Just One Mission

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, more...

letstalk: wow buck , good to hear from you here , long hard road , as always I admire your persistance , devotion and strength. later. 1/4/2010 1:52 PM

Natalee Buckholtz: Michael, I have to comment. I usually do not out of fear that my emotions will get in the way. Well, for get that today, because I read you article and I cried, perhaps the way I cried the first time I knew back in 1992, that I had found a way to communicate my deepest feelings to the ones I loved the most, "my family! Your comments, "Just One Mission", is beautiful. You are our son and we are proud of the way you have remained on task. It is my belief that you will achieve your goals for AACF. May I say to you, that you are a man of courage, you are a man of commitment, you are a man dignity, you are thoughtful, insightful and you are kind, you are a man among men. I have seen your hard work and your tireless energy. From my heart, I say to you and to everyone, the AACF program will work not only for the autistic community, but it will work for the entire community "everyone" should check it out and "donate". I am not autistic, the program is sound, safe, and simple. It will help people who need it most. Michael, you have done an awesome job with your project. Your father and I are with you all the way,as we have been from the onset of your journey. Keep up the good work. We love you and we love what you are doing and who you are doing it for. 1/4/2010 7:09 PM

My Letter to the President

(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 more...

autism momma: It`s a great letter,Buc,I just have to disagree about a couple of points.The treatments out there today,were not around when we were growing up.Also kids get way more vaccines today,than in our time.Maybe there isn`t a total cure,but alternative therapy does help kids on the autism spectrum,Check out generation Rescue,Autism bio-med groups,The Autism Research Instutute.I like your letter,except the part of there being no cure.Maybe not a complete cure,but there is help. 12/10/2009 10:38 AM

Buckholtz: Thank you "H". I agree there is help... for some. I understand all of these issues and I continue personally to live as a person with autism. Has it stopped me from being a productive citizen? Nope. Is there a "cure"? No. An "almost cure" is not a cure. There are workshops, love and attention, therapies, maybe some bio-meds that work for a select number of autistic people allowing them to function with more ease. I'm not blind to that nor do I ignore the real-time success stories. There is a bigger problem: Lack of alternative methods to educate the autistic and the misuse of many millions of donated dollars that do not target the poorest of families coping with autism. They won't even see this letter posted on the Internet because many (if not all) can't afford Internet service or even a computer. I want to help these families more than those that can afford the alternative therapies and bio-meds. I think I'm on a different mission than most. My journey continues. 12/10/2009 2:21 PM

Quirky2212: Excellent letter. Good for you that you sent it! There are so many things in the letter that are important. Appropriate training and education is critical. Giving voice to children AND adults is so important. Telling the truth is powerful. You have done all of that. Awesome job. 12/10/2009 5:30 PM

A Man

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 more...

happydays Fairy: wow!!! all i can say is you and your family sound completely amazing you have put a smile on my face and tears of happiness wow !!! be proud of yourself real proud as i do not know you personally but im proud of you 11/7/2009 9:05 AM

Tivah Brown: Hi Michael. I had no idea you got married. Have you had another child or does bring kids to your marriage?

Anyway, I also am amazed by your words and I do already know you! You are a brilliant person and you do so much good for so many. My prayers for you and your family and all you seek to help.

Love
Tivah 11/7/2009 1:46 PM

Buckholtz: I was married twice, Tivah. Those marriages have since disolved. First marriage, I just did not make a good choice. She (the ex I spoke of in my book) eventually lost custody of our daughter to me through CPS and I raised her alone. Ex number two never really understood the meaning of marriage and after our divorce, some in her family, came to me apologetically saying 'they didn't know she was that spoiled' and 'we're truly sorry'.

I know how "I" am as a man. I think I've finally found someone who will compliment my characteristics without taking advantage of me. As you've guessed, I'm the guy in the poem. I've always been that guy. I plan on marrying again to a wonderful woman and THIS time, it's for real and for good. I just want to be that guy in the poem with someone who will appreciate it. Simple, right?

Peace & Love! 11/7/2009 6:40 PM

Talk Less. Do more.

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 more...

Kimberly B: Michael,
The video is great - I love it! I feel so lucky to have found this site, you have no idea.
-Kim Baker 10/21/2009 4:32 PM

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Buckholtz: Tivah - You've been my biggest fan from the beginning! You are the very first person to have purchased my book! The FIRST! I'm just gonna continue to push myself and stay outside of this "box" as long as I can, get as comfortable as I can, speak as much as I can, make as many appearances as I can... what happens from this point on is up to me. I will always need help and support, but, ultimately it will come down to what each of us do individually to change things for the better. NO MORE EXCUSES FOR ME! It's up to us. It's up to me. 10/24/2009 5:03 AM

Kali67: This is wonderful Michael, I have followed your blog since I joined and I am really impressed with your motivation both heart and soul. You've thrown your all in and eventually I believe you will reap your rewards. I don't know where you get your energy from?

