Season 5: "The Marc Antony Episode", Part 2

"The addition of our episode with Marc Antony Mendez makes him the third guest we have had who identifies as autistic, alongside Stephanie Persephone and Eddie Abreu. Marc is a young enthusiast of menswear, a budding writer and much more, and he spoke at length on this his and mine shared interest. One of the unique features of his episode is that he prepared answers to specific questions beforehand and, given the depth and beauty of his responses, I feel that his decision might have been the ideal one for this episode. I certainly hope you feel the same watching our episode." Marc’s Bio ( Visit our show Facebook page for full bio.) Marc Anthony Mendez recently graduated from Laguardia Community College with an Associates degree in Human Services Mental Health. The reason why he majored in this field was because he was diagnosed at the age of 18 months with Autism. Marc was bullied for many years, but decided he would use that experience to help other people on the spectrum. Being on the Autism Spectrum has allowed Marc Anthony the ability to do public speaking, work as an advocate, and share his journey with Autism, while helping clinicians, parents. He spoke at the United Nations with delegates from Japan about an educational program named, “The District 75 Inclusion Program.”  Marc is a public speaker, has spoken about the negative treatment some children with Autism face on an everyday basis. Marc was a keynote speaker at Scholastic Bookstore, the Hilton Hotel, Parents for Inclusive Education, Young Adults Institute for people with disabilities, the Arise Coalition, and local public schools in New York City. He enjoys acting and had the opportunity to work for Tony Danza (the actor and sitcom star). Marc is currently writing an autobiographical novel, to guide other members of the Autism Spectrum on how to adapt with Autism and to gain their own sense of empowerment. January of 2020, Marc earned a job with YAI, and was a co- facilitator helping individuals on the spectrum to live independently. He recently graduated from Laguardia Community College with an associate’s degree in Human Services: Mental Health. "Despite it all, I was the most improved student and received many awards due to my progress. My mother had to fight the department of education to open a classroom thanks to the Law of “FAPE” which is, Free And Appropriate public Education. By opening those classes I was able to attend Russell Sage Jr. High School. I enjoy the self investment that I do, whether it be cooking, reading, writing, clothing combinating, discovering new neighborhoods, editing my first novel, “Autisymbiosis”.  There have been many teachers in my life that influence me to be who I am, what I am. There is more than one influential person that empowered me, and those people are my God, my visions, both good dream and bad dream, my Mother, my Father, my Sister, my older cousin, my sister’s boyfriend, my high school paras, my high school drama teacher, my acting mentor, my college statistic’s tutor, every friend that I have ever had, my school crushes, every bully I have ever had, every rival I have ever had, and my Jr High School Inclusion teacher. I wish to personally thank you all and thank you to all advocates, special education teachers, guidance counselors, psychotherapists, and even all members of the disability and/ or learning difference community for your devotion to the better tomorrow.I want to continue to deliver hope, peace, and love.  You! Yes, you are my humanity and the sole reason why I fight for justice and fairness for all! Therefore, It does not matter what deck of cards you have been dealt, there is always a way to win ♠.” Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ eccentric.mendez3696 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majestic_mendez/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ecentric_Mendez