Ziemba applauded for autism education efforts

Hinckley native Autumn Ziemba and her husband, Mark McKenzie, recently received the 2021 Community Leaders Award by Milestones Autism Resources.

Ziemba, a former anchor on Cleveland’s Fox 8 News, and McKenzie have been active advocates for their child and others with autism in an effort to increase autism acceptance throughout Greater Cleveland.

In 2017, the couple’s son, Simon, received an autism and cancer diagnosis within months of one another – news that left the entire family uncertain of what the future would hold. In the midst of Simon’s cancer treatments, the couple worked to piece together an action plan to educate themselves about autism and to build a support system for their son.

Since Simon’s diagnosis, the couple has continued its mission of spreading autism awareness in the community, while supporting Milestones Autism Resources and other families who are on the similar journeys. Representatives for the Warrensville Heights-based organization, dedicated to improving the lives of autistic individuals by educating, coaching and connecting the autism community with evidencebased information, said they are especially appreciative of how Ziemba has been able to use her platform as a broadcast journalist to encourage parents to become strong advocates for their children. ∞