About the author:
. On the autism spectrum himself providing the perspective of an insider.
. Been working with kids since 1985 as a professional and/or volunteer.
. Founded and has run CNY Autism Consulting since 2011.
. Speaks at universities, schools, and agencies.
. Sits on the NY State Department of Education Advisory Council for Post-Secondary Disability Education.
. Experienced in working with those who have coexisting mental health, developmental, and physical diagnoses.
. Experienced in autism crisis management.
. Works with all ages and levels of functioning.
. Mentors two brothers with autism, in their home, his home, and the community.
. Took in and parented an autistic teen.

Also:
. Repeated third grade in school, and was in a self-contained classroom for fourth and fifth grade.
. Couldn't ride a bike until age eleven.
. While repeatedly failing in high school accused of being: lazy, unprepared, unconcerned, and not working to abilities.
. Failed courses in college, graduating with a 2.2 GPA, and not knowing if there would be a diploma until the day before graduation.
. Was fired from multiple jobs, and almost fired from several more.
. Struggles with handwriting to the degree he has difficulty doing much more than signing his name or making a shopping list.
. Most days has a sink piled with dirty dishes.