Chantal Sicile-Kira is an advocate who inspires hope, creates community connections and motivates people to be their best selves. She is a leader in the field of autism, with a deep passion for self-determination and inclusion, and firmly believes the world is a better place when we all have the ability to contribute fully. Currently Chantal channels that passion and leadership into her role as Marketing Director and Team Mentor for Jeremy’s Vision, her son Jeremy’s business as an award -winning professional artist. Despite being minimally speaking, Jeremy graduated from high school at age 22 with an academic diploma, and then discovered his gift of synesthesia and his love of painting.

For as long as she can remember, Chantal has been committed to helping others grow, inspiring her to write 6 award-winning books with practical advice on autism for parents and teachers. Her books are: Her books are: Autism Spectrum Disorder; A Full Life with Autism (co-authored with her son Jeremy); What is Autism; Autism Life Skills; Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum; and Self-Employment Workbook: A Beginner’s Guide. An International speaker, Chantal created Autismcollge.com in 2011 to help foster more understanding about autism through online webinars. Recently she authored the playscript “Greatly I Dream…” based on her family’s experience, currently in development with Intrepid Theatre in San Diego.

Chantal’s commitment to self-determination and inclusion, led her to work years ago at Fairview State Hospital teaching community living and self-help skills to developmentally disabled and autistic adolescents in preparation for their de-institutionalization. Little did she know this experience would serve her well when her son, Jeremy, was born many years later. In past years, Chantal has served on the Transitional Services & Supports Taskforce of The California Legislative Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism, and as Co-Chair, South Counties Autism Regional Taskforce. Chantal and her family have been highlighted in Newsweek, on PBS, NPR, MTV, and Fox, Huntington Post, Psychology Today, and Art of Autism.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Creating Your Best Life
Once described by NPR as “Chief strategist and leader of the troops” when it came to raising and educating her son, Chantal Sicile-Kira shares how she successfully changed the prognosis given to her son Jeremy when he was first diagnosed at age three with autism: life in an institution. Thirty-one years later and now an award-winning artist, Jeremy is living a productive life of his own choosing, with needed supports. Chantal shares tips on how to plant the seeds for fostering important life skills at any age and any ability level; skills such as forming relationships, becoming a self-advocate, and living a self-determined life. By focusing on your child’s strengths and cultivating their interests, life-changing gifts can be uncovered; affirming that “not like the others” means being different, but not less.