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I Was 63 When I Learned I Was Autistic. Suddenly, My Entire Life Made Sense
When I was a little girl, I often played alone. While other children instinctively understood the social dance of the playground, I hovered at the edges, unsure of the rules. Teachers described me as bright but socially awkward. Report cards noted that I did not always "play well with peers." I...
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Life Through an Autistic Lens: No Turning Back
There is an order to all things I do. To how things must be done. I start at the beginning and end at the end. I move in one direction. For instance, when you go somewhere, you must go straight there. Backtracking is not permitted. Detours are not permitted. They break the law. If you...
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Dear Younger Me: What I Wish I’d Known About Being Autistic
One of the questions I always hear being asked is, "What words of advice would you tell your younger self?" Such a question seems very cliché to me. However, just because something is cliché doesn't mean it's boring. In fact, our thoughts on this evolve through our life experiences. This is...
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Life Through an Autistic Lens: All Those Steps
There is a glob of peanut butter on my kitchen floor. There is also one on the floor next to my desk, in the middle of my living area, and in front of my couch. A browny-orange trail is also dripping downwards to my elbow, but I leave it there for the moment. There’s a tissue box on my bed and...
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Autism Science Foundation Hosts Autism Community’s First TED-Style Talks
On April 10, 2014, the Autism Science Foundation celebrated its fifth anniversary by hosting a Day of Learning and an Evening of Celebration at the Yale Club of New York City. For the Day of Learning, ASF presented the autism community’s first TED-Style Talks, which were given by nine experts in...
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Dear Self
A few weeks ago I read an issue of People Magazine that featured one of the Real Housewives of New Jersey and her newly-diagnosed autistic son. The headline bleated something like, “Jersey Housewife Fights to Save Her Son!” When I read this, I felt a surge of outrage. Save? Save? After a...
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Jack’s Birthday
Every year I write each of my children a letter on their birthday and keep it in a small journal. These letters describe the person they are at that particular age; their likes and dislikes, favorite activities, and overall temperament. This letter is to my autistic son, Jack, as he celebrates his...
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The Lighter Side of the Spectrum: A Mom’s View – Angels
As a mother of an autistic boy, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet all kinds of extraordinary people who have touched our lives. In addition to the beautiful network of supportive teachers, family, and friends, I’ve encountered many people – sometimes strangers – who share their compassion...
