In April 2023, I look back on my journey of raising Autism Awareness with B.A.S.S. which began in 2006. I recall that during the initial stages, Autism was not a topic that was being discussed much in society, let alone in the fishing and marine community that I was a part of. I faced the challenge of spreading awareness about what was then the fastest-growing disability in America. To achieve this, I realized that I needed the support of well-known and influential anglers from our sport and prominent manufacturers.
After participating in B.A.S.S.-affiliated events through the MA BASS Nation Program for some time, I recently acquired an ultra high-performance bass boat, which brought me into contact with Mercury Marine. This led me to embark on a journey to raise Autism Awareness, starting with identifying angler Mike Iaconelli as someone genuinely committed to working with and engaging children. I was fortunate to arrange a private meeting between Mike, my son Luke (who was six years old and autistic), and myself at a local sportsman show. Despite being typically reserved around strangers, Luke surprised us all by going right up to Mike and giving him a big hug.
During our conversation, Mike and I discussed my goal of enlisting his help in raising Autism Awareness on the Bassmaster Elite Series tour and throughout the country through my “Fishin’ with a Mission” decal program. This program provides information and resources for anyone seeking help and information on autism. Mike graciously agreed to support the cause by prominently displaying my decal on his boat and spreading the word.
Shortly after that, Kevin VanDam and Edwin Evers joined the Autism Awareness program, with Kevin leading many campaigns in April during the Elites. Mercury Marine’s director of competitive angling, Michelle Kilburn, provided invaluable support by including me on their Pro Angler team and sponsoring my annual “Fishin’ with a Mission” Autism Awareness tournament and fun day for kids and their families at a national level. Michelle and Mercury Marine have continued to support us, and this year will mark our 11th event.
Mike also invited me to work for his BASS University when it came to the Boston area, where we set up an Autism Awareness booth at his seminars. Luke and I had the opportunity to meet many Bassmaster Elite anglers and work with them over a weekend. John Crews, who used to room with Mike, quickly joined in, and together we launched numerous Autism Awareness efforts, including flying Autism Awareness flags on light poles, introducing an “April Autism Awareness” angler of the month program, and most recently, launching the “Fishin’ with a Mission” Autism Awareness wristband program, which many of the anglers now wear throughout the year, not just in April. Dave Mercer has also become a vocal advocate for Autism Awareness from the weigh-in stage, sporting multiple wristbands at every event.
In the past three years, Brandon Palaniuk has even created limited edition Autism Awareness T-shirts that are available on his website, with proceeds going to Autism charities. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for the support and commitment of so many in the fishing and marine community to raise awareness and support for Autism.
Back in 2006, when I began my efforts, the incidence rate of Autism diagnosis in children in the US was 1 in 155. Although I do believe that awareness has improved significantly since then, unfortunately, the incidence rate has continued to rise. In 2023, the CDC reports that the current incidence rate of Autism diagnosis in children in the US is now 1 in 36.
April’s Autism Awareness efforts over the past three years were challenging due to Covid. Perhaps many of you are new to my efforts and the many Elite anglers who support this program. With that in mind, I hope this article serves as an introduction or a reintroduction to myself and BASS’s endeavors to raise Autism Awareness in our community.
I encourage you to visit my website, www.mylittlebuddysboat.com, to learn more about “Fishin’ with a Mission,” and to support BASS and its anglers who are committed to raising Autism Awareness in our community.
