journey as well as her own with autism.
“This is what we do, help people raise awareness about autism in their communities and raise money for programs and services,” she said. “This is our commitment to the autism community.”
Each year, one in 150 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders — more than juvenile diabetes, child cancers and Down syndrome combined.
Yet, Nebraska ranks among the lowest in the availability of services and reimbursement, leaving families with the difficult choice of incurring astronomical costs or moving to another state where their children can receive intensive one-on-one therapy.
The GWR Sunshine Foundation was established to serve as a catalyst for providing assistance to families who face the challenges of living with individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and other conditions.
Last year, the foundation’s fundraiser garnered more than $600,000 for the cause.
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Werner-Robertson and her husband, Scott, of Omaha, recently were honored with the UNMC Chancellor’s Distinguished Service Award, which is given to individuals or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding support for the medical center by way of personal service, private contributions or other meritorious advocacy for the campus mission.
With the financial support of the GWR Sunshine foundation, MMI’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders has been able to offer scholarship support to families whose children are served by the early intervention and severe behavior autism programs at MMI; provide stipends for children seen in the MMI autism diagnostic clinic; and create social skills clubs for youths with Asperger’s syndrome.
“The GWR Sunshine Foundation event offers an opportunity not only to raise necessary dollars to support vital programs for children with autism, but also to provide donors and the general public with the facts regarding autism and information about the programs available through MMI,” said Annie Bird, coordinator of the MMI Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders. “Over the past three years, the MMI Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders has become known and respected for its capacity to evaluate children and provide unique services not available elsewhere. This development has occurred with the substantial support of the GWR Sunshine Foundation.”
At the upcoming event, Paradiz, who has her Ph.D. from City University of New York, will discuss some of the specialized curricula and educational programs she has developed for children with autism, including information on the deep and focused interests of those with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Comedy is Wapner’s intense interest. His fascination with all things funny began when he started studying Charlie Chaplin’s silent films at the age of three.
“He was afflicted with a seizure disorder at the time, and the only thing that cheered him up were Charlie Chaplin videos, which he watched repeatedly,” Paradiz said. “As he grew older, his interest became ever-present. He started memorizing jokes at age 12.”
As his mother, Paradiz has provided ongoing learning opportunities and supported his passion for comedy for 14 years. On June 1, she will share some examples of what parents can do at home and teachers in their classrooms to help foster those interests as well as tell of Elijah’s comedy autobiography.
“It just seems like comedy has taught him so much about relationships and sustaining them,” she said. “He has more friends now.”
Paradiz hopes his story will inspire others to further autism awareness.
“Everyone is affected by autism. If you don’t know someone who has it, you know someone who knows someone who has it,” she said. “Autism affects all of us.”
Dick Holland, a retired Omaha advertising executive who is one of the leading philanthropists in the community, will serve as the honorary chair for the event.
Holland was recognized at last year’s event for his major contributions to the GWR Sunshine Foundation.
To view clips of Elijah’s MTV True Life episode that aired in March 2007
or to purchase a DVD of his comedy acts, visit www.mrinevitable.com.
To learn more about Dr. Paradiz’s book, “Elijah’s Cup,” a memoir on the cultural views of autism, visit www.valerieparadiz.com.