Background

In a recent discussion with my friend Dave I mentioned wanting to learn more about Autism. Dave responded saying something along the lines of, “We [my wife and I] don’t know autism, we know Nikolai”. Nikolai is their 9 year old son who was diagnosed with autism at age 3.

Autism Speaks defines Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as “complex disorders of brain development. The disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors”. For more information on ASD visit www.autismspeaks.org .

Hearing Dave’s words in my head as I read this definition of Autism magnified the fact that each person is unique and therefore faces different challenges in life and has different strengths to overcome such challenges, despite the label they may have to wear. And so, in my pursuit of “wanting to learn more about Autism” I am setting out to learn more about specific people and their experience with the disorder. I anticipate learning about certain personal characteristics, obstacles and challenges, as well as strengths and resources.

Please feel free to share any experiences you may have here on this blog.