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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Students get bikes as part of anti-bullying challenge
Students get bikes as part of anti-bullying challenge
Students at the Gregory Jackson School in Brownsville were given free bicycles for winning an anti-bullying challenge.
Students at the Gregory Jackson School in Brownsville were given free bicycles for winning an anti-bullying challenge.
Students at the Gregory Jackson School in Brownsville were given free bicycles for winning an anti-bullying challenge.
Park Slope school uses grant to build own garden
Park Slope school uses grant to build own garden
A Park Slope school won a $3,000 grant to build their own garden.
A Park Slope school won a $3,000 grant to build their own garden.
More than 3,000 graduate from Kingsborough Community College
More than 3,000 graduate from Kingsborough Community College
More than 3,000 people reached a major milestone in their lives Thursday as Kingsborough Community College held its commencement ceremony.
More than 3,000 people reached a major milestone in their lives Thursday as Kingsborough Community College held its commencement ceremony.
More than 3,000 people reached a major milestone in their lives Thursday as Kingsborough Community College held its commencement ceremony.
More than 3,000 people reached a major milestone in their lives Thursday as Kingsborough Community College held its commencement ceremony.
What's Cool at School: Students learn to design clothing
What's Cool at School: Students learn to design clothing
A costume designer in Brooklyn has been teaching students proper fashion design techniques for 27 years.
A costume designer in Brooklyn has been teaching students proper fashion design techniques for 27 years.
Brownsville students get free hair stylings ahead of graduation
Brownsville students get free hair stylings ahead of graduation
While students across New York are getting ready for graduation, some in Brownsville got a special treat.
While students across New York are getting ready for graduation, some in Brownsville got a special treat.
Teen graduates high school 4 years after stray bullet took his eye
Teen graduates high school 4 years after stray bullet took his eye
Gama Droiville graduated high school Friday -- four years after a stray bullet pierced his eye while he was walking with an aunt at Flatbush Avenue and Beverly Road.
Gama Droiville graduated high school Friday -- four years after a stray bullet pierced his eye while he was walking with an aunt at Flatbush Avenue and Beverly Road.
Gama Droiville graduated high school Friday -- four years after a stray bullet pierced his eye while he was walking with an aunt at Flatbush Avenue and Beverly Road.
Midwood students show off projects at science expo
Midwood students show off projects at science expo
Future scientists, computer programmers and engineers showed off their work in Midwood Thursday during a science fair.
Future scientists, computer programmers and engineers showed off their work in Midwood Thursday during a science fair.
Future scientists, computer programmers and engineers showed off their work in Midwood Thursday during a science fair.
Future scientists, computer programmers and engineers showed off their work in Midwood Thursday during a science fair.
P-TECH students celebrate earning diplomas, degrees
P-TECH students celebrate earning diplomas, degrees
Dozens of students from Pathways in Technology Early College High School in Bedford-Stuyvesant are celebrating earning both their high school diplomas and associate's degrees.
Dozens of students from Pathways in Technology Early College High School in Bedford-Stuyvesant are celebrating earning both their high school diplomas and associate's degrees.
Dozens of students from Pathways in Technology Early College High School in Bedford-Stuyvesant are celebrating earning both their high school diplomas and associate's degrees.
Borough president teaches nutrition to P.S. 327 students
Borough president teaches nutrition to P.S. 327 students
A group of young Brownsville students visited the Borough Hall Greenmarket Tuesday for a lesson on healthy eating from Borough President Eric Adams.
A group of young Brownsville students visited the Borough Hall Greenmarket Tuesday for a lesson on healthy eating from Borough President Eric Adams.
A group of young Brownsville students visited the Borough Hall Greenmarket Tuesday for a lesson on healthy eating from Borough President Eric Adams.
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.
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Police: Woman's arm severed in Sunset Park; husband likely suspect
Police: Woman's arm severed in Sunset Park; husband likely suspect
Police say a woman's arm was severed Thursday in Sunset Park and that her husband is believed to be the culprit.
Police say a woman's arm was severed Thursday in Sunset Park and that her husband is believed to be the culprit.
Barclays Center hosts NBA draft
Barclays Center hosts NBA draft
The Barclays Center once again played host to this year's NBA draft.
The Barclays Center once again played host to this year's NBA draft.
