In Their Own Words
If you have a story you wish to share about your personal experience with autism, please send it to editors@autismspeaks.org. Autism Speaks reserves the right to edit contributions for space, style and content. Because of the volume of submissions, not all can be published on the site.
The $240 Balloon Animal
By Jessica Wilson
Editor's note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author exclusively.
By Jessica Wilson
Editor's note: The opinions expressed herein are those of the author exclusively.
I paid $240 yesterday for a balloon animal. And it wasn't even a monkey. My daughter thought it was, though its creator was the first to admit that it had an EXTREMELY strong resemblance to a dog. Perhaps I should back up a bit. Read more.
The Language of Childhood
An aunt tells how her nephew with autism has given her son a broader understanding of the abilities, talents and challenges of others through their unique friendship, which rarely involves speaking.
By Marie Green
Anthony's Act of Courage
A father tells how his son with autism truly harnessed his courageous side, after gaining a role in a community theatre production.
By Anthony Pater
Finding Hope in "Sensory Overload Heaven"
A mother tells how a family trip to Disney World ("sensory overload heaven") showed her that that if you're open to it, you'll find hope for your child's future in the most unlikely of places.
By Lisa Vaillancourt
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things
A mother recalls the day when her five year old neurotypical daughter brought an Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin to school to teach her classmates what it means to have a sibling with autism.
By Darlene Rowley
A Hole in the Sky
A mother recounts the story of how her son with autism achieved every golfer's dream -- the coveted hole-in-one.
By Kathie Harrington
Celebrating Autism
A mother recounts the story of a very special election, in which her daughter with autism was chosen by her peers to be their homecoming queen.
By Michele Sweeney
The Power of Music – Jack's Journey Out of Silence
A mother writes that she never realized the power of music until she saw its power in helping her son with autism spectrum disorder connect to the world.
By Francine M. Andersen
The Day He Carried the Flag A mother describes her feelings of patriotism and hope when her son with autism was invited by the school's principal to carry the school's “special flag” during its Veteran's Day Ceremony.
By Lauri Brett
Bringing Kendall Home
A mother tells how the simple, yet inspiring words spoken by her neurotypical daughter inspire her to fight to "bring home" her daughter with autism.
By Jessica Wilson
A Different House Tour
A mother describes her typical yet different home environment with two children with autism, where "the optimistically titled 'Auditory Processing Super Pack' resides next to Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders.”
By Julie Fay
Leftovers
An educator tells the story of a boy with autism who learns to connect with his classmates on the playground.
By Ann Densmore
Finding an Obsession We Both Like
A mother writes about the process of finding something her son can focus on that the entire family can enjoy together.
By Cathy Bowen
From Play-Doh Comes Hope
A mother shares how her son's interest in Play-Doh has helped him connect to the world around him.
By Francie Hogan
Coach of the Year
The father of a boy with Asperger's shares a letter that he wrote requesting that the Pop Warner football coach who patiently worked with his son be designated "Coach of the Year."
By Robert Civitano
There Ought to Be a Law
A ten-year-old shares his award-winning essay about why people with autism, including his younger brother, deserve a law guaranteeing them free medical and educational assistance.
By Austin Koring
Our "One of a Kind" Family
A mother talks about raising her "one of a kind" family of seven, which includes three sons with severe autism, and typical twin daughters.
By Lori Collins
Trophies
A father tells how his six year old son with autism won a trophy at his school's science fair. While this was a tangible recognition of his accomplishment, it also represented the strides and progress he has made.
By John Felker
A Mass to Remember
A mother tells how her fourteen year old son with autism was confirmed in the church, thanks to the help of his family and some special people within the church.
By Kim Fiore, "Johnny's Angels" team captain, Pittsburgh Walk Now for Autism
No Ribbon for Alexa
A mother realizes that in a home with autism, all the children have qualities that make them unique and all deserve recognition.
By Paula Scheider
Supreme Court Gives Schools Too Much Credit
Gary Mayerson, director of the Autism Speaks Federal Legal Appeals Project and Alison Singer, Executive Vice President of Autism Speaks reflect upon the aforementioned Supreme Court hearing and what it might mean for parents of children with disabilities.
By Gary Mayerson and Alison Singer
Finding Balance
Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., shares his insight in a keynote speech presented at the Southern New England Walk Now for Autism Kick-off, emphasizing the importance of finding balance.
