Read story of Aaron in the Suburban Journal CLICK HERE

Read Aaron’s blog: CLICK HERE

In October 2010 I was on a panel discussion with Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Daniel Shore, and Dr. Michael McManmon about Self Advocacy. Here is part of my comments. This is a sample of what you will find of my presentation DVD.

Following is an excerpt from “Finding Kansas: Living With and Decoding Asperger’s Syndrome.” Aaron was diagnosed at the age of 20 with Asperger’s Syndrom. Since that time he has written a new book that will change how educators, parents, therapist, and doctors view this Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The Title Chapter from “Finding Kansas.”

Just a note from Dad... This piece is one of the most significant in this book. It is so significant that some professionals at one of America's top autism organization have adopted Aaron's definitions of a Situational Handicap.

Finding Kansas: The Situational Handicap

Some people who know me and know that I have Asperger’s think that there’s nothing wrong with me. These people, however, only see me in certain situations and have no idea how paralyzed I can be in some situations. This can be very aggravating because I know something isn’t perfect with me, but when I hear such remarks as, “Oh, you’re fine,” or “I can’t see how you have that at all,” it really bothers me.

To make a good example, let’s say a person is paralyzed. However, for reasons unknown, this person is perfectly fine anytime they are in the state of Kansas. If you saw this person while in Kansas you’d flat out tell them, “Hey, you’re not paralyzed!” At the time this comment would be true, but to the person, they know that the second they leave the state they are paralyzed again.

Now this person, knowing the magic of Kansas, would probably sell his home in whatever state he’s in and move to Kansas so he would not be paralyzed. This is exactly how I try to be in life in regards to finding my Kansas. MORE