Actors in Action on Autismkey | Autism PDD

Actors in action

AUTISM | Chicago-rooted stars use lofty platform to help their own afflicted children and others

When it comes to talking about autism, Chicago celebrities are the first to speak up. There's no role they take more seriously than as advocates for their children who have autism, a developmental disorder that affects speech and social skills.

Though the Centers for Disease Control says one child in 150 in this country will be diagnosed with autism, awareness and information about the disease are limited. Some of Chicago's actors are trying to change that -- and one, Jenny McCarthy, has been named spokeswoman for TACA, Talk About Curing Autism.

McCarthy came to the organization in 2005, after her son's diagnosis, says TACA's executive director, Lisa Ackerman. Now that she's stepped up her involvement, "Jenny McCarthy has done more for autism in the past week than many organizations have been able to accomplish in years," she says.

TACA, which is a way for parents with autistic kids to connect, depends on word-of-mouth referrals. And the words from celebrities' mouths get the most attention. "The brave celebrities who have stepped forward to share their personal stories make such an incredible impact," says Ackerman.

Here are some of Chicago's most active autism activists:

Autistic child: Son Evan Joseph, 5, who was diagnosed after a series of seizures.

Chicago roots: The Irish-American McCarthy grew up in Chicago's West Elsdon neighborhood, and famously wore her Mother McAuley High School sweater for a Playboy photo shoot.

Activism: After writing books about her pregnancy and private life, McCarthy recently published Louder Than Words: A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism. As TACA spokeswoman, she will participate in her first fund-raiser, "Ante Up for Autism," Saturday in California.

Her words: McCarthy told People magazine that she understands why she was given an autistic child, saying, "I am willing to talk about it, and go deep with the emotional feelings. ... I am planning on using my big, giant, controversial mouth to blow the lid off a lot of things related to autism to give moms hope. It is so needed."

Autistic child: Daughter Ava, 18, who he has said went into convulsions after a childhood immunization.

Chicago roots: Quinn was reared in Chicago and Rockford, and trained at the Piven Theatre Workshop in Evanston. Member of the Goodman Theatre Acting Company.

Activism: Quinn is involved with Autism Speaks, along with several other autism-related organizations.

His words: "The hardest time was the early years when my daughter was diagnosed as being autistic," he says. "I think we'll find out that little children's immune systems cannot put up with 40 vaccines before the age of 5 mandated by drug companies."

Autistic child: Mia, 18, a high-functioning autistic who has attended mainstream schools.

Chicago roots: He graduated from Morton East High School in Cicero and received a degree in acting from the Goodman School of Drama. He was a member of Chicago's Organic Theater Company. In addition, his favorite band is Chicago -- and his wife, Arlene, owns a restaurant in Burbank, Calif., called Taste Chicago.

Activism: He is involved with Actors for Autism and has appeared at various autism-related events for years. Mantegna has campaigned for more autism funding and has filmed public service spots.

His words: "I'm a firm believer, you play the cards you're dealt in life," Mantegna has said. "I wish she didn't have to deal with it, but she's a happy girl. She knows she's autistic but it doesn't seem to impact her in a negative way as much as it does the support group around her. We try to keep her as involved in the world as possible, and it's OK. People are kind and understanding if you meet them halfway."

Autistic child: Daughter Mary, 14, diagnosed with autism-spectrum disorder at 18 months.

Chicago roots: Born in Park Ridge, he played Snoopy in a Rolling Meadows High production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." After studying theater at Illinois State University, he joined the Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Activism: He talked about Mary's positive response to a dog in the book Love Heels: Tales From Canine Companions for Independence. Cole is involved with The Help Group day schools and making public service announcements. He was on the cover of the premiere issue of the Autism Perspective magazine in 2005.

His words: "People with autism, I don't like to think of it as a disability, I like to think of it as another way of thinking or perceiving," he has said. "And I felt my job was to try to perceive everything on some level through her eyes so I could know what it was like to walk in her shoes."

Thanks for posting this.  Everyone knows about Jenny McCarthy, but I sure hadn't seen much (if anything) about Aidan Quinn, Joe Mantegna and Gary Cole.  Great actors, great fathers. 
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