Beauty Queen on the Spectrum

Those on the spectrum continue to defy the odds that once restricted us.  In this post, I'm going to share one more glamorous example of what is possible for someone on the autism spectrum.  Alexis Wineman is representing the state of Montana in the Miss America pageant.  Alexis is one girl who has defied the odds that once restricted her.  The basis of her success story is similar the stories of many other individuals on the autism spectrum.  Alexis never imagined ever entering a beauty pageant, just as I never thought I would be a writer or podcast host, and just as many others on the spectrum are successful in ways they never believed possible.  While this doesn't reduce the difficulties associated with autism, the story told by Alexis reflects my own story in many ways.  Our story reflects the stories of so many other self advocates, the ones who received a chance at a crucial moment in our past, and are now living lives we never believed possible.  There is definitely a trend between all the stories told by self advocates.  As Alexis says, people on the spectrum should be viewed as a different type of person who has different needs but is fully capable of succeeding.

To read more about Alexis's story, click on the following link:

http://thelook.today.com/_news/2013/01/10/16447581-miss-montana-is-first-autistic-contestant-for-miss-america?lite

Graduation Day!

Well, today was the big day.  This morning, I walked across the stage to celebrate my college graduation.  For anyone who doubt that people on the autism spectrum could become successful, I am living proof that any challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder can be overcome:

Teen with Aspergers becomes Homecoming King

A teen with Aspergers Syndrome was recently named Homecoming King at his Metro Detroit high school.  It was not a joke or a prank of any sort, just the result of some very dedicated and understanding friends.  Eighteen year old Danny Leideker has a lot to be thankful for.  He is attending the Linden High School Homecoming Dance, probably at this very moment as I write these words.  He had two girls that agreed to take turns dancing with him just to show him what it felt like.  Friends on the varsity football team have spent time showing Danny proper social behavior.  This is something that every teen on the spectrum hopes for, including myself when I was in high school, but very few ever receive.  I am happy for Danny to have the help and support of his family and so many great friends.  To read more on this story, click on the following link:

http://www.freep.com/article/20121006/NEWS01/310060036/At-homecoming-and-in-friends-eyes-Linden-teen-with-autism-is-king?odyssey=nav%7Chead

Employers Gaining Awareness

Employer autism awareness is rising.  More companies are realizing the benefits of hiring high functioning autistic individuals.  Apart from our dedication to what is interesting to us, employers also don't have to worry about excessive socialization for those with high functioning autism.

Now, you won't be able to read this entire source unless you subscribe to this newspaper, which costs a bit of money.  I didn't read the whole article, but I think it is more important to know that the autism awareness message is being heard by employers.  To read my source, click here: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/09/14/awareness-growing-for-benefits-those.html

Autistic Decals on Cars?

What do you think about this idea?  A man in Texas is pushing for decals to be manufactured and provided for drivers who are on the autism spectrum.  This, he says, will give police and emergency officials the information they need to make appropriate decisions based on the individual's specific needs.  For more information, click here.  I personally think that this is a good idea because, if a high functioning individual with autism is pulled over, for whatever reason, the pressure of the situation could trigger a meltdown.  This would give law enforcement officials the necessary information they need to know that their own safety is not compromised. There should also be training in place for law enforcement officials so that they know how to react to a situation such as that.  The same with fire fighters and emergency respond personnel.  These are my thoughts on this idea.  Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment box below.