By Barry M. Prizant
The Most Important Choice
A mother of a toddler with autism tells how one important decision made the biggest difference in her family's life.
By Paula Scheider
A Day of Baseball in the Park
A mother tells how an invitation to play baseball in the park reminded her that having autism shouldn't limit the activities her son can enjoy.
By Elli Memoli
A Portrait of Autism
A father submits a photo of his four year old son at the Lincoln Memorial, showing that a picture often illustrates more than words can explain.
By Paul Mark
My Journey with Autism
A new Walk Now Chair tells how an episode of "The View" inspired her to start a walk in her community.
By Crystal Frost, Chair, Oklahoma Walk Now for Autism
Raising Awareness in My Neighborhood
A Walk Now Co-chair explains how raising awareness in her town helped her see the true kindness of her neighbors.
By Ellen Cicconi, Co-chair, Wheeling Walk Now for Autism
My Special Brothers
A thirteen year old girl tells what makes her two brothers with autism special
By Kathleen Buick
My Brother Vinnie
A sister describes how her brother with autism brings people together.
By Lucy Ireland
Gigi's House
The mother of a three-year-old boy with autism describes how her friend's new house, architecturally different from its more traditional neighbors, but magnificent in its own right, helped her see her son as exceptional.
By Joan Drummond Olson
Blazing the Trails for Kids with Autism
A parent tells how her twin sons discovered competitive running.
By Robyn Schneider
Ben's Graduation
A father of a high school graduate with autism leaves a lasting mark on students.
By Steve LeClaire
Living with Asperger's Syndrome - Part 2
A teenager recounts her memories of growing up with Asperger's
By Hannah Fjeldsted
Autism Speaks 400 has Special Meaning for One Family
A parent tells how NASCAR inspires her child with autism.
By Mimi Harris
Living with Asperger's Syndrome
A teenager recounts her memories of growing up with Asperger's
By Hannah Fjeldsted
Silent Language of Love
A mom tells how sometimes less is more.
By Cammie McGovern
Peeking Under the Garage Door of Autism
A Missouri parent tells her story of hope.
By Shawnna Robinson
An Asperger's Perception of Friendship
A teen with Asperger's writes about living on the spectrum.
By Scott Goldfarb
For My Brother Joey
A brother creates a button to raise awareness and funds.
By Nicholas Lombardi
Finding the Beautiful in Autism
A father writes of his daughter's successes.
By Roy Richard Grinker
Mom Asks for Understanding
A mother explains how strangers often misjudge her child with autism.
By Mary Tepas
Perspective
A poem for Jaren
By Barbara Spires
A Journey of Inches
A father tells about his teenage son with high-functioning autism, and his many accomplishments.
By Alex Cullison
Facing the Moment of Truth
A mother finds a painful answer to the question: ‘Is It Autism?'
By Tamar Bihari
Jesse's Story
The first essay in this series, written by a mother of a boy on the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum whose success in overcoming his fear on the slopes opened up a whole new world for himself and his family.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Two essays about the importance of early diagnosis of autism.
Why We Walk
Why We Walk: Reflections
A devoted walker reflects upon his years of participation, detailing the reasons that he keeps coming back to "Walk Now for Autism".
By Cao Anh Quan
Why We Walk: "But Mom..."
A mother describes her seven year old daughter's transformation from a reluctant walker who would rather stay in bed to an enthusiastic supporter of her brother with autism.
By Judith Ursitti
Why We Walk: A Family Effort
A grandmother who has two grandsons with autism tells how her entire family makes autism awareness its mission.
By Pam Anderson
Why We Walk: A Lesson for a Teacher
A West Virginia walk volunteer explains what motivates her to participate.
By Leah Stout
Why We Walk: Something about his Eyes
A father writes about his son and how he began to understand him.
By Hassan Peterson
Why We Walk: What Does Not Destroy Me Makes Me Stronger
A high school junior writes about what she has learned from her brother with autism.
By Elizabeth Boyd
Why We Walk: Devman: Our Angel, Our Everything, Our Son
A mother tells how her son Devin inspired her to walk for autism.
By Brittany Wiggins
Why We Walk: Enthusiasm Became Contagious
A new walk team captain tells how to make your walk team successful.
By Amy Capobianco-Diaz
What Do You Think?
We regularly ask the Autism Speaks community to share its perspectives on important concerns. Read below to see what you've had to say on topics ranging from ABA therapy to dealing with strangers. And share your suggestions for future “What Do You Think?” features by emailing us here. Plus, watch for our new online forum feature later this spring, where you'll be able to post your comments and share your thoughts directly with other members of the Autism Speaks community.