DA: 18 arrested in gang bust; accused in at least 2 slayings
DA: 18 arrested in gang bust; accused in at least 2 slayings
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez on Thursday announced the arrests of 18 suspected gang members in East Flatbush.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez on Thursday announced the arrests of 18 suspected gang members in East Flatbush.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez on Thursday announced the arrests of 18 suspected gang members in East Flatbush.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez on Thursday announced the arrests of 18 suspected gang members in East Flatbush.
Word on the Street: World Music Day
Word on the Street: World Music Day
In honor of World Music Day News 12 is asking, what is your favorite type of music?
Islanders hire Barry Trotz as coach fresh off winning Stanley Cup
Islanders hire Barry Trotz as coach fresh off winning Stanley Cup
Barry Trotz after winning the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals.
Barry Trotz after winning the Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals.
The New York Islanders have hired Barry Trotz as their new head coach.
The New York Islanders have hired Barry Trotz as their new head coach.
#N12BK: School zone speed cameras
#N12BK: School zone speed cameras
Mayor Bill de Blasio says children's lives will be in danger because the Republican-led state Senate didn't pass legislation extending the use of speed cameras near city schools.
Mayor Bill de Blasio says children's lives will be in danger because the Republican-led state Senate didn't pass legislation extending the use of speed cameras near city schools.
Students meet with astronauts aboard International Space Station
Students meet with astronauts aboard International Space Station
Students were able to meet and talk directly with astronauts aboard the International Space Station Thursday.
Students were able to meet and talk directly with astronauts aboard the International Space Station Thursday.
Tech Check - June 21, 2018
Tech Check - June 21, 2018
Tech Check for Thursday, June 21, 2018.Ceremony marks revival of Brooklyn Paramount Theatre
Ceremony marks revival of Brooklyn Paramount Theatre
A venue that once hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry is being brought back to life, starting with a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday.
A venue that once hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry is being brought back to life, starting with a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday.
Business Briefs: Online shopping, Intel, AT&T
Business Briefs: Online shopping, Intel, AT&T
Shoppers may soon be paying more for online purchases. Intel is looking for a new CEO. AT&T is entering the streaming space.
Shoppers may soon be paying more for online purchases. Intel is looking for a new CEO. AT&T is entering the streaming space.
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2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards
2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards
The 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards were held at Barker Hangar on June 16, 2018 in Santa Monica, California.
The 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards were held at Barker Hangar on June 16, 2018 in Santa Monica, California.
The 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards were held at Barker Hangar on June 16, 2018 in Santa Monica, California.
The 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards were held at Barker Hangar on June 16, 2018 in Santa Monica, California.
KTUphoria rocks Jones Beach
KTUphoria rocks Jones Beach
Pitbull, the Backstreet Boys and others were at Jones Beach on Saturday, June 16, for KTU's KTUphoria.
Pitbull, the Backstreet Boys and others were at Jones Beach on Saturday, June 16, for KTU's KTUphoria.
PHOTOS: Mermaid Parade in Coney Island
PHOTOS: Mermaid Parade in Coney Island
Annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade brings costumed residents down Surf Avenue
Photos from the 2018 Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
Photos from the 2018 Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
2018 Event Lineup at the Barclays Center
2018 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.
2018 FIFA World Cup Photos
2018 FIFA World Cup Photos
The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off June 14 in Russia.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off June 14 in Russia.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off June 14 in Russia.
2018 Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival Performers
2018 Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival Performers
Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival
Here are the artists who will be performing in Prospect Park this summer.
Here are the artists who will be performing in Prospect Park this summer.
2018 Ford Amphitheater Summer Concert Lineup
2018 Ford Amphitheater Summer Concert Lineup
The Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk is rolling out its summer concert lineup for 2018.
The Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk is rolling out its summer concert lineup for 2018.
The Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island Boardwalk is rolling out its summer concert lineup for 2018.
Premiere of 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom'
Premiere of 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom'
The premiere of Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment's 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' was held at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on June 12 in Los Angeles, California.
The premiere of Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment's 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' was held at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on June 12 in Los Angeles, California.
The premiere of Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment's 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' was held at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on June 12 in Los Angeles, California.
The premiere of Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment's 'Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom' was held at the Walt Disney Concert Hall on June 12 in Los Angeles, California.
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.2018 US Open Photos
2018 US Open Photos
News 12's Kevin Maher takes a fan photo ahead of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.
News 12 wants to see your photos from the US Open! Share them on Twitter and Instagram with #N12USOpen.
News 12 wants to see your photos from the US Open! Share them on Twitter and Instagram with #N12USOpen.
