David Wyles is a screen writer and special needs advocate and activist. He has a son, Rio “Soulshocka” Wyles, an up-and-coming rap artist, who was diagnosed with autism at 3 1/2. Since then, David thoroughly studied federal and state laws about special education and learned how to navigate the “system” for necessary therapies for his son.

Having been successful working for Rio, he then tried to help educate and empower other parents who have children with special needs. He was first elected to the Executive Board of Directors of the Autism Society of Los Angeles in 1996, serving for 4 years. He then became a member of the Community Advisory Committee for Los Angeles Unified School District, was elected to be the President of the CAC for 2 terms, and lobbied for children with special needs for 10 years before the Board of Education and, in Sacramento, before the California State Legislature.

After Rio finished high school at Hamilton Music Magnet, he once again rejoined the Board of Directors of ASLA and continues to advocate for the rights of individuals with autism and other special needs.