Have you ever noticed that the most heartbreaking experiences in your life often lead to your greatest achievements? It’s as if the house you built—the one you felt secure in—suddenly ruptures, and all the pieces fall away except the strongest ones. There you stand in the rubble, and it is there that you decide what comes next.

As humans, we may perceive that we have limited control over the circumstances that shape our lives. Many have said that control lies in how we react to these circumstances. This is a valid point—one with strength and substance—but is it, in itself, indicative of true strength?

What if we adopted a perspective that allowed life to flow more gently? To fall, to get hurt, to rise, to feel joy—learning, growing, changing—while consciously aware that nothing is permanent, not even ourselves. Would we view death differently, no longer fearing its arrival? Would we savor our experiences more fully in the present moment, knowing we cannot assume they will last forever?

As I begin this new year, with gratitude for the opportunity to do so, I will try to be more like the wind—flowing forward each day with the understanding that nothing remains the same, and that even the unexpected, turbulent gusts eventually give way to gentle, pleasant breezes of contentment.

Wishing all within reach of this message happy holidays, and wind in your sails that carries you toward happiness in 2026.

Linda Joy Walder

Remarks by Linda Joy Walder at the 14th Annual First Place Global Leadership Symposium, October 17, 2025

As many of you have shared in your presentations, your work in the autism community began with a vision — a hope for a world that would truly embrace inclusion and acceptance.

For me, that vision began with my son, Danny, for whom The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation is named.

Danny passed away in the year 2000… at nine years old. His life — and the life we had hoped he would live as an adult has inspired every step of our work.

When I started this foundation twenty-five years ago, I imagined the world I wanted for him… a world where people with autism would be fully included, accepted, and supported in every aspect of life.

But as I reflect today, I realize that my original vision, while heartfelt… was NOT really the point.

If we are to become a truly inclusive society, we must embrace a deeper truth: not everyone desires inclusion as we traditionally define it.

Many autistic adults are perfectly happy not joining groups, not attending events, and not following the paths society says they “should.”

Not everyone is goal-oriented in the same way — nor should they have to be.

An inclusive world must make space not only for participation… but also for peace, autonomy, and authenticity.

It’s not about bringing everyone into our idea of belonging… it’s about recognizing that belonging looks different for everyone.

With that spirit of respect and understanding, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation — founded in Danny’s memory and powered by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees, including our Founding Trustee Vicki Ofmani, who is here with us today — set out to focus on adults diagnosed with autism.

At that time — twenty-five years ago — no other organization was doing so.

Driven by my concerns for the adult life my son would never know — but that his schoolmates, and now millions of others, would — I combined my experience as a parent with a human-centered and collaborative approach.

Our foundation does not provide direct services or operate buildings… instead, we inspire those who do.

We have always believed that a small nonprofit without walls could open minds — encouraging organizations, educators, and policymakers to develop programs, resources, and public policies that empower autistic adults to live self-defined, meaningful lives.

In 2014, we launched The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Endowment Funds — a first-of-its-kind initiative to ensure that our mission continues for generations to come.

These endowed funds support and catalyze innovation in housing, employment, lifelong supports and resources for individuals and their families, direct care services, and arts and creative expression.

Our goal has always been to act as a hands-on change-maker — sparking ideas and collaborations that ripple outward to improve the lives of adults with autism across the nation.

As we look ahead, may we continue to listen, learn, and reimagine what inclusion truly means — not as something we impose, but as something we honor, in all its diverse and beautiful forms.

When I created The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation in 2002, I was joined by a mighty team of board members who shared my vision to focus on adults diagnosed with autism, especially since no other organization existed. Through mindful collaborations and imaginative thinking, tangible advancements have been made, including The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation Adult Autism Endowment Funds at various universities.

Passionate about acceptance and opportunity for all adults with autism, I believe in defying conventional methods.The successes we have achieved, in two decades on behalf of the autism community, illustrate that it is crucial to challenge and change conventional paradigms. Conventional expectations hinder individual freedom in various aspects of society, leading to the outcasting of those who do not fit stereotypes. Embracing inclusivity and acceptance can unlock immense potential for advancement and change.

Imagining an inclusive world, I see vast opportunities for unconventional partners to collaborate. Real estate venture capital, faith communities, and businesses can use their expertise by working collaboratively and embracing unconventional mindsets to develop housing options, create jobs and provide community support. Success stories show how collaborations create new opportunities. By releasing conventional thinking, we can foster growth and expansion in every aspect of human existence.

