Brooklyn family raises autism awareness
Posted: Updated:A Brooklyn family is on a mission to show children with autism that it's OK to be different.
Nicholas Sirota is an athletic 14-year-old who recently scored a spot at a top high school. But it wasn't always this way. He says he struggled as a child after being diagnosed with autism.
"I didn't really know how to interact with other kids...but with support from everyone that I know and everyone that I love, I have overcome all that," he says.
Sirota credits his growth to his loving family and a series of educational support programs. He and his mother are now teaming up with his former preschool, Steps to Success, to help other kids with autism get the same opportunities. They plan to accomplish that by raising funds for the nonprofit Autism Speaks.
Sirota's mother will run a marathon this fall, hoping the donations to her cause can help fund brighter futures.
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Back to School: Kids head back to school in Brooklyn
Back to School: Kids head back to school in Brooklyn
Thousands of kids headed back to school Wednesday.
Thousands of kids headed back to school Wednesday.
Back to School: Mentoring program
Back to School: Mentoring program
A program in the city is helping at-risk teens by pairing them with mentors.
A program in the city is helping at-risk teens by pairing them with mentors.
Back to School: Last-minute shopping
Back to School: Last-minute shopping
Back to School: Last-minute shopping
Back to School: Last-minute shopping
The parking lots are packed and last-minute school shopping is on in Brooklyn.
The parking lots are packed and last-minute school shopping is on in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Nets star helps kids score back-to-school haircuts
Brooklyn Nets star helps kids score back-to-school haircuts
Brooklyn Nets star Jarrett Allen teamed up with Levels Barbershop in Clinton Hill to provide free haircuts for nearly 50 kids.
Brooklyn Nets star Jarrett Allen teamed up with Levels Barbershop in Clinton Hill to provide free haircuts for nearly 50 kids.
Brooklyn Nets star Jarrett Allen teamed up with Levels Barbershop in Clinton Hill to provide free haircuts for nearly 50 kids.
Brooklyn Nets star Jarrett Allen teamed up with Levels Barbershop in Clinton Hill to provide free haircuts for nearly 50 kids.
Back to School: Staying safe at school
Back to School: Staying safe at school
Safety is on the minds of many parents as children across the five boroughs prepare for the start of school next week.
Safety is on the minds of many parents as children across the five boroughs prepare for the start of school next week.
Homework questions on race, drugs and guns draw ire from parents
Homework questions on race, drugs and guns draw ire from parents
A Brooklyn student's homework assignment featuring questions and answers referring to race, drugs and guns is drawing ire from some parents.
A Brooklyn student's homework assignment featuring questions and answers referring to race, drugs and guns is drawing ire from some parents.
Back to school: Healthy lunches
Back to school: Healthy lunches
A child takes part in a New York City program teaching school children how to make healthy lunches.
A child takes part in a New York City program teaching school children how to make healthy lunches.
A program is teaching school children how to make their own healthy lunches.
A program is teaching school children how to make their own healthy lunches.
NYC school speed camera program expires
NYC school speed camera program expires
The New York City school speed camera program came to an end Wednesday after the state Assembly failed to come to an agreement on its extension.
The New York City school speed camera program came to an end Wednesday after the state Assembly failed to come to an agreement on its extension.
Students showcase environmental projects
Students showcase environmental projects
The second annual Department of Education sustainability showcase event was held at St. Francis College.
The second annual Department of Education sustainability showcase event was held at St. Francis College.
Prospect Park Audubon Center hosts kid-friendly winter activities
Prospect Park Audubon Center hosts kid-friendly winter activities
The Prospect Park Audubon Center is hosting kid-friendly nature activities for the winter.
The Prospect Park Audubon Center is hosting kid-friendly nature activities for the winter.
The Prospect Park Audubon Center is hosting kid-friendly nature activities for the winter.
Brooklyn SlideshowsSlideshowsMore>>
70th Emmy Awards
70th Emmy Awards
The 70th Emmy Awards were held at Microsoft Theater on Sept. 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
The 70th Emmy Awards were held at Microsoft Theater on Sept. 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
The 70th Emmy Awards were held at Microsoft Theater on Sept. 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
The 70th Emmy Awards were held at Microsoft Theater on Sept. 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
Event Lineup at the Barclays Center
Event Lineup at the Barclays Center
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 27: Musicians and husband and wife Tim McGraw and Faith Hill perform during their Soul2Soul Tour at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on October 27, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
The Barclays Center in Brooklyn is rolling out a new concert lineup for 2018.
The Barclays Center in Brooklyn is rolling out a new concert lineup for 2018.
Things To Do
Things To Do
Looking for something fun to do? Check our our guide of things to do in the tri-state area.
Guide: Brooklyn and Bronx Breweries
Guide: Brooklyn and Bronx Breweries
Looking to check out brewery this summer? There are many breweries across the boroughs for beer-lovers to visit.
Looking to check out brewery this summer? There are many breweries across the boroughs for beer-lovers to visit.
Got $1,100? Apple shows off its most expensive iPhone yet
Got $1,100? Apple shows off its most expensive iPhone yet
Apple's newest iPhone will again test the limits of how much people are willing to pay for the latest technology.
Apple's newest iPhone will again test the limits of how much people are willing to pay for the latest technology.
