I Have Asperger's

I had the most amazing time today.  The people from Autism Speaks gave me a free booth at which I could share my website information and sell my duct tape autism awareness bracelets.  I made AT LEAST $250 that will go to charity.  I also got to share my newspaper articles.  This wasn't all I was given, though.

I actually had the amazing opportunity to speak on stage, in front of almost 15,000 people.  My hope is that even if only ONE person, out of 15,000 people, hears me, they will be inspired.  They won't give up.  After I spoke, I took the picture above of the crowd as they started out on their 1 mile walk.  It was very moving.  (The crowd literally was!)

This is what I said when I was on stage:

10 years ago, I struggled with school, people had a hard time understanding my behavior, and I couldn't articulate my feelings because of my autism.  Today, I am a successful advocate, blogger, public speaker, and artist.  I live independently, I drive,  and I have friends from all over the world because I tell the stories of those with autism in a way that people can understand.  My hope is that in another 10 years, I will be joined by many of you out there in the audience.  Together, we can create a future where autism is openly talked about, respected, and accepted.