DEDICATION TO THE REAL STARS OF AUTISM

I dedicate this resource first and foremost to my children, Kimberly, Matthew, Christina, Jonathan, Stephen, and Alex. They are all my favorites! This book sets out to share the wealth of information and resources I found and used to help my two special needs children, Jonathan and Alex. Though there have been many challenges over the years, I wouldn’t have my children any other way. They are who they are—whole, loving, and complete—exactly as they are. Jonny’s humor and wit make me laugh. His ability to focus and concentrate enables him to hone in on what he enjoys most while offering him hope for the future. Alex’s persistence will carry him far in life and certainly keeps us all on our toes! So much for growing old quickly!

I also dedicate this resource to all of Jonny and Alex’s peers with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or autism. You are the real shining stars of autism, and you offer a unique perspective that enriches the fabric of humankind. I like to say we must all “discover the awesome in autism,” and this is what Autism Today is all about. In fact, many leading individuals may have had high functioning autism, including Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and Thomas Jefferson, to mention a few. Our world is much better because of your contributions.

A great big thank-you goes out to all the wonderful authors and presenters who have contributed to this resource. Your commitment and perseverance in discovering help for this special group of people is what is moving the entire field forward. One of my goals is to facilitate the change of views and attitudes that people have about autism around the world. It is important to help people see that autism is a unique condition, with many symptoms that can be overcome through intervention, rather than as a negative affliction, as it was viewed in days past. Regardless of our circumstances, we can choose to see peace within it. By doing so, the quality of everyone’s lives will become more positive and loving. The person with autism is in your life for a reason. Perhaps this person is there to teach you love, patience, and understanding. If you are the person with autism, you also have your lessons to learn. Maybe they are to accept yourself, explore your strengths, and learn to love and laugh more easily. No matter what we are all here to experience, I challenge each and every one of you to look into your hearts and ponder what you are here to learn and then seek to fulfill your true gifts and strengths.

THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU!
—Karen L. Simmons, Founder, CEO Autism Today