Karen Simmons is a co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul, Children with Special Needs” along with Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Heather McNamara. Since the beginning of time human beings have shared their life journey around campfires from generation to generation. Filled with hope, promise, tears and magical moments they have been the lifeblood of our existence. 

In the spirit of sharing the stories and journeys of those caring for and supporting family members with autism spectrum disorder, this monthly newsletter shares stories and publications submitted to us from members of the Autism Today Foundation community. 

Karen Simmons and the Autism Today Foundation are gathering a collection of stories from families and individuals in the neurodiverse community to create a book series called 'Autism From The Soul'

To read more of these stories, or share your own stories and experiences, please visit the Autism Today Foundation.

This story is about my daughter Skylar. While other kids her age are devouring ice cream cones, Sklar gets her food through a tube. While others are running and jumping, Skylar cannot walk or even crawl. And though most 5-year-olds talk nonstop, the best Skylar can do is babble and coo. She was diagnosed with epilepsy at three weeks old. For all we know she could have been having them sooner.

Several summers ago four friends journeyed to Montreal for an Expos game at Olympic stadium (before this baseball team became the Washington Nationals). The crowd was scarce, and we didn’t bother to get tickets in advance, but instead, took the best seats that were available.

"My son, Matthew has Williams Syndrome. One of their many traits is their 'friendly social' side. They will talk to anyone, anytime. Once when Matt was about five years old we were on vacation in Florida. He hadn't stayed in many hotels at that point in his life so he wasn't familiar with the routine of a hotel. 

I remember one day in particular when we returned from sight seeing. Upon entering the lobby Matt ran ahead of us and announced to anyone listening that 'we're back' as he slid on his knees to the front desk.  Everyone within hearing distance enjoyed his 'grand entrance'!"

• Karen Simmons, Founder, Autism Today Foundation.