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Autistic Child to Autistic Adult: The Journey Blog by Buckholtz

This is the ongoing story of my life as a multi-platinum record producer, songwriter and founder of a non-profit aimed at directly assisting families coping with autism, all while coping with Asperger's Syndrome and OCD. I'm gladly sharing some of my thinking processes, behaviors and experiences in detail. Hope these real life observations can help.

Posts: 76 | Created on December 10, 2008 | 25

Family after family in the Autistic Community find it increasingly difficult to maintain the financial support they need to raise their autistic child or children. The reasons are many. Some just do not live in states that have programs geared toward helping them with their unique situation. Some families simply do not yet know about any program in existence that could actually help them restructure their finances. Others wind up becoming impoverished buying into just about every self-help gimmick pushed towards them by celebrities or medical doctors claiming a cure. Even worse,

many parents simply relinquish their parenting with the belief that medication, therapists and a variety of other medical professionals know how to cope with their child best. Medication for epilepsy and other physical issues is more than understandable. Medicating to stabilize a person's personality is costly because one would have to assume if someone needs medicating for emotional stability, this is a cost that will exist for their lifetime. No one can sustain such a cost (including the person on the medication) without eventually asking others to help. The alternative: Total bankruptcy.

Here is a typical story of a family coping. This is unedited so you can get the full impact of what some families find themselves doing.

"To All Who May Read My Story;

I have an 11 1/2 year old son named Kaleb that is diagnosed with autism. He was misdiagnosed for several years, and given all the wrong medications. He was diagnosed with autism when he was 7. Diagnosed, but no real therapy or help for us as a family. Because of his behavior. safety of himself as well as family, and the extreme need for some type of therapy and treatment - I was forced to send him to an autistic residential treatment facility. He really did very, very well there (he'll never say that) - as a matter of fact each and every time we would go for a visit I wondered how could this be my child? He was like a different person. But with the Insurance we had he was only allowed to stay for one year even though he could have benefited from a little more treatment. The facility he was staying at really wanted to keep him a little longer as well, but their hands were tied. He was released without proper follow-up with the facility - meaning they did not insure that he had what he and the family needed for treatment - therapy/in home services, etc. That was a real shame....

We were living in the great state of West Virginia at the time, but I was perusing another state while he were at the residential facility because I knew that there was nothing in West Virginia to help him. He was subjected to a regular classroom every year from Kindergarten till he went to the residential - and then placed back in the regular classroom even after going to a residential facility when he returned. It was disastrous to say the least. I knew I had to make a move for my son. And I did.

We moved to North Carolina the middle of January 2009 (6 weeks after Kaleb was released from the residential facility). He is now in a self-contained classroom of 5 students with a class aide. He has a fantastic child neurologist, we just got Medicaid waiver - so he now has in home services, we just got on board with a very, very good therapist. And after being here a year and a half - we now have an appointment with a very good child psychologist. It looks like we "may" survive - but it has taken a year and a half to get here, and we are still in no means finished - can't even take a breath really. I am constantly taking my son to doctor appointments, therapy appointments, and or getting him from school. Yes, my son has been sent home - already this year a total of 19 days. Last year he was sent him 6 times from the middle of January to June. So we are still struggling. Back in West Virginia I had a good job, my house would have been paid for in about 10 years, and I could have retired at the age of 56. Though I did miss a lot with Kaleb - I had no sick time accumulated at all. I'm not complaining - I would not change a thing - epically if we are getting some where, and he is actually getting what he needs. That is all I have ever wanted. But since moving - I haven't been able to work - I don't even really have time to research employment - though I do try, and I have placed hundreds, and hundreds of applications as well as resume's. No luck - but even if someone were to contact me - there is absolutely no way I could work. And that is the real problem. We finally do have medical coverage for Kaleb - wonderful - helps out so very, very much, but we can not make it financially. My husband works full time earning $10 an hour. That is no money. I was the bread winner earning the most money as I have a BS degree and was in the social service industry. We are behind on every bill we pay. And I say pay by just what we have to pay - not what we actually owe. We have to pay our rent in payments, because we never have enough to pay it all at once. We do not get any other help from any other source - just Kaleb's medical. I am exhausted, and I don't know where to turn.