On the topic of discrimination, yes I have grown up with racial discrimination when I was younger. New Zealand is a little country but there has always been ethnic discrimination of some sort hiding in the shadows. I am a bit of a melting pot with my background. Portugese, Maori, Scottish, Irish and Germanic. I don't look typically Maori, more Lebanese or Egyptian apparently, but while I was growing up, if you weren't white you were nothing. Fortunately things have changed here in NZ, it took a while.

I moved to Australia, lived there for nearly 18 years. Australia is so multi cultural that it was easy for me to blend in. Best thing I ever did. Even now people still ask me what my ethnic background is, but they ask me only because I am difficult to pick, not because of discrimination.

Keep up the good work Michael. I admire you for it.

Kali 10/25/2009 3:40 AM

I've Learned My Time Is Valuable, Too.

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, b ecame one out of necessity. I feel it's more...

spunkykitty: great writing, michael! i hv been inspired by this. yes, time is valuable, and if one has something positive to offer, then time becomes all the more valuable! thanks for the inspiration and encouragement. all blessings for the work u r doing and look forward to hearing great things from u on the music front! cheers! 8/30/2009 8:37 PM

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Buckholtz: Yes Kim! You are making perfect sense. 10/31/2009 4:13 PM

Emma09: Inspiring...

I think that the givers in the world often forget how much they are worth! and unfortunately for us, we are often asked to do so much because of our hearts! and as givers have a hard time saying No... but realizing that you are worth it, is the first step - and putting that realization into action is a constant battle, but it does get easier!
I love it! 11/23/2009 1:22 PM

My Invite to Canada: The Journey Continues...

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 more...

zeeba1: Can't wait Michael, sounds very interesting. : ) 7/31/2009 6:20 AM

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Buckholtz: I'm gonna give you a bit more on Sunday. Sorry, things have gotten quite busy for me since my visit. There are pictures of my visit at Facebook. If you wanna check it out, you can see some of my book signing pics at www.facebook.com/michaelbuckholz. 8/1/2009 12:36 PM

yvonna: well done 8/11/2009 6:19 AM

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished, Right?

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 more...

tracey george: hi michael, im sorry to read about the trouble you had last night, sending you hugs n love, keep up the good work, i'm 100% behind you xxx 7/11/2009 5:03 AM

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Anca Consulting Inc.: Sorry to hear what happened. By the way, people up here in Canada are trying to buy your book on amazon.com and are unable to... can you please check this out, many thanks Leonora/ANCA
See you on Wednesday! 7/13/2009 2:34 PM

Sandy Thigpen: Hi Mike, I am new to the network, and found your post. This stuff is really sad. Sorry you had to deal with this. I have a 21 year old son with high functioning Asp. and ADHD. I also have twin 4 year old twin grandsons on the spectrum. I think I struggle the most with how to know what is the aspergers with my son and what is his choice of behavior. I am currently looking for college grant money for him to go to school. Any suggestions on where to look? I really enjoyed reading about your life experiences, thank you for sharing. My boyfriend works in the pro audio world, let me know if you need anything for your performing gigs. Sandyt 8/14/2009 10:41 PM

A Unique Community Coming Together!

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 more...

kmdd22: All originating from YOUR own foundation of hope and wisdom to begin with.Infinitely powerful!!. 6/27/2009 8:55 AM

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spunkykitty: hear hear michael! thx for the inspiration! 6/27/2009 10:46 PM

letstalk: powerfull . 6/29/2009 3:57 PM

Workin' Like a Hebrew Slave!

This raising funds stuff is NOT so easy during tough economic times! However, I'm not throwing in the towel yet. I've got a simple plan: A lot of people chipping in a little. It's so simple it's scary! Okay. more...

A Society Moved Only By Provocative Moments in Time

I chose to fast (hunger strike) because I knew it was going to get attention. Thankfully, it did and I've made further headway by now having direct communication with journalists who are interested in the more...

Tivah Brown: Mike, if you spend 30 full days spending all of you waking hours contacting every media outlet possible, I think you will achieve more towards getting the word out than by not eating food. Enjoy good health and put that momentum to good use.

I can't wait to hear you on the Diane Rehm show. 6/11/2009 8:15 AM

Buckholtz: I know you're listening, Tivah! Your like my sister! (lol) 6/11/2009 4:13 PM

letstalk: MIKE , I GET WHAT YOU ARE SAYING , HOPEFULLY MORE MEDIA ATTENTION COMES , LIKE YOU SAID IT TAKES TIME WEATHER IT SHOULD OR NOT , TAKE CARE AND HANG IN THERE. 6/11/2009 4:35 PM