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Faces of
Autism: Daniel
Friday,
September 29, 2006
By KATHLEEN CARROLL
STAFF WRITER
 It
wasn't hard to find the right school for Daniel, who is severely
affected by autism and needs intensive, skilled therapy.
The challenge was getting him enrolled.
His parents, Michelle and Robert Smigel of Allendale, knew he needed
top-flight treatment to overcome his frequent tantrums and violent,
self-abusive behavior. So shortly after Daniel was diagnosed, they
went to Alpine Learning Group in Paramus.
Alpine had a waiting list that stretched into the hundreds. Daniel
would have to wait.
"It occurred to us this isn't OK with us," Michelle Smigel said. "It
shouldn't be OK with anybody."
Daniel Smigel with his mother
Michelle. Daniel is a
student at the Alpine School, and wears weights
around his wrists to keep from hurting himself.
And so began "Night
of Too Many Stars," a series of comedy shows organized by Smigel
that have raised about $4 million so far. While autism fundraisers
are nothing new, Smigel's work has a unique focus: education and
treatment, rather than research and cures.
"I think people are more aware of biochemical research that's going
on, but they are not totally aware of the educational problems – the
lack of schools, the need for adult services," she said. "Northern
New Jersey is the best place to be for autism schools. And yet
everyone has a 300-kid waiting list."
Over the years, Smigel has tapped a network of entertainers and
comedians who have worked with her husband Robert. He is behind the
"TV Funhouse" cartoon featured on Saturday Night Live and is the
voice of "Triumph the Insult Comic Dog" from Conan O'Brien's
late-night show. He is also a frequent collaborator with Adam
Sandler.
The fourth "Night of Too Many Stars" is set to be broadcast live on
the cable network Comedy Central on Oct. 15. Jon Stewart, Jack
Black, Steve Carell and Mike Myers are on the crowded roster of
performers. Proceeds from ticket sales from the event at the Beacon
Theater in Manhattan — prices start at $75 a seat — will benefit a
planned adult program at the Alpine school as well as a new charter
school in Manhattan for autistic students and a start-up school in
Long Island. Previous events have benefited schools in Atlanta and
San Francisco.
Smigel anticipates the show will raise about $1.5 million.
This year, a happier Smigel family is preparing for the event.
Daniel, 8, was enrolled at the Alpine school last fall when a
precious slot opened up. Like many parents, the Smigels had created
a home therapy program for their son. But at school, he has
blossomed and is a happier child, Smigel said.
Having the support of an institution dedicated to treating her son —
rather than inventing, safeguarding and constantly evaluating that
treatment on her own — has been an enormous relief. It's allowed her
to become more of a parent and less of a therapist, she said.
"Before this year, I could never relax," she said. "I was always
worried, always trying so hard to make a difference with my son. At
Alpine, after a few months we could sleep at night. Because Daniel
is in the best place we could put him. It makes such a difference.
You feel at ease. You can get through life."
For more information about the benefit, go to comedycentral.com.
E-mail: carroll@northjersey.com |
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