‘The Biggest Losers’ Talk New Hope For Autism (Video)

Anyone who has an autistic child knows that the stress of the disorder can pay a heavy toll on the entire family – sometimes literally.           

“Our son’s struggle with autism was so stressful and frustrating,” said Phil and Amy Parham. “We turned to food as a coping mechanism because we often felt helpless.”       

But life changed dramatically for the overweight couple when they were selected to compete in season six of the reality show, “The Biggest Loser.” As a result, they lost a combined total of 256 pounds. As luck would have it, they also found hope and help for their autistic son, Rhett.

“We were contacted by the director of LearningRx, a local brain training company who saw us on TV talking about Rhett’s struggles,” says Amy. “We got Rhett into the program and it completely changed our lives – perhaps even more than our weight loss. His results are amazing and we want to tell other families struggling with autism that there’s hope.”

The reality TV stars will share their personal experiences with autism on March 27 at 6:00 p.m. at a free public Community Autism and Learning Disabilities Resources Forum. The forum, which is being sponsored by LearningRx Chester & Florham Park, two local brain training centers, will be held at The College of Saint Elizabeth, 2 Convent Road, Morristown.  A number of autism-related providers and support groups will be on hand to share information and resources for those touched by autism.

Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in America, with 1 in 110 children (and 1 in 70 boys) being impacted by the disorder. Because autism is a “spectrum” disorder—with symptoms ranging from very mild to severe—it can impact individuals, and their families, very differently.

About LearningRx

LearningRx specializes in identifying and correcting the underlying cognitive skill deficiencies that keep people from achieving their full potential in school, business or life.  Using a comprehensive cognitive skills assessment test and intensive one-on-one training, certified brain trainers quickly and effectively enhance weak cognitive skills such as attention, memory, processing speed and problem solving.  At LearningRx Chester & Florham Park, we have successfully worked with students from ages 4-74 struggling with dyslexia, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, memory loss and other learning struggles.  We also work with people of all ages seeking an edge at school or work.  Students benefit from improved confidence, self-esteem and overall achievement.  LearningRx is not a tutoring program.  Our clinically proven, research based programs actually “re-wire” the brain to make learning, reading and remembering easier and faster.

To learn more about LearningRx, call (908) 834-0606, stop in a center at 195 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park NJ or 350 Main Street, Chester NJ , or visit www.LearningRx.com/florham-park or www.LearningRx.com/chester 

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