Autism Support: With J-Jaye Hurley

This podcast and post originally appeared on Enthusiasm Enthusiast. Click here for more of Katie's fabulous interviews and don't forget to subscribe to Enthusiasm Enthusiast on iTunes.

In 2014, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data on the prevalence of autism in the United States. This surveillance study identified 1 in 68 children (1 in 42 boys and 1 in 189 girls) as having autism spectrum disorder (ASD).* One of the first families in my life to deal with severe ASD and a host of other rare and challenging diseases are the Hurleys.

J-Jaye & Jackson Hurley

J-Jaye & Jackson Hurley

They turned their own need for advocacy on behalf of their son, Jackson, into helping thousands of families via J-Jaye’s work with Autism Speaks. You can read more about their day to day life, here. J-Jaye talks with me about the help that’s available and her own journey as a mom and champion for families facing disabilities. For more than 20 years, she’s been a hero to me, and you’ll hear why. Check it out.

*Statistic provided by Autism Speaks