During college, I was an on-air personality and comedic producer/writer/performer on several FM radio stations. (At the time, I also dabbled in stand-up comedy.) But after graduation the freelance work I was getting in video production grew to the point where I built my own meeting production company–and my passion for the business took up all my energies. But the romance of the radio never left me. I loved being on-air–nothing quite matches the sensation of going out over the airwaves. That wasn’t my path, as it turns out. And I don’t have any regrets–I’m passionate about my business. But guess what? I’m going back on the air! Why? Because for all my career moves, the thing I’m most passionate about–the greatest “career” decision I ever made–was becoming a husband and father to two boys. That role was deeply affected when my oldest son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of 4. Since then, my family and I have been gladiators in our fight to raise awareness and to advocate for those unable to advocate for themselves. We are involved in several autism charities and help raise money each year for autism research.
So to that end, I am back on the radio hosting a national radio show “Autism 360” on ReachMD, a XM Satellite Radio Channel and podcast on www.reachmd.com. I write, produce and host these shows that feature internationally recognized medical and mental health professionals in the field of autism, global researchers, educators, government officials, parents, advocates and individuals with autism. It is an excellent vehicle to reach a large group of people with important information about ASD and affords me the opportunity to get back to my roots on the radio. It is rare when we can marry our passions together. I treasure this opportunity to use my voice and passion to make a difference for so many individuals with ASD. I hope you’ll listen in and reach out to me with your experiences and thoughts about autism. // by Paul Rokuskie
Paul Rokuskie is president of Next Generation Productions. He can be reached at Paul.Rokuskie at ngp-inc.net
