An unwavering positive energy, the same energy needed by disabled children, led me, against all odds, to take my son on an adventure many dream of: riding across the three Americas on a Harley Davidson,

I first read about The Intense World Theory in March of this past year. I was also just beginning to find blogs written by autistics. My world completely changed. So it was with great excitement that I sat down with Drs. Kamila and Henry Markram after their presentation on Aug. 1.

Because of her many and varied sensory issues, Emma doesn't like wearing shoes, or socks, for that matter. So, no. We did not have sneakers to send into school. However, I decided to change that.

When Emma showed interest in the mermaid, I had high hopes for Mirabelle's return. Only, it turns out, Emma's mermaid did not hold the same sort of feelings as Mirabelle had for me.

There is a large and thriving community out there of both autists and parents of autists who are writing, blogging, commenting and reaching out to one another. The only requirement to join this community is a desire for connection.

When Mickey was diagnosed 16 years ago, there was no road map to tell us what lay ahead. How do we build a full life for him after high school? Where will he live? And our ultimate dread: Who will love him when we are gone?

Early on my husband and I realized the importance of down time, because with an autistic child, there is so little of it.

Can one really teach empathy? I'm not sure. My child isn't isn't a charity case. He isn't a community project. He's a kind-hearted, teen-age boy who enjoys having friends. And he happens to have autism.