Loomis Man with Autism Turns Passion Into Thriving Business

Cameron Weitzel overcomes challenges to launch successful online collectibles shop

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:04am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a single iconic Hot Wheels car toy in vibrant neon hues, conceptually representing the entrepreneurial spirit and passion of a young man with autism who has turned his hobby into a successful online business.A young entrepreneur's passion for retro collectibles fuels his thriving online business and inspires others in the autism community.Loomis Today

At 23 years old, Cameron Weitzel, a young man with autism from Loomis, California, has turned his passion for collecting retro items and Hot Wheels cars into a successful online business called Cameron's Collectibles. Despite being told he may never be able to communicate, Cameron has defied the odds, leaning on his family's faith and determination to build confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose through his entrepreneurial venture.

Why it matters

Cameron's story highlights the importance of awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals with autism. With autism rates on the rise, his journey serves as an inspiring example of how people with autism can overcome challenges and turn their passions into meaningful opportunities when given the right support and resources.

The details

Cameron Weitzel carefully photographs and lists each item in his online shop, from Hot Wheels to vintage toys. His family says doctors once doubted he would be able to communicate, but they never gave up, leaning on their faith and determination to help Cameron find his voice. The family later created a blog called "Rockin Autism Journey" to share their story and build a supportive community.

  • Cameron Weitzel is 23 years old.
  • April is Autism Awareness Month.

The players

Cameron Weitzel

A 23-year-old man with autism who owns an online collectibles shop called Cameron's Collectibles, where he sells retro finds and nostalgic treasures.

Trina Weitzel

Cameron's mother, who says doctors once told the family that Cameron would be nonverbal, but they refused to give up and instead leaned on their faith and determination to help him find his voice.

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What they’re saying

“Our neurologist told us that he was going to be nonverbal and we were going to accept that. However, we were going to try our best to try and get those words out.”

— Trina Weitzel, Cameron's mother

“Sometimes it takes hour by hour for us to get through the day and it helps that we have faith. We don't have a lot of family support, but that was another reason we started the blog, was to reach out to other people and let them know they're not alone.”

— Trina Weitzel, Cameron's mother

“It's hard sometimes, but it gets easier.”

— Cameron Weitzel

What’s next

The Weitzel family plans to continue sharing their story and building their supportive community through their "Rockin Autism Journey" blog, inspiring others and raising awareness about the capabilities of individuals with autism.

The takeaway

Cameron's journey demonstrates that with the right support and resources, individuals with autism can turn their passions into meaningful opportunities and defy the odds, highlighting the importance of awareness, acceptance, and inclusion for the autism community.