Q: What made you decide to pursue a radio career?

I listened to the radio all the time as a kid and I always enjoyed listening to the morning shows. The hosts sounded like they were having fun and I thought it would be a fun job to have. I was right! I always wanted to have my own show of some kind and I figured radio would be the easiest way to help me get there.

Q: What made you decide to write a memoir?

I wanted to share my journey about living with autism to hopefully give other people that live with autism and their families hope for the future. I had to overcome many challenges in my life but I made it through. It was hard reliving painful memories of failure trauma and sometimes discrimination when writing the book but now that its done I know I can accomplish anything.

Q: What was it like living with autism as a child?

If you would really like to know please buy a copy of the book! The first chapter is called "It Was the Best of Times and the Hardest of Times" pretty much sums of my childhood!

Q: Do you have any projects for the future?

My next goal is to make a documentary about autism and finish a screenplay I have been working on. I have so many ideas in my head and then some, I hope to be able to put them on paper one day. Keep following me on social media to find out what they are.

Q: What advice would you give to people with autism to encourage them to support their dreams?

Never give up! Do what you love everyday even if you are not doing it for a living. Keep showing your work to people because one day you just might find someone that likes your work and would want to hire you. You won't get anywhere doing nothing. That's good advice for people without autism as well.

Q: What Advice do you have for parents and caregivers of autistic children that may be struggling?

I can't speak for everyone but in the words of Temple Grandin "...there needs to be more emphasis on what a child can do rather than what they can't do". Focus on their strengths and not their weaknesses...don't spend your life focusing on the bad that will just make it all bad. Only you know what's best for your child, but never give up.

Q: What work place accommodations have helped you succeed?

When I was a young teen my first job was at the local grocery store as a front end clerk. I was successful because I had a supportive employment program job coach initially who broke down all the tasks into a pocketbook that I referred to when I first started. The other employees were also around to guide me if I had questions. After about a month I was totally on my own and did my job well.

In my broadcasting career, one of the accommodations most beneficial to me is having the ability to work in a quiet place while I get the news ready for the afternoon where no one is allowed to go unless its an emergency since I get distracted easily. I use checklists too. Of course having work colleagues who are inclusive and supportive helps not just me but everyone at the station.

If you have autism don't be afraid to disclose that you are on the spectrum - doing so will help your employer understand why you might do certain things differently.

If you have any questions please feel free to send me a message I will try to get back to you as soon as I can.