And we are not done yet, not even close - still having a lot of behavior issues. I took Kaleb to the hospital this morning as prescribed by his neurologist for an MRI. We were sent last August to Illinois for a brain SPEC. This was very expensive, and they did not except Insurance of any kind. Plus getting there and back and staying there. I was able to contact some agencies and get some help for that - as Kaleb did not have Medicaid waiver (C.A.P) at that time, but even if he did the facility did not except Insurance.

And my point is that with all that I have to do - my husband is not able to do - there is no way I can work right now, and I am wondering if there is anyone out there to help us with anything. We will appreciate what ever anyone can or will do. I love my son and I will do what ever it takes to get him what he needs in the form of therapy, treatment, what ever.

I'm sorry if this sounds a bit like rambling - I am frazzled, and there is so much to tell. impossible to write it all down.

Thank You!

Brenda Lowry"

This family's situation is not new. It's so overwhelming that many families find it hard to believe there are more people going through the same thing. My family went through this, too. Did we have access to all the programs, therapists, medication and self-help peddlers? No. That does not diminish the impact of what happened to us growing up. It did change, however, the way our family looked at what many are claiming is a disability. My father, brothers and myself are on the spectrum. We managed to become productive members of society because of what we've been told in life about ourselves. We always want to be independent and giving something back to society and not becoming a drain on it's resources. Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc. is one of those innovative ways of giving back while helping families reconstruct their financial lives for the better... permanently. I think that's well worth an investment of $25 dollars, once.

Hello, ASNr's. I'm baaaaack! What?! Where'd I go, you ask? Well... I took some time off to go see my (now) fiancee, Morna, in Thailand. We both decided Bangkok would be a cool place to not only spend some quality time together (shopping, eating, walking - lot's of walking), but, it would give me a chance to get a better perspective of the world around me and how I should move forward with Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc. I've been working non-stop on this non-profit since 2007 and it was time to take stock in what had been established about the company and how best to move forward with specificity. This trip turned out to be a perfect idea.

Spending this time in Bangkok helped me in another way. I was nervous about my OCD tendencies. I figured I'd stick to whatever American fair I could find there. Not true.

I had made it up in my mind early on, with some loving prodding from my future wife, that I'd try some of the native cuisine. I've often noticed, through the magic of television and the Internet, that whole nations of people eat much healthier than we Americans. Once in Thailand, I learned very quickly that all of my virtual observations of how other nationalities of people ate were, in fact, spot on. We Americans eat more meat, processed food and (here's the kicker) portions per meal than any other nation, just about. The U.K. is pretty close to us on the scale. I saw lots of veggies with shrimp, veggies with squid, (yeah, I ate it!) veggies with rice, veggies with chicken, veggies with oyster sauce, veggies with curry sauce, veggies... well, you get the picture. Also there was tons of fruit being sold by street vendors. Fruit was everywhere! I ate more fruit on this trip than I had in the total first 3 months of this year! My parents didn't even recognize me when they came to pick me up from the airport! Mom said I was "glowing". I certainly felt fantastic.

I've learned some wonderful health lessons when I was there both good and bad.

I pushed myself when it came to doing a morning workout routine and walking. These are things I have put into practice now.

As for Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc., things couldn't be better. We are getting more exposure for what it is we are designed to do and even though health care reform is the law and education reform is soon to follow, many families couldn't take advantage of these changes if they remain in debt with no way out. We are more relevant than ever! As people start getting jobs again, we will be there to help these families, coping with raising an autistic loved one, start over with a clean slate, if necessary. The same goes for independent autistic adults who did not grow up in an environment teaching them the ABC's of home or office finance 101. We'll be here. We're here to stay until all who need the help, gets the help.

My journey continues...

Peace & Music

Blog: Michael Buckholtz

There are many levels of neurodiversity. For some neurodiverse individuals, the complexities of their conditions may cause them physical or emotional stress on a moment by moment basis, where as with others, they may, mentally, find a way to cope. With parents raising a child on the spectrum, who can really know what THEIR particular experience is? It's a combination of the depth of neurodiversity they are dealing with in their child along with the personality type and emotional stability a parent might possess. It's all about perception. If you think it's broken, then it is. If you believe it's a different way of looking at things, then it is. If you think it can be eradicated, then you will look exhaustively for a cure. Trying to get everyone from the Autistic Community in a room to decide on one way to look at the neurodiversity issue is a non-starter. There are too many variables that range from actual disability to perception. It is for this reason, my friends, I decided to create a program that will potentially help anyone coping with the complexities of raising a neurodiverse child or being a neurodiverse person.

Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc. has one major mission. We help poor families reduce or pay off their obstructive debt load so they can get on with the business of giving the proper care and time to their autistic child or loved one. As for adults on the spectrum, AACF, Inc. extends a similar philosophy. Many neurodiverse adults may find themselves in financial hardship, over time, due to a lack proper financial training and council. Some, even impoverished. We will step in to get them some free credit counseling along with reducing or deleting any obstructive debt that may keep them from properly caring for themselves physically and emotionally.

I'm not trying to stay out of the controversy surrounding what the classification for being autistic is. As a matter of fact, I wish I could kick up some controversy so that my mission could be taken more seriously.

It was never my intention to make this program the work of "one man". However, it is turning out to be just that. No one outside of the Autistic Community seems to really understand the simplicity of what this program is offering. I did not reinvent the wheel here. I simply took different bits and pieces of social and private programs already in existence, streamlined them, combined them, left out the wasteful leveraging and spending and behold... Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc. Overhead is ultra low and no salary will be over $50,000 usd annually. No swanky million dollar fund raising galas with A-List entertainers (unless they volunteer). No over-the-top adverts disguised as sponsorships for sports events. No donations going to cover the cost of private jets or lobbyists in Washington, D.C. I've seen enough of that from other "autism" charities and they provide little to no relief for the families that need it the most; the poor. Families and individuals that won't even see this blog because they do not have access to the Internet. Many don't even have a computer. Do we care about reaching these folks? I do. I really do. I can't imagine doing this alone, but, as I've mentioned, things seem to be headed in that direction.

I will, more than likely, have to postpone helping that first neurodiverse person or coping family, here in 2010, so I can go on the road as an entertainer and lecturer raising every dime that I can for this non-profit. My hope is that the additional visibility will help raise funds quicker. The last breath that comes out of my body will be to complete this mission.

I will raise the $105 million dollars (that's all, by the way...) this program needs or die trying.

Peace & Love,

Michael Buckholtz

Blog

(This is word for word an actual letter being sent to the White House as you are reading this.)

To: President Obama

Subject: Health care, Employment and Autism

Dear Mr. President,

I've never written to any president, but, I felt it was time to break the cycle. My name is Michael Buckholtz. Not that it matters, but, you can Google my name to find out all you need to know about me and my mission. However, what I'm about to tell you needed a more personal touch; something a typed letter can't express. You see, I have autism. I have Asperger's Syndrome and OCD. I was diagnosed late in life. On the autism spectrum, I'm considered high-functioning. I, like many autistic people, have health issues consistent with those of other autistic people. (I said that twice and I shouldn't have.) Before the diagnosis, I, simply, deeply felt I was different thinking person. When everything appeared to be so black and white, in terms of what is logical and reasonable, it was though I was a stranger living among a world full of people who lie... a lot. I hate the sound of bad language... foul and obscene words. I felt this way ever since I was born. Okay. That's a bit dramatic. How about ever since I can remember. My Mom recounts raising four autistic children, three boys, one girl and how we never seemed to connect to her or our father until she introduced music into our lives.

I gave you that bit of background to tell you this: With the right environment, no matter what the age of a person on the autism spectrum, we can learn anything. The problem that seems to be happening now, Mr. President, is that there is a growing cottage industry of faux remedies and proposed cures for families coping with raising an autistic loved one. This has been happening because there is a sense that raising an autistic child is life consuming and the parent(s) just don't want the headache. If there's a quick fix out there, they will take it. There is no cure or quick fix. Me, my brothers, father and nephew are proof of that. I started a non-profit (from my own personal finances) to give some temporary financial assistance to families in this situation, but, it goes much deeper than that, Mr. President. The language used by medical professionals, educators, media personalities often sends the message that autistic people are unstable and disruptive when all we are simply doing is echoing or mimicking our surroundings. This toxic tone sends the wrong message to the general public forcing many of us on the spectrum to remain hidden; living in the shadows as high-powered CEO's, surgens, multi-talented musicians, the list goes on. I've deceded I have nothing to lose. Having been born black in America, nothing ever comes easy. I was determined to become a record producer ever since I left home at 18 years old. I accomplished that goal in spades! I joined the military first (yes, I'm a VET, too!) and that proved to be the decision allowing me to follow through on my goal.

