I'm not misbehaving, I have Autism.

There are protective big brothers—and then there’s Ardsley’s Nick Lombardi.

Now a 16-year-old junior at Ardsley High School, when Nick was 9, he was bothered that people stared at his younger brother Joey, who has autism. Since Joey looks “typical”, as Nick said, people were often critical when Joey would act out.

“When I was little, no one understood Joey,” said Nick, who’s two years older .“People stared at Joey. We’d go to a mall, and Joey was very difficult. We’d be chasing him and we’d get the look, ‘Why can’t you take care of your kid?'”.... click here to read full story

Check out Nick's new show Siblinghood on FamilyNetworkTV.com

Nick and his co-hosts Alex, Maggie, and Evan explore and discuss issues facing kids that have siblings with special needs. 

Nicholas Lombardi was presented with the Youth Partnership Award for designing a lapel button to increase public awareness of autism.

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Nick's button is on DoSomething.org

Come visit.

Autism Bulletin's 2007 Advocates of the Year list includes the people and organizations behind those big events. It also includes other people and groups who made a difference—including a number of individuals nominated by readers. Thanks to everyone who shared their thoughts on these individuals' important efforts. Click here for the picks for Autism Bulletin's advocates of the year:

"Autism pin is a symbol of love for a Dobbs Ferry Boy"
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