During Danny’s lifetime I wished for the world to accept and value my son.  This wish has been the driving force in my mission to develop innovative avenues for autistic adults to have purposeful self-directed lives that are not dictated by convention. Progress has been made by forging unconventional paths. Let’s use our influence, skills and talents to positively impact others to embrace unconventional solutions as passion drives change.

I observe a lot. That’s what I do, and, what I have done a lot for the past twenty-more years in my role as Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation for Adult Autism. Observation is a vital component of leadership that includes not only what we see with our eyes, but equally important what we hear, what we read, and even-more what we discern from the actions and inactions of others.

Recently I am observing an extreme focus on words and phrases to characterize people diagnosed with Autism. Many feel the need to use specific words and phrases, in their pursuit to get the nomenclature specifically defined. Words and phrases like “profound Autism,” “neurodivergent” and “high-functioning,” are used to characterize people who have Autism. This tendency to categorize and define people is in my view severely flawed and simplistic. Additionally significant, is in my observation, the need to define people is often unwittingly a catalyst for dissension rather than desired hope for understanding.

What would it be like, instead if we re-imagined a world that was not fueled by words that categorize or define people? What if we shifted the focus to creating a world that non-judgmentally celebrates diversity?

Imagine a world of pure acceptance that normalizes every sort of individual. In this scenario, people would be free to be themselves and no one would feel the need to explain using words like “disability.” If we could shift the focus on limiting, diagnostic and politically correct words to a focus on creating a world of acceptance, support and meeting individuals needs where they are, we will not need to define anybody. In the world I imagine, we would not try to “cure” or change anybody because everybody would be respected and valued as is. Differences would be normalized and celebrated not merely tolerated.

This ideal world without definitional boundaries can become reality, if each of us in our own life steps away from the habit of using words to define the complexity of another person. The limiting focus on simplistic depictions will no longer be necessary when we normalize diversity in all of its manifestations, recognizing that the uniqueness of each soul adds to the colorful tapestry of humanity.

January 17th, 2023 marks twenty-three years since my son, Danny died. His lifetime continues to have a profound impact on me, truly guiding my life in many ways.

I believe the experiences of our lives are encountered for a purpose, and it is our choice how we engage. Often, choices are not easily made, and it would be helpful to have some guidance. This quote from Lewis Carroll came across my path recently, seemingly randomly, or was it?

IN THE END… We only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were afraid to have, and the decisions we waited too long to make.

As time has passed, I am more acutely aware of the temporal nature of life. The words of Lewis Carroll feel like a guidepost, a manifesto, perhaps divinely sent to be shared on this day of remembrance as advice on how to live life.

Lewis Carroll’s insightful message is a reminder not to let fear or uncertainty prevent us from moving forward in life, despite the possibilities of unpleasant, unexpected, or unexplainable occurrences. Even-more, if unconditional love comes to your doorway, do not hesitate, let it in, because the love we share is all that remains when we remember. No regrets!

Speaking of communication, it has been quite some time since I communicated with you. When we do not communicate, there is really no excuse, so I will not make up a false one. Truth is, I have been focusing on other things, but this does not mean you have not been on my mind. Isn’t that how relationships are at times? Anyway, I am back, and in 2023 I will be more present for those still with me, and for those who choose to newly engage with “Autism for a Lifetime: Finding Joy in the Journey.”

When a recently diagnosed person is titled with Autism as part of their identity, the word communication comes up a lot. Their diagnosis may include descriptions like “communication deficiencies ” or “”communication impaired” or “communication challenged”: all meaning that the individual has difficulty communicating their thoughts and feelings, at least in conventional ways like conversation. Once the individual, in the case of a child, enters a school program, their communication challenges are a prime focus of their education. If a person is diagnosed as an adult, they most likely have figured out strategies on their own to compensate for communication difficulties. In most cases, improving communication skills is a continuing focal point for people with Autism.

Ironically, the Autism community of professionals, service providers, organization leadership and others working to improve and support the lives of people with Autism have concerning communication issues themselves. For example, at times it seems that organizations are competitive with one another, not listening and elitist, rather than being collaborative. Other times, there is divisiveness regarding respectful terminology and identity depictions that are offensive and hurtful to individuals. There is a deep emotional component to Autism that is overlooked because of the remnants of a Kanner-ish mentality that Autism parents and their offspring are emotion-less. Nothing could be farther from the truth!

As we begin a new year, I hope that we, as an Autism community, will take time to look within our professional and personal demeanors to reflect on how we can improve our communication with one another. If we cannot share honest dialogues between ourselves and put in the effort to improve relationships within our own Autism “family” how can we expect the world at large to connect with our mission of acceptance that fosters the best lives possible for all people with Autism?