Family of Cave Creek boy with autism performs on Disney’s Fam Jam

PHOENIX — An 8-year-old Cave Creek boy with autism and his family are set to take the small screen by storm Monday at 9 p.m. when they appear on Disney Channel’s dance contest show “Fam Jam” with a chance at $10,000.

Brendan Schroeder was diagnosed with autism at 13 months old, making him one of the youngest diagnosed with the disorder, according to the release.

He had to go through an intense therapy program for six years. During this time, Schroeder’s passion for dance grew when visiting a dance studio with his older sister a few times a week.

“Brendan wanted to dance with his sister every time she danced here,” Amber Wittmers, owner of Adaptive Force Performing Arts in Scottsdale, said in the release.

Wittmers said Schroeder joined his first dance class when he was 3-years-old, which immediately changed the young boy’s life.

“In a very short period of time, his family began to notice changes,” she said. “He went from being completely non-verbal to talking and engaging with others around him.

“Dance brought him so much joy and happiness.”

Wittmers says Schroeder now spends 14 hours a week dancing.

Joining Schroeder on the dance floor will be his 41-year-old mom Gina Schroeder, 60-year-old grandfather Ed Bonner and 13-year-old sister Haley Schroeder.

“We are excited to share how dance has helped Brendan overcome his autism obstacles,” said Wittmers.

Schroeder and his family traveled to Hollywood in January to star in the show, according to the release.

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