Tommy is a runner and para-athlete from Ottawa, Canada. Born in 1991, he was diagnosed with Autism at age 2 1/2, was non verbal until age 7, but could read and type words before he could speak. Disney movies’ subtitles helped him learn language. His Autism Dog Guide, “Adel”, helps keep him safe. He loves stories, people, travel, music, cooking, hard work at any job, facebook, and YouTube. Tommy inspires viewers worldwide with his YouTube channel, “lookyus”, which shares his life, races, Disney trips, and enthusiasm for life! The videos posted on “lookyus” share his everyday activities and accomplishments, and allow the viewer to experience Tommy’s joyful view of the world, and appreciate the wonderful things a person with Autism has to share with others.
Two mini documentaries about Tommy, “First Fastest Runner” and “I See a Des Brisay Fly”, were made by film maker Jordan Kawai and fellow students. Jordan is a close friend of Tommy and his family, who shares Tommy’s enthusiasm for life and love of people, movies, family, and fun! Here are those two films:
Tommy in the news-
In 2011, Tommy was featured as CTV’s Athlete of the Week.
You have so much joy and compassion to show to the world and it makes me happy! Thank you so much for this 🙂
Thank you for this lovely comment 🙂 Your kind words mean so much to us!
Hey tommy, this is Cassandra. You know what? I have Autism, like you but a mild form. We’ll anyway I like your videos a lot, and I am a disney fan too, just like you tommy. I hope you keep going on these videos, and make sure you tell Mickey Mouse I said hi.
Thanks, Cassandra Roman
Hi Cassandra 🙂
Thanks for your kind words and nice message! We will be sure to say hi to Mickey from you! <3
You probably won’t remember me having met a bunch of cast members at the park, but today while I was working by Camp Minnie Mickey your family happened by me twice and both times I greeted you and received kind hellos in response but the second time I was given a business card with this address so I decided to check it out. I’d just like to say Tommy is a pretty amazing guy with all he accomplished. My younger cousin has Autism as well and it’s nice to see proof that people with Autism can grow up and accomplish things just like anybody else. Keep it up man you’re an inspiration!
Hi Anthony,
I most certainly do remember you! Your warm and kind hello as we passed both times meant everything to us 🙂 Thanks for your message, it was sweet of you to take the time to write! I hope your cousin finds many things that bring him, and his friends and family, much joy in life! He already has a good start, having a cousin like you! Tommy has some cousins that have made a huge difference in his life. Best wishes to you 🙂 -Tommy’s mom, MaryAnn
I am so glad I stumbled onto this website. My brother Jonah is 14 and is autistic. This brings me so much joy to see how fully Tommy lives his life. I see the same kind of bright spirit in Tommy that I do in my brother. Tommy’s accomplishments give me great hope that my brother will live a full life! Thank you for that!!
Hi Alexandria,
This is Tommy’s mom, MaryAnn 🙂 We are so glad you wrote to us, and so happy to hear that Tommy’s progress and successes give you hope! Your brother Jonah is just the age Tommy was when he went for his very first jog. (Tommy calls August 2nd, 2006 his “Runniversary”!) He could barely run 200 meters that day without stopping to walk. He was a little overweight then from medications for his Autism. But with time, and commitment, he became the amazing runner he is today. Whatever it is that makes Jonah smile most, whatever it is that he shows you he is ready to do…he will lead the way. I can tell that you are there for him, and he is so lucky to have you there to support him. Best wishes to you and Jonah and your whole family. If you want, you can “like” Tommy’s facebook page and say hi to us there 🙂 -MaryAnn
Hi Alexandria,
Thank you so much for your heartwarming message. This is Tommy’s mom, MaryAnn. Your brother Jonah is very lucky to have a sister who is so caring. I’m sure he will live a wonderful life, and I’m happy to hear he has a bright spirit like Tommy! Thank you so much for writing, and I wish you all the best. I hope you and Jonah have all the joys you deserve in life. Hugs, MaryAnn
I’m not sure how I came apron your YouTube page. However I found it I’m so glad. Tommy is an amazing young man. I had no idea that a person with autism could do so much. He kind of makes me look bad 🙂 The media doesn’t always portray everything accurately or in the best light. I just got done with school and have anxiety about going out into the real world. After watching Tommy I figure if he can over come his challenges then so can it. I use to be a track runner too. My speciality was relay and hurdling. He reminded how much I loved to run. I should take it up again. It makes me feel free. Anyways, good luck to Tommy and the rest of the family. I’ll be watching for you in the 2016 games.
Dear Tina,
Your message made me smile and laugh with joy! I loved it so much. This is Tommy’s mom, MaryAnn. Thank you for acknowledging that Tommy demonstrates that a person with autism has no limits! I’m excited that Tommy made you remember the joy of doing track and field. And thank you also for acknowledging that the media’s portrayal of autism is not always accurate. I understand your anxiety about going out into the real world, Tommy has lots of anxiety too, and Tommy chooses to go forth in spite of his anxiety and take risks and accept challenges all with a smile on his face. I know that you will do the same. I can tell from your message that you’re a special person, and I know that you will do great! Thanks for your vote of confidence about the 2016 games, we will see how things go and if Tommy’s dream of being the first fastest runner in the world can come true! Even if that is not how it happens, having people like you write to him is already an amazing success! Have a wonderful day, MaryAnn