Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Manny Dedmon

Autism Light #365 is Manny Dedmon. 



Manny Dedmon has autism and is a 17 year old student at Birdville High School in North Richland Hills, Texas, a suburb of Ft. Worth. Manny Dedmon is a member of his high school football team and was voted Homecoming King this year. Manny Dedmon is an Autism Light because of his extraordinary achievements and winsome personality.

Doctors told his parents that Manny would not be able to do a lot of things that neurotypical people do and labeled him "severely low functioning." His mother Erica remembers, "They gave me a list of nevers. They say, 'He will never have a relationship or have friends (WFAA.com, Neither homecoming crown define Manny Dedmon, October 19, 2014).'"

Best Smile: Manny is known at his high school for having a very special smile. His mother Erica Dedmon says, "His aura just attracts joy. He's just so joyous, and it's contagious (WFAA.com, Neither homecoming crown define Manny Dedmon, October 19, 2014)."

Homecoming King: Manny Dedmon has come a long way from a shy kid who no one expected to be able to make friends. He was voted Homecoming King by his classmates in 2014.


Football Player: In 2013 Manny Dedmon scored 4 touchdowns as a member of the Junior Varsity team. In 2014 he has been an inspirational member of the Varsity team.


Future Plans: "Manny plans to one day go to college and continue to play sports. His mother said he loves computers and animals, and hopes to find a role working with them in the future (Jobin Panicker, WFAA.com, Neither homecoming crown define Manny Dedmon, October 19, 2014)."

Special thanks to Manny Dedmon for being an Autism Light. His bright smile, his striving to become what doctors said he couldn't do, and his efforts to reach his goals are a gift to the autism community and the world. We wish Manny Dedmon all the best in his future endeavors.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

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