An aunt tells how her nephew with autism has given her son a broader understanding of the abilities, talents and challenges of others through their unique friendship, which rarely involves speaking.
By Marie Green
Anthony's Act of Courage
A father tells how his son with autism truly harnessed his courageous side, after gaining a role in a community theatre production.
By Anthony Pater
Finding Hope in "Sensory Overload Heaven"
A mother tells how a family trip to Disney World ("sensory overload heaven") showed her that that if you're open to it, you'll find hope for your child's future in the most unlikely of places.
By Lisa Vaillancourt
These Are a Few of My Favorite Things
A mother recalls the day when her five year old neurotypical daughter brought an Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin to school to teach her classmates what it means to have a sibling with autism.
By Darlene Rowley
A Hole in the Sky
A mother recounts the story of how her son with autism achieved every golfer's dream -- the coveted hole-in-one.
By Kathie Harrington
Celebrating Autism
A mother recounts the story of a very special election, in which her daughter with autism was chosen by her peers to be their homecoming queen.
By Michele Sweeney
The Power of Music – Jack's Journey Out of Silence
A mother writes that she never realized the power of music until she saw its power in helping her son with autism spectrum disorder connect to the world.
By Francine M. Andersen
The Day He Carried the Flag A mother describes her feelings of patriotism and hope when her son with autism was invited by the school's principal to carry the school's “special flag” during its Veteran's Day Ceremony.
By Lauri Brett
Bringing Kendall Home
A mother tells how the simple, yet inspiring words spoken by her neurotypical daughter inspire her to fight to "bring home" her daughter with autism.
By Jessica Wilson
A Different House Tour
A mother describes her typical yet different home environment with two children with autism, where "the optimistically titled 'Auditory Processing Super Pack' resides next to Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders.”
By Julie Fay
Leftovers
An educator tells the story of a boy with autism who learns to connect with his classmates on the playground.
By Ann Densmore
Finding an Obsession We Both Like
A mother writes about the process of finding something her son can focus on that the entire family can enjoy together.
By Cathy Bowen
From Play-Doh Comes Hope
A mother shares how her son's interest in Play-Doh has helped him connect to the world around him.
By Francie Hogan
Coach of the Year
The father of a boy with Asperger's shares a letter that he wrote requesting that the Pop Warner football coach who patiently worked with his son be designated "Coach of the Year."
By Robert Civitano
There Ought to Be a Law
A ten-year-old shares his award-winning essay about why people with autism, including his younger brother, deserve a law guaranteeing them free medical and educational assistance.
By Austin Koring
Our "One of a Kind" Family
A mother talks about raising her "one of a kind" family of seven, which includes three sons with severe autism, and typical twin daughters.
By Lori Collins
Trophies
A father tells how his six year old son with autism won a trophy at his school's science fair. While this was a tangible recognition of his accomplishment, it also represented the strides and progress he has made.
By John Felker
A Mass to Remember
A mother tells how her fourteen year old son with autism was confirmed in the church, thanks to the help of his family and some special people within the church.
By Kim Fiore, "Johnny's Angels" team captain, Pittsburgh Walk Now for Autism
No Ribbon for Alexa
A mother realizes that in a home with autism, all the children have qualities that make them unique and all deserve recognition.
By Paula Scheider
Supreme Court Gives Schools Too Much Credit
Gary Mayerson, director of the Autism Speaks Federal Legal Appeals Project and Alison Singer, Executive Vice President of Autism Speaks reflect upon the aforementioned Supreme Court hearing and what it might mean for parents of children with disabilities.
By Gary Mayerson and Alison Singer
Finding Balance
Barry M. Prizant, Ph.D., shares his insight in a keynote speech presented at the Southern New England Walk Now for Autism Kick-off, emphasizing the importance of finding balance.
By Barry M. Prizant
The Most Important Choice
A mother of a toddler with autism tells how one important decision made the biggest difference in her family's life.
By Paula Scheider
A Day of Baseball in the Park
A mother tells how an invitation to play baseball in the park reminded her that having autism shouldn't limit the activities her son can enjoy.
By Elli Memoli
A Portrait of Autism
A father submits a photo of his four year old son at the Lincoln Memorial, showing that a picture often illustrates more than words can explain.
