Special Showcase: “JJ’s Journey” DVD

Our Miraculous Journey

Watch NBC interview with Lori and JJ

Featured on Oprah.com as "Ambassadors of Hope"

JJ on a Mission to End Intolerance

Podcast with Lori on raising social competence

"Parent's Perspective" interview with Lori



If you would like to view the trailer of JJ's Journey, click here.

JJ's Graduation Speech (this clip is not in the documentary as the film was released before JJ graduated from high school)

Welcome

Lori Ciccarelli, mother to 23-year-old JJ, believes she is a missionary for autism and feels it is her responsibility to support other families. “I am a mom on a mission to provide resources and hope to those in need. I finally realized my son didn’t need a cure, he just needed tools for success and to function responsibly in society. I was in denial for many years. Once I accepted my son’s diagnosis, doors started opening because I started opening those doors.” Lori shares successful tools and resources in her film, JJ’s Journey, a Journey about Autism. “Why reinvent the wheel? If these therapies and tools worked for us, maybe they can help others.” Lori had no film experience, but was determined. It took her three years to complete this project and released her film in 2008. The CDC reports that 1 in 88 is being diagnosed with autism. “I am concerned that our country is not prepared for our kids entering adulthood.” Lori understands the importance of autism awareness and wants to make a difference.

Through this riveting documentary film, experience the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of JJ focusing on autism awareness, education, tolerance, gifts and talents, the spiritual journey, and an awakening through treatments. Because autism is a locked-in disorder, watch how JJ’s brain is unlocked. He was on medications for 10 years; JJ has been medication-free since 2006. “Since intolerance has been the hardest part of our journey, I want to help educate society.” School districts around the country are using JJ’s Journey to address issues on tolerance in addition to universities using the film as part of the autism curriculum for special education credentialing programs.

JJ’s Journey was nominated for the 2009 Autism Society of America Media Excellence Award. It is being showcased around the world as the Official Selection for various international film festivals. Lori and JJ have been touted by Oprah as “Ambassadors of Hope” featured on Oprah.com and Oprah’s Angel Network.org, in addition to being featured on NBC.

Lori holds an appointed seat on the California State Council of Developmental Disabilities Board of Directors; was honored as Alumna of the Year 2011, Walla Walla University for community, church, and professional service. She is earning a Master’s degree in Leadership; and certification in Spiritual Leadership and Direction. Lori is a regular featured writer for Special-ism.com.

 Look what others are saying about JJ’s Journey

"I have read hundreds of autism-related books, gone to countless conferences and seen dozens of DVDs. Yet, nothing has had such an impact on me as JJ’s Journey – A Journey About Autism... Compassion, determination and hope exude from this remarkable documentary about the journey of one, autistic, young man. You quickly realize that this is far more than just a mother’s devotion. It’s a valuable resource to be used by educators, doctors and therapists so that they can understand who our children are and why they do what they do. It is one of only a few media tools on the market that chronicles the life of someone living with autism from toddler to adolescence…with feedback and analysis from those who are pivotal in helping with development. And, in many ways, it supersedes an “autistic” learning tool, because it can be used as a lesson in tolerance and respect."

"The documentary speaks to so many things besides Autism. All the things about acceptance, integration, understanding, also apply to every relationship and interpersonal interaction, and how we should deal with people in general. I thought it was exceptional Lori!"

“I admire their courage, strength, spirit, spirituality, wisdom, humor and endurance.”

“I was touched in ways I did not think I would be.”

“They persevered with courage to keep moving forward…This is a must-see for parents with children of autism.”

“This documentary is a mind-blower and a real eye-opener for those who know little about autism.”

“This documentary is an inspiration to all.”

2012 copyright Transitions-Moving Forward