Let’s Go Behind the Scenes of So Hard to Do - Part 3

A Statement from the Author about Living and Loving on the Spectrum

One in fifty of us are likely to be diagnosed at some point with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The incidence is much higher among males than females, and the symptoms range from mild to severe.

I’m the author of a novel that features characters who range along the spectrum, but I don’t pretend to possess clinical expertise. Instead, I write from a personal perspective, having cherished and lived with family members with ASD. Like the rest of us, their deepest desire is to be loved and accepted. Often, they struggle mightily.

Sometimes, though, with a lot of family support and professional help, an ASD child will navigate the public school system, make a successful transition to a higher education facility, and ultimately seek and secure a job. The path may be rocky and the progress interrupted by frequent backtracks, but it can happen. In fact, I know it does—I’ve witnessed it.

As for romance, which is rarely easy for any of us: well, it’s that much more challenging for someone with autism. One of the driving motivators for me in plotting this book was to give my characters happily-ever-after endings, regardless of whether they’re neurotypical or not. Perhaps some of my outcomes overflow with optimism, but writing them made me feel hopeful for us all.

People on the spectrum can find true love. It’s important to keep the faith. My husband did—and, lucky man, he eventually found me!

Sally Basmajian

January, 2023