Officiated by Globe-Trotting Autism Ambassador Dr. Stephen Shore, Anita Lesko & Abraham Talmage Nielsen were married in an ALL-AUTISTIC Wedding ceremony. The wedding attracted international media attention, From PEOPLE, Good Morning America, Fox News, Huffington Post and many more. It was part of the Annual Love & Autism Conference on September 26, 2015 in San Diego. The bride and groom opened their wedding to the public to generate awareness that people on the autism spectrum have the same need for love, relationships and marriage as everyone else.
The Conference Organizer, Dr. Jenny Palmiotto, quickly added Wedding Planner to her agenda once the idea to host the wedding at her conference was born. A simultaneous idea of having an ALL-AUTISTIC wedding party was thought of by Jenny and Anita. From there, the planning began, and a wonderful group of autistic people were selected to participate in the historic event. Dr. Stephen Shore, friend of the bride & groom, was selected to be the Officiant of the Day and performed the wedding ceremony. Dr. Temple Grandin made a pre-recorded message for Anita and Abraham, and her mother, Eustacia Cutler called just as the cake cutting ceremony begain with her well wishes. Alex Plank, Founder of Wrong Planet was selected to be the Best Man. Michael Tolleson, Autistic Savant Artist, did a live painting that was 6 ft by 8 ft and used as the backdrop for the wedding ceremony. Kat Highet, an autistic harpist, brought her harp to provide the music. Also were numerous other participants in this event.
The entire event was captured on video to create a documentary by Joey Travolta’s film company Inclusion Films.
Anita and Abraham will discuss how their relationship began, and how they transitioned from best friends into a romantic relationship. The audience will learn how an autistic couple approached intimacy and sex, and how they learned to communicate effectively.
The group will discuss the ALL-AUTISTIC wedding, from the planning stages to the actual event.
Anita and Abraham will then conclude the presentation with how they deal with everyday life and stresses present in everyone’s life. They make the presentation humorous at times, heartwarming, and provide great wisdom everyone can take home and use in their own relationships and marriage!
This will be a presentation like no other!
Learning Objectives:
Track: Lifespan 4 - Adulthood
Content Area: National Advocacy
Anita Lesko, BSN, RN, MS, CRNA
Global Autism Consulting Organization
Abraham Talmage Nielsen
Butler & Associates Professional Land Surveying & Mapping
Stephen M. Shore, Ed.D.
Alexander Plank
Self-Advocate, Founder of Wrong Planet
Jenny Palmiotto, Psy D
The Family Guidance & Therapy Center of Southern California
Michael Tolleson
Autistic Savant Artist
Michael Tolleson Savant Art Center