Autistic Autism Spectrum Advocate, Peer Role Model/Mentor Consultant
Autistic Autism Spectrum Advocate, Peer Role Model/Mentor Consultant
Please join us for the Senator's event on May 2, 2026
Disability Services Forum
This event will be hosted at the Warren Township Center with State Senator Edly-Allen’s office, State Representatives Mason and Faver Dias. The goal is to increase awareness of services available in the Lake County area and offer an informative event for families and caregivers of children/adults with disabilities.
Appointments, Committees, Councils
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Who am I?
My name is Justin Houcek. I am a 58 year-old male who has lived in the Midwest all of my life. I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at the age of 46.
I have an innate sense and decades of cognitive years in the field.
The diagnosis, as life changing as it was, was welcomed. It has provided me with answers, filled voids, and provided me with a new aspect on life. It has shown me where I can be most helpful and productive in my life.
I have decades of experience, which has given me wisdom and insight of those on the Spectrum to assist individuals in navigating through life. I LEARNED BY LIVING IT.
WHAT BEHAVIORAL ISSUES DID I HAVE GROWING UP AND WHAT HAVE I DONE TO IMPROVE MYSELF?
My mom and dad divorced when I was two. My mother raised my brother and me until we left the home at the age of 21.
I remember having personal space issues as a child and having a hard time with people being within arm's length.
I had girlfriends by the age of 14 but had fits of jealousy that drove them away. My relationships were often at least a year long.
I had anger issues in high school and would often fight or punch someone back harder after they hit me in the arm. My reputation preceded me for years after I was in high school.
As I grew up, I had a sense of right and wrong, justice and injustice, etc.. I adapted, adjusted and learned how to get along as life went on.
What makes me unique?
I have memories as early as 13 months old. I was speaking "Mama and Dada" at 7 months of age. I walked steady at 12 months. I had no developmental delays.
I took on all challenges in grade school. I memorized "The Entertainer" and played it on piano for my classroom as a 3rd grader. I tutored a 2nd grader when I was in 4th grade. I won spelling bees, had the best penmanship in class throughout my school years. I strove for excellence and perfection.
As an athlete, I was a pitcher and catcher in baseball, played quarterback in football. I dated prom queens and had many friends. But I still "stood out", and was seen as different or somewhat unrelatable.
WHAT MAKES ME UNIQUE(cont.)
- I understand why one on the Spectrum does what they do. I understand and can help you know why your loved one on the Spectrum got angry or upset with you. I understand the intensity of the feelings one who is on the Spectrum experiences. I had an experience with a young female while volunteering at a hippotherapy establishment. Over a three week period of which consisted of three sessions. I was able to calm a rider from having many outbursts on the horse to having no outbursts. The father commented on how he had noticed.
- Without knowing I was on the Autism Spectrum, as I grew up, I learned how to adapt to society. Common sense, logic and society's reinforcement guided me. Intense and focused observations over the decades have given me insight. While sitting on on a support group I was able to get breakthroughs with two individuals of which the counselors could not.
- I am currently mentoring.
- I mentored a young man many years ago. He named his first born after me. He is doing quite well.
- I have given speeches or presentations to a few establishments regarding understanding Autism and how we interact and communicate.
- As part of a support group I have the ability to give insight to the parents or organizations on why someone on the Autism Spectrum may be acting the way they are.
WHO CAN I HELP?
- Those on the Autism Spectrum and their loved ones
- 1st Responders
- Schools (as a shadow)
- Psychologists with support groups
- Those who need an advocate a mentor or a coach
Illinois Partners in Policymaking
Graduation with Allan Bergman
Partners in Policymaking is an innovative, competency-based leadership training program for adults with disabilities and parents of young children with developmental disabilities. The purpose of this program is two-fold: to teach best practices and to teach the competencies needed to influence public policy. Over the course of the next 3 years, this project will graduate at least 72 Illinois citizens who will be equipped to be community leaders serving on policymaking committees, commissions, and boards at local, state, and national levels.
I had the honor to be trained by Mr. Allan Bergman of High Impact Consulting and Training. Allan is an expert and a nationally recognized leader in influencing the development of federal and state policy relating to "best practice" services and supports for persons with disabilities.
