Enough, for now, about The Voyage and more about autism . . .

  Autism (from the Autism Speaks website) is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). The other pervasive developmental disorders are PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not  Otherwise Specified), Asperger's Syndrome, Rett Syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder. Many parents and professionals refer to this group as Autism Spectrum Disorders.

But what causes Autism?

For the vast majority of cases, the simple answer is we don't know. 
 

With an estimated 1.5 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide affected, just about everybody knows somebody with autism. Do you?

If your life has been touched by someone with autism and you want to share your story on this blog, email . . .

Neil Calore at  calurphy@yahoo.com 

. . . and I will post it here.

John Guider, a friend, inspiration and fellow small boat cruiser shared this with us . . .

"I have a long time friend who has an autistic child. When he was young, a traditional school would allow Henry to attend only if he had a private tutor stay with him. As he grew older and his body became strong, the school was afraid his acting out could be too dangerous and that was the end of his traditional schooling. His mother realizes that Henry will most likely spend the rest of his life at home. She is good with that but worries about Henry after they die. He will have no-one. It's a moving story and one that needs to be told.

You will complete your journey. It is the story of autism that will continue on."

Thanks John