Your Mission, should you choose to accept it...

A history Lesson



Another job lost. Another friend departs. What was I doing wrong?

In 1993 my husband Christopher saw a newspaper articles on Temple Grandin, photocopied it and brought it home. Shortly thereafter I received my diagnosis: Asperger’s Syndrome.

My name is CarolAnn Edscorn and I live in Jaffrey, NH, with my husband, five children, two dogs and two cats. My age is a bit past the half-century mark. I am a published essayist, artist, and playwright as well as a musician and songwriter. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting and Directing, a Master of Science in Urban Affairs Management and Public Policy Analysis (focusing on health and education issues) and I just completed the Autism Spectrum (Disorder) Certificate Program at Antioch University in Keene, NH.

I was recently invited to be on the Leadership Board for the New Hampshire chapter of Asperger’s Association of New England (AANE).

When I learned about Asperger’s Syndrome I was so happy! Finally! An explanation of all the gaffes and social faux pas and misunderstandings in my life was and is a blessing for my family and me.

However, I did nothing for others living in autism. Life went on and I researched books, then all over the Web—which confused me a lot at first, until I found the ‘threads’ that wove a beautiful comforter. I went to church, performed in community theater, and lost jobs and lost friends. I didn’t change. I didn’t take any Real Risks. I pretended to be normal still.

Then, in October of 2006, I went to a presentation on Building Social Bridges by Cathy Apfel at The Family Center of Peterborough. I was supposed to go with two mothers with children of autism but they canceled. Grabbing a bit of courage I went anyway, alone. The fear and anger in the room was palpable to me. Parents were yearning for answers, for hope, for methods that would improve the lives of their children. I kept asking questions, sharing my life and what I knew then. (I know a lot more now!) Afterward I tried to escape. Sensory overload is a powerful motivator. But parents were asking me questions, and searching so hard for hope. They surrounded me. I could give that to them.

Cathy Apfel took my email address and phone number. This began my new journey and a great new friendship. I met with the Institute on Disability representatives and set up a workshop with Cathy. That was in March of 2007. Then the IOD invited me to be a keynote speaker at their Autism Summer Institute, along with facilitating the workshops. My topic was Presuming Competence in Friendship. I cried a lot writing that presentation. I did not feel at all competent in making and keeping friends! But myself-reflections were important and radiated hope to many educators and parents attending the Institute.

I gave another Building Social Bridges workshop in October of 2007 and again this past April. I have offered independent teacher workshops. I enrolled at Antioch University New England where I met many wonderful educators, parents, and speech and language professionals. I now have the words and methodologies for better communication.

I met Erin Gruwell of the Freedom Writers’ Foundation and have been to Los Angeles twice now to witness to hope and freedom. Jeff Strully has invited Cathy and myself to the national TASH conference in Nashville. AANE has invited me to present at their major regional conference this coming October. The local parent support group wants me to present a series of topics.

My family is proud of me for finding my voice finally and having the courage to go out into the world and help others. Most of my life my ‘voice’ has been quotes from books, movies, poetry and especially songs. Now I have my own voice, my own words. And if I can help parents and educators understand the truth about autism, then I am changing the world for good.

I offer workshops both through the IOD and as an independent contractor. I will again be a keynote speaker at the IOD’s Autism Summer Institute in August at UNH. I am in the processing of signing a book proposal. I have a blog site and a Web site. I even have business cards and brochures. Such a new adventure!

All of this is possible because of my new friends and mentors, Cathy Apfel and Shelley Viles who is the ASD graduate program director and on the Leadership Board of the AANE New Hampshire chapter. My family is fabulous—an example of love, encouragement, and being truly present.

This is the mission of my life: to spread hope and reframe the dreams. Autism is here. Autism is a gift. Join the journey. Embrace the joy.