Maryland Autism.org

Why Did I Start This Site?

When I originally started this site, it was for purely selfish reasons. I didn’t realize that my family had been affected by ASDs (Autism Spectrum Disorders). Instead, I did it because one of my boutique suppliers began a special Autism Awareness Drive and I figured such a website was one of the easiest ways to help (and make a little money in the process).

It wasn’t like I didn’t care… after all, one of my dearest Sunday School students was called autistic by her caregivers, yet never received proper diagnosis. She missed out on the wide range of therapies and support available for today’s families affected by ASDs, and likely would have been diagnosed were she still alive today. This is my opinion– not medical fact. Everyone knew she was autistic, but her parents couldn't get the proper diagnosis.

But I had no idea how close to home ASDs would eventually hit.

In my (unsuccessful) attempts to profit from this campaign, I began talking to people who struggle with ASDs on a daily basis. Unless you are familiar with the Spectrum, you probably don't know how hard some things can be- even if the affected family member is considered "high functioning." Through this, my eyes came open!

A loner in high school, and written off by doctors in college as being aloof and having an awkward affect, I suffered a series of anger management and other relationship skills classes that didn't help, probably because there was no acknowledgment of the underlying thought processing difference. Things that are socially important to others weren't important to me. I graduated from college with no awareness of this anomaly, but at least the classes taught me a thing or two about how to present myself confidently.

I suspect that were I a child today, the diagnosis would be Asperger's Syndrome (AS), sometimes called a "high-functioning" ASD. I soon discovered that many of the "coping methods" that brought me to my current level of social, professional, and spiritual fulfillment are the same techniques encouraged in local AS support groups.

Years after giving up trying to be "normal," I discovered a group of people who were "just like me."

No, I have not been “diagnosed,” nor do I intend to be. I am fiercely religious and firmly believe that “old things are passed away; behold all things (including me) have become new." I'm not the same person that I was growing up. Not saying that I've been "cured" but I've learned enough to enjoy life. I'm not personally conviced that "diagnosis" helps as much as knowing one is different and taking steps to acheive your goals in light of those differences. For me, diagnosis doesn’t matter because I have a wonderful life, great job, amazing spouse and kid, etc.

And I'm HAPPY. I really am!

But not everyone affected by ASD (or with Autistic tendencies) can say that. So now my support of Autism has taken on a personal spin- there is so much to be done! Research to be conducted (and funded), therapies to explore, myths to debunk, and most of all: there are children and families who need to know that they are not alone. With the right knowledge, proper support, and a little understanding, many children affected by ASDs can lead successful and fulfilling lives. And I intend to help, in whatever way I can. I really believe many autistic children can grow up into content and productive adults, if a) they want to (which helps them be willing to put forth the effort) and b) someone is patient enough to show them the way.

This effort and site has really grown. Our goal is really to answer initial questions, provide a handy spot for state resources and ASD-related events, as well as directing individuals to state/county services that can help them. We now have regular contributors who send in news snippets, and are looking to transition this site to long term leadership. Please help! Support the organizations linked on this site, and raise awareness.

I'm closing down Jasper Web Services to focus on more enjoyable ventures. But don't worry- I will continue to provide MarylandAutism.org with free hosting and design services, and we will continue to cover the phone number 888-274-8353. Of course, donations are always welcome!