Two of my specific interests are the philosophies of Chinese Taoism and Zen Buddhism (stay with me). Through them I have come to realize that Autism is as necessary to human civilization as is the neurotypical.

     In the upper right hand corner of this page you will see the Taoist symbol Yin-Yang. A Symbol that represents the natural existence of opposite energies that through their constant fluctuation and interplay create the universe as we know it. Examples of opposites are: Hot and Cold, Night and Day, Heaven and Earth, Hard and Soft, General and Specific, Neurotypical and Autistic.

     It is my contention on the first page of this website that Autism is the Gift of Specialized Thinking and Ability. The Autistic brain is more refined and focused by design not by injury or illness. What some may call special gifts accompanied by learning deficits or disabilities is in my mind indicative of a brain that by virtue of it's specialized design simply has different and very specific priorities.

     Therefore the neurotypical brain is generalized by design and the autistic brain is specialized by design. The Yin and Yang of the Human Being. Throughout history it has been through the contribution of the specialized brain that quantum leaps in human technology (Edison), Art (Van Gogh), Music (Mozart) Etc. has occurred. I'm not suggesting that these contributions or others couldn't have come from a neurotypical because neurotypical contributions are abundant. But let's give credit to the unique contributions of both the neurotypical and Autistic brains because both have proven themselves necessary throughout history.

     Philosophically speaking the sudden rise in Autism/Asperger's could be a universal response to human developmental stagnation. Either that, we've just broadened our understanding of the nature of the Specialized/Autistic brain. Whatever the reason, I contend that Autism and Neurotypical are two sides of the same coin, Heads and Tails, Night and Day, complimentary forces that work together, grow together, make each other better and are necessary for each other's existence.

    In order to insure the continued growth and prosperity of both populations our society requires a major shift in the mindset that the Autistic is a Neurotypical waiting to happen. My gift of specialized thinking aided through the lens of the Yin Yang concept leads me to conclude that God made us both and wants us both and it is our tendencies toward egocentricity that throw water on the fire our creator has provided.

    I'll leave it here for now. I'll likely add more as I continue to think about my place in the universe. I welcome your feedback on this idea. . .

   Brian R. King studied Social Work at Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois where he received his Master's Degree. Brian is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. Brian focuses his coaching practice on the issues faced by individuals on the Asperger's end of the Autism Spectrum and serves as an Advisory Board Member for "The Autism Perspective Magazine."

     Brian was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome in the summer of 2005 along with his oldest son Zachary. In addition to having Asperger's, Brian is also an 18 yr cancer survivor.  Brian's current endeavors include authoring several books, including What To Do When You're Totally Screwed  and Reflections: A Poetic Look At Life. He is presently working on a book about Asperger's.

     Brian currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois where he lives with his wife of 10 years Katie (Diagnosed PDD in 2006) and their three sons Zach (age 9) diagnosed with Asperger's in 2005, Aidan (age 5) diagnosed with Autism in 2007 and Connor (23 months).Visit Brian's site at www.imanaspie.com.