Autism Spectrum Disorder, or ASD, is characterized as a brain development disorder. When I was diagnosed in 2001, the number of diagnosed cases was 1 in 150. Statistics now show that ASD currently affects 1 in 45 children. It is more common in boys than girls. Although the severity is quite different in individuals, one fact is consistent – the numbers are growing, and it is considered an epidemic. And nobody knows why. There is no cure for autism; however, there are methods and therapies to treat its symptoms. Understanding and knowledge are important in knowing what techniques are most beneficial to different individuals with ASD. Determination and consistency can greatly influence an autistic person. My name is Will Barrett. I am a senior at North Hall High School in Gainesville, Georgia. I am taking marketing and business classes to facilitate our goal of making the Ausometistic Foundation an information hub, and to help spread awareness for autism. I have written for our school newspaper, am a member of DECA, the Key Club, our school’s golf team, have been enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Program. I have taken Honors Chinese, and I am learning American Sign Language independently. Some studies have shown that many of us with ASD have a special talent for learning other languages. That knowledge intrigued me, and I saw it as a personal challenge. An example of achievement for me is driving. I got my learner’s permit when I was fifteen. I waited almost a year longer than my peers to get my driver’s license because I wasn’t ready. The book and test was not difficult, but it took more practice for me, and I needed more time to obtain good coordination and to feel comfortable driving. Timing is not important. The success story is that, with determination, I did it! In college, I am going to enroll in writing and composition classes to improve my writing ability. Also, I intend to become fluent in Sign Language, and I will take another foreign language. I have a passion to encourage people. I aspire to be a national – maybe even an international – motivational speaker to help spread awareness. I really enjoy writing, and hopefully, with the completion of Ausometistic, our book, we can reach even more people by translating it into all languages. Ausometistic applies to all of us who are on the autism spectrum. Awareness is important, and we are dedicated to finding out more.
CREATING AUSOMETISTIC
The word “AUSOMETISTIC” was born when my mom was writing the title page to our book and began with, “My awesome autistic child.” We started a Facebook page, and got a surprisingly good response. We decided that we would co-author a book, and tell our story from both perspectives. In 2012, I was asked to speak to a local advocacy group, and from that first invitation to speak, came more requests for me to tell my story. More engagements stirred more interest, and things seemed to take off from there. Our non-profit foundation, AUSOMETISTIC, was created. AUSOMETISTIC Foundation’s mission is to encourage those affected by ASD by helping them discover their potential and developing it into a success. Our logo is blue for autism awareness, and orange is the cure for Multiple Sclerosis ribbon color. We designed the logo for T-shirts, wristbands, and our book cover. 
Through AUSOMETISTIC, we hope to educate and help guide people through their journeys. We want to provide optimism, and inspire confidence where potential may not be recognized. Support for those of us with ASD, and our caregivers, is essential and can empower us to be successful regardless of the difficulties we may face. AUSOMETISTIC was launched by the realization that I could reach many people who struggle to find answers in the midst of uncertainty. Our goal is to help others discover what options work best for the symptoms that challenge them.
LIVING WITH AUTISM
Autism is classified as a disability, but having a disability is not an excuse for failure. Being persistent, determined, and hard-working is the formula for anyone to achieve their goals. Success can be defined in many different ways, and AUSOMETISTIC, characterizes success as finding one’s strengths and expounding on them. AUSOMETISTIC Foundation’s mission is to encourage those affected by ASD by helping them discover their potential and developing it into a success. 