As you clearly know, times are tough for all and I appreciate you're someone who's not THAT far removed from the experience. Times are tough for me even though I decided to start a non-profit to help others in need. I dont care to be a millionaire, but, if I had millions, I already know what I would do with it. That's why I wrote a book about my journey as an autistic boy who became an autistic man living life as straight forward as I knew how, eventually becoming a record producer and songwriter. My intention is to use this platform to encourage and inspire the general public (and even YOU!) to recognize that some really smart Asperger people may actually be running or have created important whole industries because of our fearless resolve to do something different. I also realize there are those who are autistic, but, require more intense attention due to additional health issues like seizures, being non-vocal, etc. All of these things add more stress to the lives of parents and other family members when all one hears is how difficult and horrible life will be now that you're raising an autistic child.

Others do not mind doing what is needed to raise an autistic loved one, but, are faced with questions, 'What about when they are older and out on their own?' 'What if something happens to me and I'm not here to help them anymore?' This is the reality even of my family now. I worry most about my older brother and nephew. My goal is to sell, at least, 250,000 copies of my story "Autism Is My Universe". This will allow me to stabilize my non-profit, help my older brother and provide an environment for my nephew that is conducive to learning. They all need a great deal of attention and the only way I know how I'm going to achieve this is though my book and mostly music. I was always told to study hard and do lots of research. My Dad told me that. If I had a question, he'd say, "Look it up! You think I have these encyclopedias around here for nothing?" I LIVED in those encyclopedias! Dictionaries, too! I knew that whatever I did, I had to educate myself.

I have much more to say, but, this letter would be too long (it's already too long NOW!). I'd like to finish by saying this: The needs of many autistic people (children and adults) is not about how many pills we take, it's about the skills we're taught. We want to work and become independent. Far too often, even as children, we are brushed off as being mentally ill, so, the mindset of many parents and educators is that we need to stay drugged or "contained". We are, essentially, discriminated against and potentially robbed of the opportunity to live the American dream: A happy, peaceful and content life doing what we love because we were allowed to develp the skills to achieve. Even though, Mr. President, there is at least one multi-million dollar organization claiming to be helping the Autistic Community, they've missed two very important opportunities of real focus for us. One is education. Many of us simply learn differently from the conventional way education is conducted in the current public school systems. Some college benefited me greatly, but, many who are autistic will never get that chance because of the stubborn mindset that we're difficult to teach. The second thing is gainful employment of the autistic. Our brains are wired in a way that allows many of us to hyper focus. With the right kinds of skill sets, we are perfect for technology quality control, intense accounting and many other jobs that require precision. These jobs actually might be mundane to others, but, provide routine and stability in our live as autistic thinkers. If we are given the opportunity to be educated by understanding, informed and dedicated educators (and parents), taught the necessary skill sets to find gainful employment, then health care will not be a major issue for both parents of autistic children or autistic adults, like me. We need to change the way we educate, Mr. President. The conventional methods do not work for many autistic children or adults. Employers also need to understand that autistic folks (like me) want to succeed. If given the opportunity, we can then afford our own health care. Thinking we're ill and sticking us in minimum wage, below poverty jobs is the quickest way to kill us. I know that sounds harsh, but, in many cases, it's true.

Mr. President, I need for you to really pay attention to this issue. Millions are affected by this and our numbers are growing. We are confused by the multi-millions of dollars going to non-profits that claim to help us, but, they are living the life of 'private planes' and near million dollar annual salaries. I've seen enough. The assistance is not getting to our poor and impoverished autistic loved ones. Only the wealthy seem to be benefiting. No more. I'm one autistic voice, but I will not stop until I am fully heard. My non-profit, giving direct assistance to the autistic and their families, will prevail. Thank you for listening, Mr. President.

Respectfully,

Michael Buckholtz/Founder
Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc.

I am not afraid to do work I don't like in order to feed my family.

I will physically put myself in harms way to protect my family and those I deeply love.

With deep thought, reason and spiritual guidance, I direct a path for my family to follow with love, joy, honesty, loyalty and integrity.

I treat my children as a gift to be cherished; to be loved; to be fully taught and respected; little people that will grow to become adult decision makers.

I protect my wife and children by ensuring their needs will be met financially, even if my life is cut short through no fault of my own.

