Introduction
Wesley Eure became a household name in the 1970s as he wowed audiences with his acting skills on the popular children’s show, “Land of the Lost.” However, his journey to fame was not without its struggles, particularly as he eventually came to grips with his diagnosis of autism. What is inspiring about Wesley Eure’s story is his dedication to creating awareness about autism and his tireless efforts to help others in the autism community. In this blog post, we will uncover the untold stories of Wesley Eure, from child star to advocate for autism awareness.
Early Life and Family
Wesley Eure was born on August 17, 1951, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His parents divorced when he was young, and his mother moved with him to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Growing up, Eure was not aware of his autism diagnosis, and this led to difficulties in school and social situations. However, he found solace in the arts, particularly acting, and used this as an outlet for self-expression.
Breaking into the Entertainment Industry
Eure’s talent for acting was evident from a young age, and he got his big break when he was cast in the children’s show, “Land of the Lost.” He played the lead role of Will Marshall and became a household name, captivating audiences with his engaging performance. Eure’s success on the show opened doors for him in the entertainment industry, and he went on to appear in other popular shows, such as “Days of Our Lives” and “The Love Boat.”
Battling Personal Demons
Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Eure struggled with personal demons, such as substance abuse. It wasn’t until he was diagnosed with autism later in life that he understood why he had felt like he never quite fit in. This diagnosis was a turning point in Eure’s life, and he turned his focus to advocacy for autism awareness.
Advocacy for Autism Awareness
Eure has dedicated his life to creating awareness about autism and helping others in the autism community. He has written books on the topic, “A Dad’s Journey with Autism” and “Autism Heroes,” and is a sought-after speaker on the topic. He is also involved with numerous autism-related charities and organizations, such as Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of America.
Teaching at the UCLA Extension Program
Eure has also taken his advocacy a step further by teaching at the UCLA Extension Program. He teaches a course on autism awareness and has created a curriculum that helps students understand the challenges faced by individuals on the spectrum. Eure’s passion for teaching and helping others understand autism has earned him the respect of his peers and the appreciation of the autism community.
Creating the National Remembering Tour
Eure’s work with autism awareness also includes the creation of the National Remembering Tour. The tour is a tribute to the unsung heroes of the autism community, such as caregivers, therapists, educators, and advocates. The tour celebrates their achievements and contributions, and Eure hosts the events, which feature keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and a host of other activities.
Honors and Awards
Eure’s contributions to the autism community have not gone unnoticed, and he has received numerous honors and awards for his advocacy work. In 2016, he was awarded the Autism Society of America’s ‘Temple Grandin Award’ for his outstanding contributions to the autism community. He was also inducted into the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 2018.
Outlook and Future Plans
Eure continues to be an active advocate for autism awareness and shows no signs of slowing down. He has many future plans, including expanding the National Remembering Tour, writing more books, and continuing his outreach to the autism community. Eure’s story is a testament to the power of dedication and perseverance in the face of life’s challenges.
Conclusion
Wesley Eure’s life story is one of triumph over adversity. The challenges he faced in his personal life led him to a calling of advocacy for autism awareness. Through his books, teaching, and public speaking, he has touched countless lives and improved the quality of life for individuals on the autism spectrum. Eure’s story is an inspiration to all those who wish to make a difference in the lives of others.
FAQs
1. What is Wesley Eure famous for?
Wesley Eure is best known for his starring role as Will Marshall in the children’s show “Land of the Lost.”
2. When was Wesley Eure diagnosed with autism?
Eure was diagnosed with autism later in life.
3. What books has Wesley Eure written?
Eure has written “A Dad’s Journey with Autism” and “Autism Heroes.”
4. What is the National Remembering Tour?
The National Remembering Tour is a tribute to the unsung heroes of the autism community, which celebrates their achievements and contributions.
5. What awards has Wesley Eure won?
Eure has won the Autism Society of America’s ‘Temple Grandin Award’ and was inducted into the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Hall of Fame.