By Paul Mark
My Journey with Autism
A new Walk Now Chair tells how an episode of "The View" inspired her to start a walk in her community.
By Crystal Frost, Chair, Oklahoma Walk Now for Autism
Raising Awareness in My Neighborhood
A Walk Now Co-chair explains how raising awareness in her town helped her see the true kindness of her neighbors.
By Ellen Cicconi, Co-chair, Wheeling Walk Now for Autism
My Special Brothers
A thirteen year old girl tells what makes her two brothers with autism special
By Kathleen Buick
My Brother Vinnie
A sister describes how her brother with autism brings people together.
By Lucy Ireland
Gigi's House
The mother of a three-year-old boy with autism describes how her friend's new house, architecturally different from its more traditional neighbors, but magnificent in its own right, helped her see her son as exceptional.
By Joan Drummond Olson
Blazing the Trails for Kids with Autism
A parent tells how her twin sons discovered competitive running.
By Robyn Schneider
Ben's Graduation
A father of a high school graduate with autism leaves a lasting mark on students.
By Steve LeClaire
Living with Asperger's Syndrome - Part 2
A teenager recounts her memories of growing up with Asperger's
By Hannah Fjeldsted
Autism Speaks 400 has Special Meaning for One Family
A parent tells how NASCAR inspires her child with autism.
By Mimi Harris
Living with Asperger's Syndrome
A teenager recounts her memories of growing up with Asperger's
By Hannah Fjeldsted
Silent Language of Love
A mom tells how sometimes less is more.
By Cammie McGovern
Peeking Under the Garage Door of Autism
A Missouri parent tells her story of hope.
By Shawnna Robinson
An Asperger's Perception of Friendship
A teen with Asperger's writes about living on the spectrum.
By Scott Goldfarb
For My Brother Joey
A brother creates a button to raise awareness and funds.
By Nicholas Lombardi
Finding the Beautiful in Autism
A father writes of his daughter's successes.
By Roy Richard Grinker
Mom Asks for Understanding
A mother explains how strangers often misjudge her child with autism.
By Mary Tepas
Perspective
A poem for Jaren
By Barbara Spires
A Journey of Inches
A father tells about his teenage son with high-functioning autism, and his many accomplishments.
By Alex Cullison
Facing the Moment of Truth
A mother finds a painful answer to the question: ‘Is It Autism?'
By Tamar Bihari
Jesse's Story
The first essay in this series, written by a mother of a boy on the high-functioning end of the autistic spectrum whose success in overcoming his fear on the slopes opened up a whole new world for himself and his family.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Two essays about the importance of early diagnosis of autism.
Why We Walk
Why We Walk: Reflections
A devoted walker reflects upon his years of participation, detailing the reasons that he keeps coming back to "Walk Now for Autism".
By Cao Anh Quan
Why We Walk: "But Mom..."
A mother describes her seven year old daughter's transformation from a reluctant walker who would rather stay in bed to an enthusiastic supporter of her brother with autism.
By Judith Ursitti
Why We Walk: A Family Effort
A grandmother who has two grandsons with autism tells how her entire family makes autism awareness its mission.
By Pam Anderson
Why We Walk: A Lesson for a Teacher
A West Virginia walk volunteer explains what motivates her to participate.
By Leah Stout
Why We Walk: Something about his Eyes
A father writes about his son and how he began to understand him.
By Hassan Peterson
Why We Walk: What Does Not Destroy Me Makes Me Stronger
A high school junior writes about what she has learned from her brother with autism.
By Elizabeth Boyd
Why We Walk: Devman: Our Angel, Our Everything, Our Son
A mother tells how her son Devin inspired her to walk for autism.
By Brittany Wiggins
Why We Walk: Enthusiasm Became Contagious
A new walk team captain tells how to make your walk team successful.
By Amy Capobianco-Diaz
What Do You Think?
We regularly ask the Autism Speaks community to share its perspectives on important concerns. Read below to see what you've had to say on topics ranging from ABA therapy to dealing with strangers. And share your suggestions for future “What Do You Think?” features by emailing us here. Plus, watch for our new online forum feature later this spring, where you'll be able to post your comments and share your thoughts directly with other members of the Autism Speaks community.
What Do You Think: Memories of an Autism Pioneer, Dr. Bernard Rimland
What Do You Think: How Others Respond to Autistic Behavior
What Do You Think: Has ABA Therapy Worked For You
What Do You Think: Is Autism an Epidemic?
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