Linda Wanfried

In 1996 our son was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome. I began an intensive effort to educate myself about Autism Spectrum Disorders.

I started reading obsessively, and to the point of exhaustion. In retrospect, I think it may not have been healthy for me, but at the time I felt I had no choice.

My husband Kurt and I were able to negotiate appropriate help, therapies, and eventually a good educational program for our son, largely because we learned about autism, and about the special education process.

I joined the Harrisburg chapter of Autism Society of America. That led to great support, sense of community with other families facing this challenge, and lots of good information about autism.

I began to write book reviews for the Autism Society chapter newsletters. I was reading the books anyway, and I felt I wanted to share. Eventually, our chapter purchased books, and I reviewed them. Then the books were donated to the Cumberland County Public Library System. Other parents began to review books. The library's collection of autism books grew. The librarians set up displays in April for Autism Awareness month.

I began to work with students with developmental disabilities, both school aged and pre-school aged children. I worked with individuals and small groups in their homes and in school settings. I worked as an employee of a public school district. Later I worked for an agency providing wraparound waiver services.

I have a B.A. degree from Penn State in art. I enjoy using various media with students to encourage communication.

Our family uprooted and moved lock stock and barrel to upstate New York in the summer of 2002. This seismic shift has been difficult. Big change on a short schedule was a trial for all of us. We are just now feeling mostly settled and comfortable, thanks largely to the kind welcome we have received from our new neighbors.