| Mental Health Awareness with Sara Troy and her guest Don Mesibov, on air from April 8th |
I met Connor Newcombe at a reading of my book on autism. He’s a college graduate, but due to the anxiety and stress rooted in his experience growing up with autism, holding a traditional job isn’t possible for him. Tasks that require long focus become overwhelming. Still, he’s found purpose by joining me in autism workshops.
At one session, a two-hour workshop a 45-minute drive from our town, Connor spoke for just five minutes about what it’s like to live with autism. The 25 participants applauded him warmly. Though he only added a few comments afterward, several attendees made a point to thank him personally.
On the way home, Connor turned to me and said, “Don, this has been one of the best days of my life.” It was a powerful moment—this is someone who’s rarely felt affirmed.
Then, as we drove, Connor told me he writes poetry and asked if our Institute could help publish his work. The next day, he emailed me 43 poems. They were beautiful—reflections on nature, his grandmother, cats, and everyday observations. I had several English teachers read them, and they agreed: his talent was real.
I told Connor, “Your poems are wonderful, but if you want your collection to stand out, write more about your experiences as someone living with autism.”
“How many do I need?” he asked.
“101 sounds like a good number,” I replied.
Without missing a beat, he said, “Then I need 58 more. I’ll send you one poem a day.”
That’s the kind of spirit we believe in, the voices that deserve to be heard, the stories that deserve to be told. That’s why we do this work. Because it matters.
Our ideal customer is one who wants to make the world a better place for ALL people, including but not limited to people with autism.
We are an all-volunteer 30 30-year-old 501 (c) (3) organization of 150 people interested in helping people become aware of what autism is and what it is not.
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In recent months, we’ve held eight two-hour Discussion Sessions and reached 175 individuals—educators, first responders, and community members—who regularly engage with people on the autism spectrum, often with little training or support. More sessions are coming in January to Northern NY, North Carolina, and California. These are the people we aim to empower—with understanding, compassion, and practical knowledge.
Don’s commitment runs deep. His brother, Gary, was a global leader in autism education from 1973 to 2018, directing the renowned TEACCH program in Chapel Hill, NC. Gary’s expertise was sought by figures as prominently as the King of Saudi Arabia and a top Russian official whose daughter was autistic.
Why does Don continue this mission with such heart?
“We do it because we can, and we do it because it’s right.” — Don
As for Connor, like many on the spectrum, he thrives on structure. When I asked for more poems to help shape his story into a book, he promised one a day. True to his word, he delivered—day after day.
Because with the right encouragement, people rise. And with the right support, voices long unheard begin to sing.
https://www.learningcentered.org
https://www.alignable.com/potsdam-ny/institute-for-learning-centered-education-autism-initiative
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