June Community Spotlight: John Fela
- CircaThera
- Jul 6
- 2 min read
June Community Spotlight: John Fela
Father’s Day Edition
This June, we proudly recognize an inspiring advocate, author, speaker, and special needs father whose voice continues to impact families across the disability community.
Known as the “Swiss Army Knife of Disability Advocacy,” his work spans many areas of support and empowerment for individuals with disabilities and their families. As the father of his 18-year-old nonverbal autistic son, Chris, his journey has been deeply personal, filled with challenges, resilience, faith, and unwavering love.
From navigating autism diagnoses, therapy decisions, medical complexities, brain surgery, co-parenting, and the uncertainty many special needs families face, he has transformed his experiences into a mission to help others feel less alone. His advocacy especially focuses on supporting special needs fathers — a perspective often overlooked but deeply needed within the autism and disability community.
A former educator with nearly 20 years of experience, including special education, he transitioned into national advocacy work: writing for disability organizations, speaking publicly, appearing on podcasts, and previously serving alongside Joni and Friends, a global Christian disability ministry.
His memoir, Faith Like My Father, shares the emotional story of raising a child with disabilities through the lens of faith, forgiveness, perseverance, and healing. Beyond parenting, the book reflects on family struggles, personal growth, and discovering hope in life’s most difficult moments.
Why His Story Matters
His work reminds families that while the special needs journey can feel overwhelming, they are not alone. Through advocacy, storytelling, and honest conversations, he continues to create meaningful support for parents, caregivers, and especially fathers walking a similar path.
Supporting families.
Encouraging fathers.
Advocating for inclusion.
Inspiring hope through faith and community.
#CommunitySpotlight #FathersDayEdition #AutismAdvocacy #SpecialNeedsDad #DisabilityAdvocate #AutismCommunity #FaithLikeMyFather #Inclusion #AutismSupport #ParentingJourney
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