I always seek to encourage my wife, understanding that she is helping me and not here to serve me.

I show the example by speaking or listening with love and respect to my family, never using a tone of condescension or sarcasm; never taking offense.

I show great compassion and forgiveness of faults and missteps. I encourage those I love to brush themselves off and try again. Learn from the experience.

I am not afraid to shed a tear for or with my family or those I deeply love.

I help those in the community with my time or treasure, but, never at the expense of my family who is my priority.

When I arrive home from work or business, my wife and children will run to greet me with hugs.

My family will only feel safe in my presence.

My family will always eat our meals together at home.

My family will recreate and use this time to really appreciate what we have as a family, even if it's something as simple as going to a local park.

I care more about the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical well-being of my wife and children. Material things or elaborate and expensive traditions are a non-priority. Food, clothing and shelter are what we need and I take the lead in showing the importance of appreciating being content with these things.

My wife is my partner who stands beside me.

I respect the different make-up of my wife as a woman. I understand and am empathetic to her physical and emotional complexities. I embrace them with love from my heart and mind.

I treat my wife with honor, respect and loyalty. This is not my rule, but, God's. Nothing good will come of my life as a man if I do not follow this command.

I love peace. I hope for security. All for my family. This is how I feel.

I'm just... a man.

It's been a while since I've blogged simply because I'm actually busy with the tangible change that's needed across the board when dealing with the Autistic Community. This is the most difficult and unforgiving work I've ever done, but, it's also the most rewarding. I've gained new friends, learned new ways to communicate ideas and it has completely transformed my thinking concerning the value we all bring to the societies we live in.

Yeah, I still think we have a long way to go, but, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I don't think it's a train coming at me! Social networks like this one have helped me to reach out to news organizations, other philanthropists and many hard working people across the globe. I'm relieved the hear that we all, pretty much, seek the same things in life. We just want some peace so that we can enjoy our own personal happiness. We can all connect and talk to each other until we're blue in the face or our fingers cramp up from typing, but, in addition to conversing, we need to be proactive, step outside of the box and just do something.

If each one of us does something to help another, that's, like, 6 billion worth of people power! Now I know not everyone can do something. That's the point, actually. That "something" we do doesn't have to be grand or magnificent. Grand and magnificent are completely relative when you're talking about helping someone in need. Providing clothes for someone who lost their home in a fire may not be grand like raising hundreds of millions of dollars for the biggest corporate autism organization, but, it's certainly grand and magnificent to that family. Not only that, you'd be helping them right now. That's really doing something.

I'm currently working with the Dan Marino Foundation and Holly Robinson-Peete's non-profit, HollyRod4Kids. I'm actually being asked to give my expertise and provide the service AACF, Inc. offers. This is ground breaking for us here because I did everything from scratch. I literally started with... (wait for it...) nothing. I'm going to share with you the latest thing I've done which is to introduce the October discussion point courtesy of the Dan Marino Foundation. As you are reading this, I'm working with the HollyRod4Kids organization to help a particular family in need. This will be the first of many families to be helped hopefully before years end. This is actually sooner than I had planned to be helping anyone. The plan was January 2010. I guess someone wants me to give a lot sooner. Wonder who that might be? Hmmm.

Peace & L☮ve,

Michael Buckholtz

I'll get to my Canada trip to ANCA Consulting momentarily. I first want to acknowledge that I've been absent but, for good reason. I'm not much of a writer but, became one out of necessity. I feel it's important to let people know when they have a misperception about something, especially when it concerns an entire group of people and their families. In an effort to start changing the perception about who autistic people are and how their families brave stance to help and nurture them is important for the masses to know, I wrote a book about my own Aspie life. I now understand that without my experience as a record producer, I wouldn't be getting as much attention with this as I have. After several months of being interviewed or chosen to partner with other organizations to boost the level of attention given to the needs of the Autistic Community, I've learned a valuable lesson. I actually really understood it about a week ago when I talked to my long-time buddy MC Hammer on the phone.

