JOEL ANDERSON
AUTHOR - SPEAKER
Joel Anderson is a sought-after and seasoned assembly speaker who inspires students from kindergarten to college. His unique perspective and direct approach immediately capture students' attention as he shares what it feels like to have autism. Through a multi-sensory presentation—including firsthand testimonials, interactive art, singing in unison, and narrating his own books—Joel engages students in a powerful and memorable way. He is always open to answering any questions they may have.
Joel encourages students to make a friend by being a friend, to have courage in the face of bullies, and to stand up for those in need. He shares how everyone has a purpose and inspires students to follow their dreams. Whether for Ability Awareness events or other occasions throughout the school year, his example resonates with audiences of all ages.
As an international speaker, Joel has been a keynote speaker at autism conferences and disability awareness events worldwide, including Canada (2012); Jiaozuo, China (July 2013); Nanjing, China (2015) with Amity International/Joni & Friends International; the Disability Awareness Conference in California, USA (2017); and Lima, Peru (2017) with Miracle139 International.
Medieval Trio Tales creator Joel Anderson has a deep love for history, which he brings to life through his paintings, music, stories, and animations. As an accomplished artist and public speaker with autism, Joel is passionate about connecting with students, helping them better understand autism and special needs. Most importantly, he shows how simple it can be to become a friend to those who see the world differently.
Past Public Speaking
2024
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February 5, 2024 Bonsall Rotary Club – Bonsall, CA
2022
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October 30, 2022 Spring Valley Community Church - Spring Valley, CA
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October 8, 2022 Cimarron-Memorial High School - Las Vegas, NV
2019
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October 10, 2019 Drexel University - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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October 2019 New Jersey Autism Center of Excellence Rutgers University - Piscataway, New Jersey
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2019 Murray Manor Elementary – La Mesa, CA
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2019 Silver Gate Elementary – Point Loma, CA
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September 18, 2019 Carillo Elementary – Carlsbad, CA
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June 5, 2019 Dewey Elementary – Point Loma, CA
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May 15, 2019 La Mesa Rotary – La Mesa, CA
2018
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San Marcos Elementary School 900+ children – San Marcos, CA
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February 2018 - Joli Ann Leichtag Elementary School 1000= children – Vista, CA
2017
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2017 - CSR Los Gatos – Los Gatos, CA
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November 2017 - Arizona Christian University - AZ
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August 2017 - Autism Conference - Key Note Speaker - Lima, Peru
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April 2017 - Disability Conference Key note Speaker – Santa Ana, CA
2016
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April 2016 - CSR Los Gatos – Los Gatos, CA
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April 2016 - Arizona Christian University
2015
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October 2015 - Amity International Autism Conference Key Note Speaker - Nanjing China
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June 2015 - Bar B Ranch & Livestock speaking to children – Cody, WY
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May 2015 - Powell Elementary School, Powell, Wyoming
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April 2015 - University of San Diego – San Diego, CA
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April 2015 - San Diego State University – San Diego, CA
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February 2015 - Global Access Conference Vignette Speaker – Woodland Hills, CA
2014
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November 21st, 2014 - Featured Speaker Spirit of the Barrio, Barrio Logan - San Diego, CA
2013
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November 2013 - Adobe Bluffs Elementary – San Diego, CA
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July 2013 Jiaozuo Special Needs Training Conference Jiaozuo China
2012
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October 2012 - Teachers Conference - Maple Ridge, British Columbia Canada
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October 2012 - Annually TEACCH West Coast Training Conference –California Avenue Scool - Vista, CA
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September 2012 - Man Power to Horse Power - Charlotte North Carolina
2011
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December 2011 - La Costa Height Elementary School - La Costa, CA
2010
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November 2010 - Corky McMillian, Chula Vista, CA
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April 2010 - Sweetwater High School, National City, CA
2009
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May 2009 – San Diego State University La Crosse Team Awards Banquet – San Diego, CA
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April 2009 – University of San Diego Football Players – San Diego, CA
2008
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November 2008 - Paul Ecke School - Encinitas, CA
2007
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September 2007 - Cinnabar Hills Golf Tournament for CSR – San Jose, CA
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July 2007 - Sports Jam - Solana Beach, CA
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April 2007 - Kate Sessions Elementary - Pacific Beach, CA
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March 2007 - Richland Elementary - San Marcos, CA
2006
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July 2006 - Cinnabar Hills Golf Tournament for CSR – San Jose, CA
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April 2006 - Winery San Jose, CA
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March 2006 - JCC with Autism Tree Project Foundation and In Harmony – La Jolla, CA
2005
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July 2005 - Cinnabar Hills Golf Tournament for CSR – San Jose, CA
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July 2005 - Hats Off for San Diego G.O.L.D. Diggers event guest speaker – San Diego, CA