Having two children with autism, it makes you really think about how we do relate to each other.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
People think about autism as something with kids. Well, those kids grow up.
I treasure my meetings with individuals affected by autism - parents, children, teachers and friends. Their strength is inspiring. They deserve all possible opportunities for education, employment and integration.
As a scientist leading a funding agency for autism research, I think of autism as a neurodevelopmental disorder.
I've been interested in autism since I've known about it, which is more or less since I've been writing.
As a parent with a child with autism, it's been really tough to experience your child having autism.
Autism is an extremely variable disorder.
I am also a believer in an integrated treatment approach to autism.
I have a long-standing relationship with Autism Speaks. I've been supporting them for many, many years now.
Having kids has proven to be this amazing - for me, this amazing source of ideas of anecdotes, of examples, I can test my own kids without human subject permission, so they pilot - I pilot my ideas on them. And so it is a tremendous advantage to have kids if you're going to be a developmental psychologist.
Autism is part of who I am.