APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
Life Advice from a Young Adult
on the Spectrum
By Debra MOORE, PhD
A Conversation with Patrick…
Patrick, now 27, is a kind, candid, and wickedly
funny young man. I counseled him beginning in his
teens, and was later able to share his story in The
Loving Push, which I coauthored with Dr. Temple
Grandin.
Patrick and I spoke recently by phone. We hope
some of his story might be useful to you.
Patrick was diagnosed with autism spectrum disor-
der (ASD) as a child. As a toddler, he was unable to
distinguish himself from objects, and had scream-
ing fits from sensory overload.
He was also obsessed with cartoons and commer-
cials. No one realized that while watching them,
he was memorizing and consciously practicing
how to precisely place his tongue and constrict his
throat to mimic his beloved characters.
After high school, Patrick floundered, hating, and
then quitting college. He became depressed, and
retreated to his bedroom and endless video games.
Then one day, kidding around in the car with his
aunt Mary, he spontaneously burst into “Maria,” the
song from West Side Story. His aunt was stunned—
his voice was strong, pitch perfect, and beautiful!
A new and often challenging journey began that
day. Patrick tried voice lessons (he didn’t much like
them), an improv class (ho-hum), and voice over
coaching (which he eventually loved).
Fast forward to today: Patrick is back in voice class-
es, submits voice over auditions to agents, and has
booked a few paying jobs.
Dr. Moore (DM): I’d love to talk about your journey
and hear about any strategies that helped you. How
about school?
Patrick: I did NOT like my time in school! I was bul-
lied. In retrospect I would tell parents to tell their kid
44 | Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 68
to avoid reacting to the bullies. Do not become a
spectacle— it is just for their amusement.
I would also tell parents to inform the school of their
child’s condition ASAP to avoid complications. The
teachers and staff might not recognize what your
child needs, so it’s better if they have the information
beforehand.
DM: Let’s talk about interacting with others. I re-
member when you wouldn’t join gatherings, you’d
sort of hide in your room. And you didn’t participate
in day-to-day household tasks.
Patrick: I used to hide away. I’m still not a very big
socializer. My advice for being around people is to
first watch and listen. See how others do something
before you try it.