No matter where we live, or how we live, we are all affected by one single common thread: the Autism Spectrum. It knows no boundaries, no race, color, or creed. It doesn’t care where you were born or what your family name is. It doesn’t care what god you worship, or whether you worship one at all. We are Catholics and Buddhists, we are Baptists and Hindi, we are the Children of Islam and the descendants of various noble and wise ancestors. We are those whose lives, and lifestyles, have been affected by the Autism Spectrum.

Whether we are on the Spectrum, or a caregiver or educator of someone who is, we’ve all have found, through life’s insistent ways, that every one of us has special needs. We are different than those around us. We have unique schedules and unique ways. None of us seem to quite fit into that mold that our local society has so carefully crafted for us.

We take breaks when others do not. We work long hours when others prefer to sleep or play. We monitor our diets, and the diets of our families and students with a different outlook than even the strictest nutritionist or dietician. We are constantly aware of our surroundings and environments in the greatest imaginable detail. We make concessions where others don’t realize there are concessions to be made. We stand firm where others see no issue to stand on. We are different; we don’t fit into the mold.

In light of our unique ways and lifestyles we are planning a new subsection of Arts & Leisure. The LifeStyles subsection is formally scheduled to open in February of 2006. If you have stories or suggestions for this subsection please contact us at LifeStyles. We look forward to your input!