The real issue, though, is whether I have anything important to say. The best writing, after all, is sparked by some kind of passion. You have to have something to say, and really feel like saying it.
I have also become aware of the limits of life. I am now 59 and becoming more aware that I am not going to live forever. I will be retiring soon (provided that certain people stop twiddling with the stock market), and I really want to leave something on this earth that speaks to who I really am.
I feel as if I have developed a passion worth writing about—something that will be of value to the public.
Thirteen years ago, I was diagnosed with autism*. That diagnosis changed the way I look at my life. Suddenly, my life story made sense. As I looked back on my life and many of the problems I’ve had, I can’t believe it took until I was 46 to figure it out.
At the same time, that awareness has led me to be concerned about the misconceptions people have about autism and the lack of resources for autistic people. I hope that this blog can draw attention to the challenges autistic people face, and help some people.
It’s not all about autism, though. There’s also horse racing, pop music, progressive politics, TV, pop culture, and the words to every Monty Python routine. Be prepared for strong language, adult situations, and unpopular opinions.
So get on board and buckle up. Probably.
*Milder forms of autism such as mine are often referred to as Asperger’s syndrome. I prefer not to use this term because Hans Asperger, for whom it is named, was a Nazi doctor who played a role in the deaths of autistic children.
