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

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.

By Linda J. Walder

Today in the United States, the government has renewed its focus on autism, and on the increasing number of individuals diagnosed with it. Many professionals who have devoted their lives to autism science and advocacy rightly have deep concerns about false promises and misleading analyses recently amplified by political leaders. Quick, unfounded claims—whether about medications, cures, or causes—risk causing more harm than good for families and individuals living with autism.

For example, allegations that acetaminophen (Tylenol) taken during pregnancy is a major cause of autism are based on weak, inconsistent evidence. Large-scale studies show that while correlations exist, they vanish once genetic and environmental confounding factors are considered. In fact, untreated fever during pregnancy has well-documented risks such as neural tube defects, preterm birth, and developmental complications. To oversimplify such a complex condition by pointing to a single over-the-counter medicine is scientifically irresponsible.

Similarly, suggestions that Leucovorin (a form of folinic acid) may “cure” or significantly improve autism are premature. Small studies have shown modest improvements in select subgroups, but there is no definitive evidence to recommend it as a broad treatment. Autism is a neurodevelopmental spectrum, shaped by a wide array of genetic and environmental factors. To reduce it to one cause—or promise one cure—ignores the diversity of autistic experiences and undermines meaningful progress.

A Common Sense Path For Research:

Autism research, in my view as a citizen, should prioritize areas that have not been exhaustively studied but plausibly impact neurodevelopment:

• Plastics and Environmental Exposures: Babies and young children are uniquely vulnerable to endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics, diapers, and formula packaging. Microplastics and phthalates are increasingly detected in human tissue, yet their long-term neurological impacts remain poorly understood.

• Medication Use in Infancy and Early Childhood: Millions of infants receive repeated doses of acetaminophen and other common medications, yet systematic, long-term studies on subtle neurodevelopmental effects are lacking.

• Gene–Environment Interactions: Autism has a strong genetic basis, but environmental factors may influence gene expression through epigenetic changes. Understanding these mechanisms could unlock targeted prevention or treatment strategies.

• Innovative Supports and Lifespan Approaches: Research should not only chase elusive cures but also invest in technologies, therapies, and supports that improve daily life, independence, and opportunity for autistic individuals across adulthood.

Our Role, Advocacy Rooted in Respect:

For 23 years, The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, named in honor of my son Danny, has led efforts to advance the quality of life and opportunities for adults with autism. My more than 30 years of daily engagement with the autism community has taught me that progress is never achieved by clinging to false promises. Instead, it comes from listening to autistic voices, investing in innovation, and demanding rigorous science.

Let us be clear:

• Autism is not caused by a single drug, and it will not be “cured” by a single pill.

• Research dollars must go toward real science, not sensational headlines.

• We must push for studies that explore underexamined risks (like plastics and chronic exposures) and creative solutions that empower autistic individuals.

Call to Action:

It is time for a new era of autism research and innovation—one that seeks not only to understand causes but also to build better futures. Every dollar invested should honor the reality that autistic individuals are valuable, capable, and integral members of our society.

That is where I—and The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation—come in: ready, enthusiastic, and committed to partnering with innovators, policymakers, and advocates to ensure science serves the people it is meant to support.

Let’s put resources where they matter most: into innovation, research, and above all, the lives and futures of the millions of deserving individuals diagnosed with autism,who are, and always will be, part of our shared society.

Recently there have been more and more words tossed around by more and more people when it comes to autism. Having been a parent, advocate, non-profit Founder, CEO, Board of Trustees member, Editorial Board member and policy leader in the autism community for over three decades, I have experienced many viewpoints, but never have I heard or read anywhere at anytime until Health and Human Services (“HHS”) Secretary Kennedy proclaimed it that “autism destroys families!” It is a jaw-dropping proclamation, and so flawed and utterly uninformed that I feel a duty to comment.

The audacity of the HHS Secretary to now saddle “autism” that has been accused of many false and devaluing assessments over the years with destroying families is an unbridled fallacy. Kennedy’s comment is insulting to the hundreds of thousands of families who cherish their family member with autism. Most families I have known personally and professionally during decades of engagement feel that their family member with autism has elevated their family in profound ways such as enhancing acceptance, experiencing pure love and valuing the unique qualities of each family member to name a few. To characterize in his governmental capacity people diagnosed with autism as destroyers of families is a violation of their individuality as a matter of human rights.

The HHS Secretary’s callous depiction of autism using the inappropriate word “destroys,” is irresponsible. Yes, a diagnosis of autism can disrupt a family and a societally dictated imagined life for a person, but that in no way means that autism destroys! Surely the HHS Secretary would benefit from taking the time to know people with autism and their diverse families before blurting out thoughtless statements. As my wise grandfather Walder once said, “a fish gets into trouble when it opens its mouth.” Secretary Kennedy should keep his uninformed mouth closed, and his comment about autism destroying families should be declared a toxic environmental contaminant.

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.

Sometimes a date calls for the remembrance of two or more happy occasions like two people we love sharing a birthday. At those times, we generally have no problem separating out the significance for each individual. We celebrate both people, perhaps send a card or present or even celebrate in different ways depending on the circumstances.

Why then do we struggle with the same differentiation when two different sorts of markers collide on the same date and how can we sync the differences to create special meanings on that same eventful date?

For instance, September 11th aka 9/11 holds multiple meanings for me. My son Daniel Jordan Fiddle (www.djfiddlefoundation.org)was born on this day.  My firstborn child’s birthday is a date evoking some of the greatest happiness I have ever known. I will always celebrate my Danny, the vital meaning of his life and his joyful presence, especially on September 11th!

I, like many others around the world, will also always remember the earth-shattering events marking 9/11. September 11, 2001 changed our world forever(think about airport protocols, to name one) and my personal world was changed on that date forever too as it was Danny’s first birthday since his passing.

Standing at Evention a party planning and gift shop in New Jersey, as a bouquet of red balloons was prepared for me to hang on my gate in remembrance of Danny, the television news reported that the World Trade Center had been struck by an aircraft and was imploding. Danny’s father and thousands of others were there at work and no one knew what would become of them. During those treacherous hours after the attack, I was numb, I had been numb anyway, but now I was practically comatose. Fortunately Danny’s father survived but so many others perished and will never be forgotten.

As time has moved twenty years forward  I have come to a place of reconciliation regarding the multiple significances of the date September 11th. I posited the thought that since birthdays are a time we celebrate someone, so too are days commemorating loss. Both occasions acknowledge special people we love.

Twenty years later, September 11th is still a day filled with many emotions and memories. I will think about all of those who senselessly perished, their families and friends who miss them and the immeasurable grief those horrific events caused. I will celebrate each life in my prayers. I will perhaps cry too, a mix of sad and happy tears, as I also celebrate the birthday of my precious son and his enduring legacy.

Grief and joy exist on each calendar day, sometimes side by side co-existing as they do for me on 9/11. When we can value our experiences and their impact on us, we become more resilient for all the days of our lives.

Linda J. Walder

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.

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!

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?