I called Hammer to find out if he would be interested in directly working with me in a professional capacity to bring more attention to the needs of families coping with autism, autistic children & autistic adults. He simply said, "No problem. I just want to make sure all parties understand that my time is valuable." Hmm. For the first time since I started writing music years ago, since starting the non-profit and writing the book, I realized that I had not properly accessed the value that I bring to the message I'm trying to get across to the general public. EVERYONE that is doing even less than I am, has put a value on their ability to bring people together or share talking points on a talk show/news program. What TOOK me so long?! I finally woke up and realized that I could be funding this non-profit simply if I'd set a value to what I had to offer. ANCA Consulting out of Canada helped me with this way of thinking as well. Always looking out for my interests, they were concerned that I might be taken advantage of because of my good nature. This they observed just by having me stay with them when I was visiting.

I'm currently working on a press kit that will be available to anyone who wants to book me on a radio show, talk show or news program to discuss my experiences and thoughts on helping families and their autistic children (as well as autistic adults). It's become clear to me that my time is valuable, too. The very thing that makes folks interested in what I have to say, is the thing that will draw in a diverse audience willing to listen. That thing... music. However, the stresses and strains of giving attention to the book and the non-profit have taken me away from what makes me the person that everyone is excited about listening to. It's time to point my attention back towards being the multi-platinum record producer that helped make MC Hammer $45million dollars plus. It's time for me to turn those talents toward myself. I will write and produce music for myself to share with the general public. This is the value that I bring to getting the message out. This is the "thing" that I had not placed a figure on. I need to do this so that I can save my efforts of starting a non-profit solely designed to help those in need. This will also boost the visibility of the partnerships that I've made with other organizations also geared to helping the Autistic Community.

I'm back! I'm back and in a BIG way! I'm no longer going to allow my time to be unimportant or without value. If I am speaking to anyone, it is with the mind that I have to raise $4.5million for 30 families and if you are wasting time that I could be doing that, you are not interested in helping. My time is valuable. My time is valuable. My time is valuable. I said that three times for effect. If Hammers time is worth money, so is mine. I'm 50% of what HE did. He was the guy who performed the music. I was the guy who wrote the music he performed to. I'm just as valuable and I will not be wasting the time of these 30 families again. My apologies to you all. I know better now.

Peace & Love,

Michael Buckholtz

Blog on: Sunday, August 30, 2009 @ 16:56 EST

I recently visited a place called ANCA Consulting headquartered in Gibsons, British Columbia, Canada. I didn't know what to expect really. I spoke with Leonora and Charlie Collura by phone and via the Internet video phone service, Skype. Nice folks, overall. They've been consulting with families that have autistic children for almost 15 years there. I figured their knowledge of how to address some of the fears many parents have about raising autistic children would be a healthy thing for me to discover. Little did I know that I would literally come back to the states with a totally recalibrated state of mind concerning autism and how to best help autistic children, autistic adults and their families (parents included) communicate with each other.

What ANCA does is difficult to explain. That's why I'm so grateful to have gone there to experience it. It was totally necessary for me to do that. To start, the name 'ANCA' is not an acronym. It is much more personal. The 'AN' stands for Anthony, the name of Leornora and Charlie's son who has brain injuries caused by medical professionals and is confined to a wheelchair. The 'CA' stands for Caroline, their daughter who's passed away. The deeply personal nature of what ANCA stands for is (I think) the reason for the powerful results that anyone who's been involved with them seem to have. I saw video after video of success story. I saw a presentation given to school teachers and education officials with one of the children who'd been through the ANCA program and I was speechless.

I'll tell ya more tomorrow.

Peace & Love,

Michael Buckholtz

Blog on: Friday, July 31, 2009 @ 02:25 am

It's 3:43 am Saturday morning right now. Earlier, at 1:44 am, I heard a "smash" and breaking glass in my living room . Someone has vandalized my home, my office, where I headquarter the Aid for Autistic Children Foundation. Here's the back story.

The neighbors that live directly across from me had a large party that started somewhere around 7:00 pm on Friday.  As the evening progressed, I noticed young men were not only blocking the street (Massey Road) we live on but, some were disrespectfully trespassing on my property. (A sign is clearly posted, ya'll .) Anyway, I've always been one to let these parties flame out and then I can rest peacefully. I used to know the neighbors very well helping the since deceased husband of the home to obtain a small business loan so he could start his own painting business. We even shared our food at one time. Since his passing, the family has decided not to acknowledge me as their neighbor so I stay to myself and concentrate my efforts to helping the Autism Community in Macon and across the nation. Well, unknown to me, someone in the neighborhood called the Sheriff on this neighbor. This must have been enough to antagonize whomever the thugs were at this party.  I was powering down my computer when I suddenly heard a smash inside my home office.