Florence ravages communities in the Carolinas
Florence ravages communities in the Carolinas
Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina early Friday, pushing a life-threatening storm surge of floodwater miles inland and ripping apart buildings with screaming wind and pelting rain.
Hurricane Florence made landfall in North Carolina early Friday, pushing a life-threatening storm surge of floodwater miles inland and ripping apart buildings with screaming wind and pelting rain.
West Indian American Day Parade Photos
West Indian American Day Parade Photos
Snap a pic while you're out celebrating and share it with News 12 using the hashtag #BKCarnival2018 on social media.
Snap a pic while you're out celebrating and share it with News 12 using the hashtag #BKCarnival2018 on social media.
PHOTOS: Top-rated toys as voted on by kids
PHOTOS: Top-rated toys as voted on by kids
Walmart’s top-rated toys as voted on by kids
Walmart is trying fill the void left by the closing of toy-giant Toys ‘R’ Us.
Walmart is trying fill the void left by the closing of toy-giant Toys ‘R’ Us.
Your 2018 Brooklyn Back-to-School Photos
Your 2018 Brooklyn Back-to-School Photos
Send us your back-to-school photos.
Are you or your kids heading back to school? News 12 Brooklyn wants to see your photos! Use the #BKBacktoSchool on Instagram or Twitter and we may use your photos on News12.com or on air!
Are you or your kids heading back to school? News 12 Brooklyn wants to see your photos! Use the #BKBacktoSchool on Instagram or Twitter and we may use your photos on News12.com or on air!
Historical photos of the Coney Island Boardwalk
Historical photos of the Coney Island Boardwalk
The Coney Island Boardwalk has officially been declared a historical landmark. Here are some photos of the boardwalk taken nearly 120 years ago.The Coney Island Boardwalk has officially been declared a historical landmark. Here are some photos of the boardwalk taken nearly 120 years ago.
Brooklyn Top StoriesTop StoriesMore>>
Teens dies after being shot in head at Brownsville playground
Teens dies after being shot in head at Brownsville playground
A teenager was killed in a shooting Friday afternoon while playing basketball at Chester Playground in Brownsville.
A teenager was killed in a shooting Friday afternoon while playing basketball at Chester Playground in Brownsville.
Fall Foliage: Where to see it around the tri-state
Fall Foliage: Where to see it around the tri-state
Foliage season begins in late September and extends through early November. Peak color is estimated to be between Oct. 5 and Nov. 8.
Foliage season begins in late September and extends through early November. Peak color is estimated to be between Oct. 5 and Nov. 8.
Foliage season begins in late September and extends through early November. Peak color is estimated to be between Oct. 5 and Nov. 8.
Vote: School Spirit Showdown Top 12
Vote: School Spirit Showdown Top 12
Let the battle for bragging rights begin! It's time to prove that your school RULES!
Let the battle for bragging rights begin! News 12 Brooklyn is launching a new series, School Spirit Showdown! It's time to prove that your school RULES!
Let the battle for bragging rights begin! News 12 Brooklyn is launching a new series, School Spirit Showdown! It's time to prove that your school RULES!
L train shutdown reminder: Service will still run in Brooklyn
L train shutdown reminder: Service will still run in Brooklyn
There remains some confusion over just how far next year's L train shutdown will extend.
There remains some confusion over just how far next year's L train shutdown will extend.
DOT offers rare look under BQE as it considers construction
DOT offers rare look under BQE as it considers construction
City Department of Transportation officials gave a rare look inside the structure supporting the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway as they weigh construction options to replace the aging roadway.
City Department of Transportation officials gave a rare look inside the structure supporting the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway as they weigh construction options to replace the aging roadway.
Fire breaks out inside Williamsburg support center
Fire breaks out inside Williamsburg support center
A fire broke out Friday inside of a Williamsburg support center for people struggling with heath and housing issues.
A fire broke out Friday inside of a Williamsburg support center for people struggling with heath and housing issues.
Police: 3 babies, 2 adults stabbed at Queens 'day care'
Police: 3 babies, 2 adults stabbed at Queens 'day care'
Police say three babies and two adults were stabbed early Friday morning at what is described as an overnight day care and birthing center operating out of a home in Flushing, Queens.
Police say three babies and two adults were stabbed early Friday morning at what is described as an overnight day care and birthing center operating out of a home in Flushing, Queens.
Business Briefs: Walmart, Uber, Airbnb
Business Briefs: Walmart, Uber, Airbnb
Tough China tariffs may force Walmart's prices up, according to Cheddar.
Tough China tariffs may force Walmart's prices up, according to Cheddar.
Tough China tariffs may force Walmart's prices up, according to Cheddar.
Tough China tariffs may force Walmart's prices up, according to Cheddar.
#N12: Mister Rogers Neighborhood 51st anniversary
#N12: Mister Rogers Neighborhood 51st anniversary
Mister Rogers moved into the neighborhood 51-years-ago, today.
Mister Rogers moved into the neighborhood 51-years-ago, today.
90-year-old Holocaust survivor struck, killed by car in Brooklyn
90-year-old Holocaust survivor struck, killed by car in Brooklyn
Nissen Krakinoswki, 90, was struck and killed by a car as he crossed the street Thursday after leaving his synagogue.
A 90-year-old Holocaust survivor was killed after being struck by a car while walking across the street in Brooklyn, police say.
A 90-year-old Holocaust survivor was killed after being struck by a car while walking across the street in Brooklyn, police say.
