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Michael Egleton Offers Support for Autism Speaks

 

Akron, OH -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/04/2014 -- When Michael Egleton's grandson was born with autism, the entire family worked tirelessly to create a normal, healthy life for the child. Today, Michael Egleton's grandson is 12 and living a happy, productive life thanks to his family's support and organizations like Autism Speaks, found on the web at www.autismspeaks.org

Micheal Egleton has made a name for himself as a musician and a supporter of programs for youth, but learning that his grandson had autism caused him to examine his use of personal time and resources. He says, “After having supported many Christian and secular-based organizations for the advancement and quality of life for our youth, some with troubled backgrounds or referred to as 'at risk' through donations and activism, I had a life-changing event which has caused me to re-align my activities when it comes to donating my time and resources involving the youth."

The life-changing event was, of course, the birth of his grandson. Egleton says, "Twelve years ago my daughter gave birth to what appeared to be a beautiful bouncing baby boy that we were all excited about. His name was Aamir Egleton. As he began to grow we began to notice little things we passed off as 'part of his growing stages.' As they began to become more profound, we began to seek help and answers to our question. One of the places we approached was Autism Speaks."

Egleton relates how the family worried about the child's quietness, withdrawn nature and focus on particular colors and animals as well as his short attention span. The family finally sought medical help and discovered that Aamir had a condition known as Asperger's Syndrome, a form of autism that affects sensory development. Although Aamir has a very high IQ and can function, there are other adverse effects from the disease. He is now a pre-teen who is himself involved in the fight against autism on a daily basis.

Michael Egleton goes on to explain that his change in attitude is not due to his desire to stop supporting any groups but to become much more visible with his support. "Much of my activism has been behind the scenes or through being involved or employed by another entity," he says. "I have decided it is time to come to the forefront and lend my time, resources and celebrity to a cause that is very near and dear to my heart and my family, Autism and the Autism Speaks Organization. After years of supporting my daughter as she supported this organization, I've decided it's time for me to take a more out front approach, especially with my recent advancement in the music field. This advancement or celebrity gives me more access to where the action is to make a difference, hopefully in the life of an individual or family that may be dealing with autism."

The "recent advancement" to which Michael Egleton refers is the positive critical and public reception of his new album, "A Look Into My Heart." The eponymous album really does take listeners on a journey through Egleton's personal feelings about and exploration of a variety of topics, including divorce, abuse and sorrow. However, the message of this incredible album is not one of hatred or sadness but one of love and hope. Listeners are made aware of Egleton's tenderness and love for his family as well as his ability to drawn others into his world and shine a spotlight of support on those who need help.

Egleton explains his loyalty to the Autism Speaks Organization as well. "Autism Speaks is a great organization which reaches out in many ways and through many other charities to affect the lives of many. When a situation is viewed from the outside, it is not viewed exactly as priority but once on the other side of the fence, it steps to the forefront. So I must also step to the forefront to help in the army to combat this terrible disorder.”

Michael Egleton, with typical optimism, says, “I often in my quiet time wonder what adulthood will hold for Aamir but I know with the help of God and the autism organizations such as Autism Speaks his quality of life will not suffer. I love him so much and would give my life for his to be trouble free. So, you see, I must help where I can to defeat this disorder." Egleton's daughter became involved with the Autism Speaks Organization which directed her to groups that could help and provided many other opportunities for Aamir. "Autism Speaks helped us with all of the questions and concerns we had with this disorder," says Egleton. "My daughter has attended the different walk-a-thons, educational fairs and other charitable events sponsored by Autism Speaks each year. Now it is time for me to give back and share my experiences and successes with others who may be in the early part of finding out about this disorder by donating my time, energy and resources to help n the fight against autism."

Michael Egleton is still awed by watching Aamir as he grows up with autism. "Some days are not the best but most days are the greatest for him," Egleton says. "We are working closely with his teachers, doctors and counselors to make sure he succeeds at everything."

Part of that success is Egleton's support for Autism Speaks and other families struggling with various forms of autism. For these families, "A Look Into My Heart" may resonate more strongly than for anyone else.