Boy with Autism Embraces Dance as He and His Family Hope to Win Disney’s Fam Jam on November 23

CAVE CREEK, AZ / AGILITYPR.NEWS / November 18, 2020 / Brendan Schroeder was diagnosed with autism at just 13 months old – one of the youngest individuals born with the developmental disorder. Once diagnosed, he started an extremely intense therapy program that consumed his family's life for six years. However, dance became his passion and now he is headed for the big lights.

Amber Wittmers, owner of Adaptive Force Performing Arts in Scottsdale, says that from the time he was born, he loved visiting the dance studio a few times a week when older sister Haley attended her dance classes.

“Brendan wanted to dance with his sister every time she danced here,” says Wittmers. “At roughly 3-1/2 years old, Brendan joined his first dance class. In a very short period of time, his family began to notice changes. He went from being completely non-verbal to talking and engaging with others around him. Dance brought him so much joy and happiness. Brendan is now dancing 14 hours a week at eight-and-a-half year old.

In January 2020, Brendan began living out his biggest dream. The Schroeder family went to Hollywood and starred in an episode of Disney’s Fam Jam. The episode will air Monday November 23 at 9 PM, MST, on the Disney Channel.

“We are excited to share how dance has helped Schroeder overcome his autism obstacles,” adds Wittmers. Now, he, sister sister Haley, and three other family members, await the results of this high energy competition.”

Fam Jam is a dance contest where two families compete for a $10,000 cash prize.

Dancing in the episode is: 

Mom: Gina Schroeder, 41years old 

Grandpa: Ed Bonner, 60 years old 

Daughter: Haley Schroeder, 13 years old 

Son: Brendan Schroeder, 8 years old 

Dance studio: Adaptive Force Performing Arts in Scottsdale, 32619 N. Scottsdale Road, #110, Scottsdale, Ariz., 85266/adaptiveforcce.com

Brendan’s Instagram: @brendanslife