How RJ Beat the Odds, and Became a Leading Advocate for Children with Autism

When RJ was three years old, he was diagnosed with autism, and doctors told Holly he would never be able to speak. But now at age 17, RJ has beat the odds: He found his voice, and, what's more, he wrote and delivered his own inspiring speech in his burgeoning role as an autism education advocate.

"My hope for all children with autism is to know how special they are," affirms RJ at the opening ceremony for the new, Detroit-based RJ's Place. "When I got a little older, I started to speak and I started to talk more. And now I can't stop talking."

RJ hopes the latest RJ's Place will provide a nurturing space where children with autism can expand their communication and social skills through the use of technology.

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