Justyce Gardner is a 10-year-old young man who attends West Englewood Elementary in Kansas City, MO.  He is in the 4th grade, splitting his time between the Special Education class and an inclusion class.  He loves school and excels in math, reading and science.

Justyce also has Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that typically lasts throughout a person's lifetime. Today, 1 in 150 individuals is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined. It occurs in all racial, ethnic, and social groups and is four times more likely to strike boys than girls. Autism impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others. It is also associated with rigid routines and repetitive behaviors, such as obsessively arranging objects or following very specific routines. Symptoms can range from very mild to quite severe.

Justyce was diagnosed with Autism in 1999 after an extreme reaction to his MMR vaccination.  Through the years, Justyce has gained some really nice skills.  He has improved eye contact and can express his wants and needs.  Justyce also has an infectious laugh and is very funny.  He loves to make people laugh.

Yo-Yo Jam has asked Justyce to become an honorary member of their team.  Justyce is working hard to learn how to manipulate the yoyo and hopes that Ben Conde can teach him a few good tricks.

We also have a special edition Justyce signature yo-yo that we are hoping to help raise Autism Awareness across our great nation.