I immediately called the Sheriff and family members. It's about 2:00 am at this point.  It was when the Sheriff arrived that he told me someone called about dogs barking at my neighbor's address. The officer was thinking the same thing as me. Someone from that party must have assumed (and we all know what assuming does) I was the anonymous caller and decided to retaliate through vandalism.  My home office, car and brother's car are vandalized all because of an anonymous call about this party, which I chose to ignore in peace.

I suppose this is what I get for helping families with autistic children in my community financially in a peaceful manner. I feel sorry for the vandals that did this. I believe that for every action, there is an equal reaction. Unfortunately for them, this is not over and I won't have to lift a finger in retaliation. That's usually the way these things work out. They won't know it, but, their punishment is coming in some form.

If these vandals think I will stop what I'm doing or scare easily, they are sorely mistaken. I'm going to make this program for autistic children so successful, I will move it from this small modest home into an office space with security. Autistic children and their families need our help and uneducated, cowardly vandals (not even men enough to confront me face to face) will not stop me from accomplishing the goal of helping 30 families a year, every year!

As a matter of fact, I want all of Macon, Georgia (and the world) to send these punks a message. By purchasing my book, "Autism Is My Universe", available at www.Amazon.com, Aid for Autistic Children Foundation can move to a safer location if I sell enough books. My book is even being considered as a coaching tool for parents that are raising high-functioning autistic children. We can't let some random punks push back the efforts of the foundation! Let's show them that the majority of people in this world hold themselves to a higher standard. Help me spread the word by letting people know about this book and what we can accomplish through it's sale. I'm more motivated than EVER! Let's move some books, people!

Peace & Love,

Michael Buckholtz/Founder
Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc.

Blog on: Saturday, July 11, 2009 @ 04:24 EST

P.S. - I'm posting pics of what these cowards caused because of their actions. Shameful.

This is the hood of my car.

Okay, everyone. Where do I begin? It's been a block buster month or so for me and my family. If the hunger strike wasn't enough attention, I'm having to recover from it while fielding calls from Internet radio hosts clamoring to get me on their programs. I'm SO thankful that the interest in an Aspie adults story like mine is receiving attention. I want the world at large to know that it's important to teach and coach beyond whatever label some doctor gives your child. Yes, the diagnosis addresses the fact that you have to be mindful of the nuances of a specific condition but, that does not relinquish natural parental nurturing power. The parents will always know best. Never believe the chatter that you are less qualified to care for your autistic child because you don't have a PhD or MD at the end of your name.

For those of you parents that are sick and tired of those same professionals not listening to you after you've given them an abject lesson on how to best teach or coach your autistic child, you are not alone. Many parents are simply beat down by educators, social workers and other officials threatening them with removing their child(ren) from a loving home if they don't comply with the teaching practices they want to enforce. For you, it's probably time to take matters into your own hands and home school. Yes, this is a difficult move that may require resigning from a job or at the least reducing work to part-time.

None of what families coping with autism go through is easy. I know this first hand. That's why I started the Aid for Autistic Children Foundation. Equally as important, there needed to be a place where parents, autistic children, autistic adults and others interested in this organic grassroots movement to change the direction of the autism conversation could congregate without the fear of reprisal. That place is here at Autism Support Network. I see ASN as the combination MySpace and Facebook specifically designed for the Autism Community. Here, we can speak freely, share, receive advice and most of all support one another.

I'm gonna soon be embarking on rejuvenating my recording career. I am being inundated with requests to go back to what I do best: music. I have to agree. A great deal of the requests are coming from tweens and teens! I am humbled and pleased to oblige! I will be dedicating the next 4 months to putting together the first EP single from my new CD, "Foundation". It's a fitting title because I am, in fact, building the foundation for fans to enjoy some new music from me. Also a literal foundation for the autism community's benefit to relieve their debt load. And a foundation for the young generation coming up to no longer hide in the shadows but, to speak eloquently through their talents about autism and how it does not stop them from being a complete, productive, loving and successful human being socially engaged in making our society better. More updates to come on this whole music thing...

Peace & Love,

Michael Buckholtz

Blog on: Saturday, June 27, 2009 @ 00:59 EST

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No Good Deed Goes Unpunished, Right?

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