This may be obvious to many, but to be safe, certainly the intent here is to not offend anyone. This is about informing those that may not know about ASD, or for those that may see a child at risk for ASD.

What this is really about is challenging the conventional wisdom of society as to what “normal” is. Travis should be Travis. Society will, unfortunately at some point, label him as “that autistic kid/person.” My wife and I are extremely passionate about seeing the potential in everyone. Every person brings something valuable to the table, and it is a matter of society learning to adjust their view to a more passionate way of thinking. We all have our foibles. No one is immune. Far too often, we look at the outward appearance, and miss the inner value. For all we know, Travis may grow up and be brilliant in mathematics, medicine, or elsewhere. His ASD will part of him, but not what he is.

As parents, it is our job to see that our children reach their full potential, no matter what starting point they are at. No matter the challenges.

Also, we see our sons (not just Travis, but his brother, Tyler) as loving, fun, interactive, and creative. Each will have different milestones. The great value in Travis’ will come to myself and my wife.

It is said that real joy comes from seeing the victories in the small things in life. What would be a normal milestone for Tyler will now be something to celebrate with Travis. Each milestone has its own value. Neither is less or more important than the other. Yet, myself and my wife Glenna will surely see that there are incredible things that occur, that before we might have overlooked as the normal; the mundane and average. Maybe the lesson out of this will be to see the good in the little victories, don’t sweat the small stuff, and realize that the challenges prepare us for the larger issues life throws at us.

Like I said, to those with ASD, the clear intent is not to offend, but rather make others aware, and with that, see all people – ASD or not – as having value.

My wife and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of well-wishes that we have received since I let this news be known. Words fail me in saying how thankful and grateful we are.

I am most pleased is seeing the number of bloggers in the sports community rally around making the data presented within known so that other families can understand autism.

We are also extremely grateful for those that have been touched by autism sharing their experiences. These stories help immensely in one of our anxieties: what does the future hold for our son? While we know that every person is unique, it allows us to see real cases and understand what therapy can do.

Here’s what wasn’t expected…

To be clear, we are not interested in some of the battles waging with regards to how organizations are viewed. This isn’t a call to debate the merits of treatments — good or bad — or the political arguments regarding organizations. This is a call for awareness so that every child that maybe autistic is afforded the best treatment they can at the earliest stages. I understand, and thank those, who have written or posted about these issues, and wish them the best. But, the postings that I will be hoping arrive here are much as most that have arrived in my in-box: here’s the story of my son or daughter, and here is the philosophies that helped us through it. Here is my story of having ASD.

As mentioned, we thank those with sincere hearts, but the only political issue I will be engaging in has to do with awareness and funding to better understand ASD.

Thanks again, all. By visiting, this thread, you show you care.

The other is that Noah’s Pretzels is working toward autism awareness. Noah’s Pretzels are available at several ballparks, I’m told.

More info, as it becomes available. Thanks again for your support.