Hello!

I am an ER doctor and mother of three boys, including a 12-year-old autistic son. My husband discovered his neurodiversity 16 years after we fell in love. This site is a compilation of the voices, perspectives, and wisdom that I gathered during my journey to understand autism and how to support my child so that he could thrive.

The more I learned about autism, the more my physician brain sought a common thread. What does it mean to be autistic? How was it that "autism," supposedly one diagnosis, could present in so many unique ways? How could a single diagnosis present as a range from developmental delays to savant skills, even in the same person? What did my husband (a successful entrepreneur and CEO), have in common with my son (a brilliant, sensitive ten-year-old who has suffered from overwhelming emotions and meltdowns) and all the incredibly diverse autistic patients I had cared for over the years?

My journey started in what I knew: deep in the science and medical perspective, but slowly I came to understand that the deficit view of autism describes only the tiniest sliver of what it means to be autistic. The discovery of the autistic-led Theory of Monotropism was revolutionary for my family's journey toward understanding and healing, providing a lens through which empathy could grow. I remain deeply grateful to Dinah Murray, Wenn Lawson, and Mike Lesser for their seminal paper on the topic in 2005, along with all the autistic voices who have amplified this important message since.

Navigating the rewarding challenges of raising a neurodiverse family has deepened my understanding of human emotion and mindful attention. I believe that within every challenge or confusing behavior lies a truth that, when explored with curiosity and love, reveals deeper emotions and builds connection.

I'd love to hear from you – whether to connect, share a story, or contribute your insights to this shared journey.

Warmly,

Alia Breon, MD