Comparisons have been made between a typical brain and an autistic brain through MRI scans. The images show that there are parts of an autistic brain that do not develop as thoroughly as that of a typical person’s brain. In contrast, the scans also show that there are portions of an autistic brain that are significantly more developed than the typical brain. Of course, every human brain is different in some way, and if five autistic brains were compared to one another, all five would vary in some way; therefore, different symptoms. ![FullSizeRender[3]](/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/FullSizeRender3-225x300.jpg)
Since there are so many variations and different degrees of severity in persons with ASD, it is reasonable to say that treatments and their efficacy will also differ between individuals. I was fortunate in finding out early what has been most beneficial and effective for my symptoms. Through trial and error we learned that medications did not work for me. My doctor finally suggested a gluten and dairy free diet, because it has proven effective for many of us on the spectrum. It wasn’t long before significant changes began to occur. I was able to focus and organize my thoughts better than ever before. Because I could pay better attention, I was easier to teach, both academically and socially. Social cues that most people learn from observing others, or simply know instinctively, had to be explained to me. Maturity, I’m sure, influenced much of my behavior modification, and still does today. I’m very lucky to have friends that are willing to guide and help me. They are invaluable to me, and enable me to navigate everyday life. Through Ausometistic, we hope to educate and guide people through their journey with ASD; we want to provide optimism, and inspire confidence where potential may not be recognized. Support for those of us with ASD, and our caregivers, is essential and can empower us to be successful regardless of our difficulties. Ausometistic was launched by the realization that I could reach many people who struggle to find answers in the midst of uncertainty. Our goal is to help others discover what options work best for the symptoms that challenge them. The word “AUSOMETISTIC” was born when my mom was writing the title page to our book and began with, “My awesome autistic child.” We started a Facebook page, and got a surprisingly good response. We decided that we would co-author a book, and tell our story from both perspectives. In 2012, I was asked to speak to a local advocacy group, and from that first invitation to speak, came more requests for me to tell my story. More engagements stirred more interest, and things seemed to take off from there. Our non-profit foundation, AUSOMETISTIC, was created. AUSOMETISTIC Foundation’s mission is to encourage those affected by ASD by helping them discover their potential and developing it into a success. Our logo is blue for autism awareness, and orange is the cure for Multiple Sclerosis ribbon color. We designed the logo for T-shirts, wristbands, and our book cover. Through AUSOMETISTIC, we hope to educate and help guide people through their journeys. We want to provide optimism, and inspire confidence where potential may not be recognized. Support for those of us with ASD, and our caregivers, is essential and can empower us to be successful regardless of the difficulties we may face. AUSOMETISTIC was launched by the realization that I could reach many people who struggle to find answers in the midst of uncertainty. Our goal is to help others discover what options work best for the symptoms that challenge them. Autism is classified as a disability, but having a disability is not an excuse for failure. Being persistent, determined, and hard-working is the formula for anyone to achieve their goals. Success can be defined in many different ways, and AUSOMETISTIC, characterizes success as finding one’s strengths and expounding on them. AUSOMETISTIC Foundation’s mission is to encourage those affected by ASD by helping them discover their potential and developing it into a success. Comparisons have been made between a typical brain and an autistic brain through MRI scans. The images show that there are parts of an autistic brain that do not develop as thoroughly as that of a typical person’s brain. In contrast, the scans also show that there are portions of an autistic brain that are significantly more developed than the typical brain. Of course, every human brain is different in some way, and if five autistic brains were compared to one another, all five would vary in some way; therefore, different symptoms. Since there are so many variations and different degrees of severity in persons with ASD, it is reasonable to say that treatments and their efficacy will also differ between individuals. I was fortunate in finding out early what has been most beneficial and effective for my symptoms. Through trial and error we learned that medications did not work for me. My doctor finally suggested a gluten and dairy free diet, because it has proven effective for many of us on the spectrum. It wasn’t long before significant changes began to occur. I was able to focus and organize my thoughts better than ever before. Because I could pay better attention, I was easier to teach, both academically and socially. Social cues that most people learn from observing others, or simply know instinctively, had to be explained to me. Maturity, I’m sure, influenced much of my behavior modification, and still does today. I’m very lucky to have friends that are willing to guide and help me. They are invaluable to me, and enable me to navigate everyday life. Through Ausometistic, we hope to educate and guide people through their journey with ASD; we want to provide optimism, and inspire confidence where potential may not be recognized. Support for those of us with ASD, and our caregivers, is essential and can empower us to be successful regardless of our difficulties. Ausometistic was launched by the realization that I could reach many people who struggle to find answers in the midst of uncertainty. Our goal is to help others discover what options work best for the symptoms that challenge them.