Michael & Becky Large

Champion Autism Network & Lead With Love Training Co.

The Champion Autism Network (CAN) is a non-profit organization based in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, that aims to create supportive and judgment-free experiences for people living with autism. Founded in 2012 by Becky Large, a business professional and mother of a child with autism, CAN works to educate and empower communities, businesses, and organizations to enhance the quality of life for people with autism. The organization values love, empowerment, acceptance, and playfulness as key principles in its mission.

CAN recognizes that life with autism can be unpredictable and that people with autism may have sensory processing issues that make certain stimuli difficult to tolerate. As a result, they may have tantrums or meltdowns in public, which can lead to criticism and judgment from others. In an effort to create more inclusive communities, CAN works to build a network of autism champions that includes businesses, local non-profits, and individuals with autism. In 2016, Surfside Beach declared itself the first autism-friendly travel destination, and the City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County followed suit in 2018. Through its efforts, CAN aims to create a world where all people can happily live, work, and play.

Michael Large is a highly qualified and experienced attorney who has dedicated much of his career to helping the aging population and individuals with disabilities. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1987 from Richard Stockton College and his Juris Doctor degree from Temple University School of Law in 1991. Michael is admitted to practice law in South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and has a broad range of expertise in areas such as elder law, estate planning, supported decision making, guardianship and conservatorship matters, Medicaid planning, probate administration and litigation, and public benefits appeals.

Prior to joining the Law Office of Deirdre W. Edmonds, Michael worked as the head of the Elder Law unit at South Carolina Legal Services, where he worked with local community groups, state agencies, and national organizations to develop programs and outreach that helped educate the public and protect the rights of vulnerable adults. He is actively involved in the South Carolina Bar, serving on the Vulnerable Adult Task Force and Elder Law Committee, and is a member of the Horry County Bar, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and the Board of Directors for Champion Autism Network. In addition to his professional commitments, Michael is also a Leadership Grand Strand alumni and a frequent volunteer and speaker on issues affecting the elderly and vulnerable adults. In his personal life, Michael is happily married to his wife Becky and they have two sons.

Lead With Love Training Co. is a company that provides autism training for organizations and corporations. The company recognizes that with the increasing rates of autism diagnosis, it is not a matter of if an autism episode will occur, but when. As a result, it is important for businesses to be prepared and trained to handle such situations in a positive and supportive way. Lead With Love Training Co. believes that by providing autism training, businesses can not only better serve their customers with autism and their families, but also protect their reputation and avoid negative press. The company aims to support families with autism and increase economic opportunity for businesses that support them, and believes that by providing a positive and welcoming experience for customers with autism, businesses can foster loyalty and repeat business. Overall, Lead With Love Training Co. believes that the key to success is to lead with love and compassion towards customers with autism and their families.