The Authors of Our Autism Memoir
David
I have always written, but I never considered myself an author. By training, I am a social worker, and I have dedicated most of my adult life to non-profit organizations. For many years, that was how I defined my identity. Everything shifted when a story of pain, trial, and eventually, wonder, arrived at our doorstep. Our son’s autism diagnosis shook me to my core and surfaced long-unresolved emotions. However, through the guidance of an exceptional clinical team and the collective effort of our entire family, Jacob blossomed and discovered his voice. Consequently, I began writing with true purpose during a period when I had the least time to do so. As Jacob discovered his voice, I found my own. "A Miracle of the Heart: A Father and Son’s Autism Journey" marks my debut as an author. The book consists of essays composed and woven together over three decades, documenting Jacob’s story alongside my own. Jacob’s voice serves as the heart of the book, offering a portrait of his deep wisdom and humanity. Since autism affects the whole family, I am currently developing a children’s book about autism told from a sibling’s perspective. I remain a social worker at heart and find great fulfillment in meeting, speaking with, and—most importantly—listening to others. I harbor a dream of driving across the country to share my experiences and collect the stories of other parents whose families have navigated the complexities of autism. Every individual has a story to tell, and in that sense, we are all authors.
Jacob
I was in the sixth grade when my mother first told me I was autistic. Of course, learning the term is one thing; truly understanding what autism means is another. Whenever I questioned my parents, they explained it was a “developmental disorder” and provided examples of “symptoms” I displayed as a young child. I was only 11 or 12 at the time, but even with my limited vocabulary, the word “disorder” felt inherently negative. I once made the mistake of mentioning my diagnosis at middle school. My teacher responded by claiming that autism was a form of “mental retardation.” A nearby student immediately began mocking me with slurs. One would have expected an educator to exercise more tact and empathy. Then there were the endless appointments. Once or twice a week, I attended therapy or met with specialists, usually at facilities with names like “The Spectrum Center.” Many were located over an hour away from our home in Pikesville, a suburb of Baltimore. All those appointments and the many hours of Floortime therapy eventually yielded results. After high school, I spent a gap year in Israel. Later, supported by a Georgia HOPE Scholarship, I graduated from Georgia College with a major in Creative Writing and a minor in Philosophy. I have authored numerous short stories and am currently working on my first novel. I also tutor teenagers on the autism spectrum and am an active participant in two writing groups and several adult autism communities. I plan to apply to graduate programs for social work in the coming months. I have spent years navigating my relationship with autism and learning how to live with dignity within an identity that the world often fails to understand. This book provides a window into my journey and my voice.
The whole world is a narrow bridge, but the most important thing is to not be afraid at all
Nachman of Breslov