Autor/-in: Paul Meier

About the author: On the autism spectrum himself providing the perspective of an insider. Been working with kids since 1985 as a professional and/or volunteer. Founded and has run CNY Autism Consulting since 2011. Speaks at universities, schools, and agencies. Sits on the NY State Department of Education Advisory Council for Post-Secondary Disability Education. Experienced in working with those who have coexisting mental health, developmental, and physical diagnoses. Experienced in autism crisis management. Works with all ages and levels of functioning. Mentors two brothers with autism, in their home, his home, and the community. Took in and parented an autistic teen. Also: Repeated third grade in school, and was in a self-contained classroom for fourth and fifth grade. Couldn't ride a bike until age eleven. While repeatedly failing in high school accused of being: lazy, unprepared, unconcerned, and not working to abilities. Failed courses in college, graduating with a 2. 2 GPA, and not knowing if there would be a diploma until the day before graduation. Was fired from multiple jobs, and almost fired from several more. Struggles with handwriting to the degree he has difficulty doing much more than signing his name or making a shopping list. Most days has a sink piled with dirty dishes.