Hunger Strike Day One: Can You Hear Me Now?

Michael Buckholtz is the founder of Aid for ASD Kids.

Now I know that question sounds like an old Verizon cell phone ad campaign, but, I think it is totally appropriate.  There has been an increase in debate over whether or not it is even important to discuss what kinds of resources or services are necessary for adults with autism.  We are seeing and hearing a lot about early intervention and special theraputic programs designed for tweens and teens.  This special attention to the emotional, dietary and social needs of children diagnosed with autism is right and in most cases practical.  This increases the probability of having autistic adults that are productive adapted members of society.  Being one of those autistic adults, I think this is super cool.  However, what about those of us already autistic adults well past that ‘we don’t recognize your neurological, mental or emotional issues in the medical community because you are beyond 26 years old’ age?  I know that was a mouthful, but, this concept is still not being dealt with causing many of us Aspies and Auties to cope on our own without diagnosis.

So why the hunger strike?  Simple.  I’m fed up.  No. I’m not screaming or pounding my fist… none of that.  This is my peaceful non-confrontational Ghandi-like way of letting the public at large know how serious this can be for adults with any level of autism.  Not only that, many I’ve come in contact with are not TV stars making millions, but, poor and often very poor people, or adults, coping with autism in one way or another.  I understand this with blinding clarity because I was once homeless.  I know what it is to live below poverty without healthcare or the ability to purchase healthy food.  When one lives that poorly, chips, candy, cans of stuff and powdered drink mix with artificial flavor and color become the order of the day.  So you see, a hunger strike for me is a walk in the park these days.  My hope is to shine as bright a light as I can on what disadvantaged families and autistic adults have to do to cope 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.    This is not merely some request to add to the thousands of research efforts to rid the world of autism.  Families and adults that are coping have real lives with real consequences if they do not have the ability to access the proper medical care, eat a proper diet or obtain therapy.  We need to start having this conversation nationally.

I started a non-profit call Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc. ( www.aacfinc.org )  The mission is simple.  A national ‘trust fund’ available to level the financial playing field for poor families and autistic adults coping with autism.  The financial statistics for these families is indisputable.  The poor, which tend to be the most vunerable, need this.  I created this program in a way so as not to forget the element of allowing applicants their dignity.  I was pretty poor at one time, but, I had a lot of pride.  I wanted to do for myself.  I understand that.  Seems like many other programs or spokes persons don’t get it.  Not all of them, just most.  Anyhow, I will stay on this hunger strike until I can get some kind of national attention.  I don’t care what program it is!  I would prefer a television program, that way, people can see and hear me.  I know I may not be one of the “beautiful people”, but, it’s time all of the voices in the Autism Community were heard.  Can you hear me now?  I hope so.  This is a humanitarian effort to have a program available for the Autism Community as a whole when they need it.  I need for people to hear me.  I also think it’s just as important that I’m seen, too.  I’m just your average Aspie guy.

My hunger strike will last for 30 days.  My hope is to be heard within that time period.  If I am not, I will continue the hunger strike and continue to ask, ‘Can you hear me now?’

Peace & Love, ya’ll,

Michael Buckholtz/Founder

Aid for Autistic Children Foundation, Inc.