Chantal Sicile-Kira

Chantal’s first experience with  developmentally disabled individuals was working full-time at Fairview State Hospital in Orange County  CA. While attending UC Irvine Chantal  taught self-help and community living skills to developmentally disabled and autistic adolescents in preparation for their de-institutionalization after the passage of the Lanterman Act. After graduating with a BA in Social Ecology, Chantal worked as a case manager at Orange County Regional Center.

Little did Chantal know that these work experiences would come in handy years later, when her son Jeremy was diagnosed in France in the early 1990’s. When told to institutionalize her son and to get on with her life, she naturally refused. Jeremy graduated from his local high school in San Diego at age 21 in 2010 with a full academic diploma despite being non-verbal, and gave a commencement speech using voice-output technology. Jeremy is now a self-employed professional artist and lives with the supports he needs 24/7 in an apartment, and continues to serve the autism and art community in various ways.

Both Chantal’s experience as a professional and as a parent led her to write award-winning practical books to help both parents and educators, at a time when  few practical books were available. Chantal has over 20 years of experience in providing practical information and training in over 10 countries, over 25 US states and more than 65 US cities. For those who could not access conferences, Chantal created Autismcollege.com in 2011 to provide online training. Currently Chantal serves on the board of directors for the Teva Community.