Mission Statement

The Leo W. Dworsky Children & Autism Foundation is an organization which creates high-profile events and brings awareness and hope to families, friends and communities of children with autism. The impetus for its creation was born out of Jay Dworsky’s desire to make a difference in the lives of children with autism to whom he has taught physical education, as well as experiencing autism in his own son Leo.

The foundation is named in honor of Jay and Nancy Dworsky’s son Leo, who is a very loving two-year old who happens to have autism. Leo was only recently diagnosed medically with autism on November 9th, 2005 by the Fraser organization. Subsequently, the Minneapolis School District Autism Specialists diagnosed Leo with an Educational ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Leo was not quite two and a half years of age and labeled with autism, a complex developmental disorder characterized primarily by communication, cognition and socialization difficulties. Classical autism is a very frustrating and isolating condition, and has taken its toll on the Dworsky family. Autism is a disorder that is familiar to many, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) reports 1 in every 155 births is on the ASD spectrum. Unfortunately, too few people understand the stresses it has on families and educators. As well, nobody knows the cause of autism. What we do know is that people with autism can learn and make significant progress, especially with early intervention and therapies.

It took some time for Leo to begin receiving services for his autism, which is typical for most families of people with autism. Dworsky says, “First you receive a positive diagnosis and are told by the experts how pivotal early intervention is, but that diagnosis is only a step towards receiving the services people with autism need”. The projected waiting time to get a diagnosis from Fraser for birth to three year-olds is about six-months, and another three to six-months to be enrolled in the Fraser school. Leo was fortunate in that Fraser had started a six-week interim class (six sessions) for newly diagnosed birth to three year-olds in January 2006, about two-months after Leo’s diagnosis. In addition, Leo had already been receiving help through the Minneapolis School District in Special Education prior to the autism diagnosis.

The Dworskys’ had just begun accepting the idea that their son had autism and yearned to be able to bring awareness to others about Leo’s autism, as to better understand and accept his ways. Jay had an idea for a foundation that would create high-profile events and bring awareness and hope to families, friends and communities of children with autism. Jay had a lot of experience creating all-school sporting events where he works as a physical education teacher. Dworsky found there was always an abundance of positive energy at the events, a perfect venue to bring many people together and bring awareness to autism.

Jay and Nancy decided to start the foundation by consulting their lawyer, Ben Frisch, in how to set up a foundation. Frisch was very eager to help the Dworskys’ and incorporated the Leo W. Dworsky Children & Autism Foundation and started the paperwork to attain the 501c3 status. Frisch advised starting the foundation by forming a board of directors, establishing by-laws and creating an intention for the foundation. Jay already knew the focus would be Autism Awareness. He and his wife Nancy would be the first to sit on the board of directors along with their lawyer, Ben Frisch. Jay and Nancy have only recently been exposed to autism, but they bring an immense amount of support from their families, friends and community.

Jay understands it is the strength of the community that is the impetus in making the greatest effect for change. Jay has already promoted their first community event to benefit The Minnesota Autism Society on June 4th, 2006. The community gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol for a bicycle ride and racing, live music, stunt show, health and wellness expo, and food. Of course, all this was done with the support of the families Jay teaches, family, cycling community, the community of people with autism and the community of compassion. “I feel so strongly about promoting an event that is life-giving, life-changing and doesn’t charge people. There should be no socio-economic discrimination because autism doesn’t discriminate”, says Jay.

Dworsky was told by his assistant principal, coming out with the fact that his child, Leo, has autism will have a profoundly positive impact on the families of children with autism he has taught. It is not uncommon for many parents of children with autism to feel a sense of shame for their child with autism because they are different. People tend to be more honest with themselves and others when a public figure brings their own problems to the light. Many times bold actions can be similar to standing with strength in their own vulnerability, which could go very far.

Dworsky plans to do many more events, but not limited to cycling. He wants them to be high-profile, fun and outdoors. Most importantly, Jay would like to see these events evoke change in peoples’ acceptance and understanding in autism spectrum disorders.