This guest piece is written by a man passionate about his vision. David Berkowitz lives in Las Vegas, is an honorably discharged veteran and spent the last 20 years in sales and marketing. David lives with Asperger’s Syndrome and is raising three kids also on the spectrum. Looking to improve the lives of individuals with autism through technology and the arts, David wants to share a bit about his vision with AutismSpot readers. Please help me welcome, David.
AUTISM ADVOCACY AND TECHNOLOGY NEWS ZONE
By David Joseph Berkowitz
As an individual with high functioning Asperger’s and the father of 3 kids who are also on the spectrum, I have always felt a need to give back to the world and community, to truly do something exceptional, and make a difference for the people with autism.

It was a snowy night in Richmond, Virginia. 75 fathers of children with autism turned out for a presentation entitled “The Father Factor.” They came ostensibly to hear me, introduced as a psychologist and the father of an adult child with autism, talk to them about the issues they face day and night in their families. They did more than listen.

Kids tantrum, fuss, squeal, yell, and scream. As a parent, you quickly learn what your tolerance level is.....then you rocket past it by 1,000%. You are able to handle much more than you would expect. Toss some Autism adventures into the mix and you have a real party at times. You talk to yourself, you don't sleep, your child doesn't sleep, you might be married but have no idea when the last time you had a real conversation with your spouse was, and then you have a job. Wait. Yes, that's right, you talk to yourself first.

On the way home from therapy.....
Mason recently started a social skills class to assist him in what has proved to be his most challenging area. The class is small, 4 kids I believe. All are on the spectrum and all struggling to learn social skills and how to interact with others.
I picked Mason up from class last night at 6p. It was the first time he had seen me all day since I had to leave for the office before he was up. As usual he tackled me with an enthusiastic “HI DADDY”!
That’s always the highlight of my day.

If you had a chance to read Kent's blog today you may be wondering what our typical get togethers are like.
We trade emails a week or two in advance and come up with a date and locale convenient to all of us. On the day of our meetup, Kent usually beats everyone there and is quietly sipping his ultra manly cup of grande gourmet coffee while securing a table and how ever many chairs he can.

...my husband, Kent Potter, for catching Luke's vomit in his own hands, twice, at Target.... chunks and all.... and then trying to help the snack bar boy clean it all up (after dumping out the vomit in Luke's crocs, thank goodness for the holes in those shoes!).
And for Best Aim, we have Luke Potter.... who then came home and tried to demonstrate for Sam & Mommy what he did at Target, and, luckily, made it to the toilet this time. He is very proud of himself and will be happy to share and act out the entire story with you ("Mom, I threw up just like this!") once fully recovered.

I don't think I have ever seen my husband as excited as when he saw his Father's Day gift from the boys.

When the going gets tough where do you go? Drop us some ideas in the comment section and share what works for you.