Todd's relationship with autism was forged by having a younger brother with autism, reinforced by living in a community accepting of his brother and family, and shaped as he pursued a career in medicine. He has always felt honored to be allowed to participate in the lives of families effected by autism at their most vulnerable points. A shared understanding occurs when the emotional story of one of these families unfolds in profoundly sad, anxious, and frustrated ways and this understanding can lead to good treatment. He has struggled with the physician mindset of wanting to treat illness as may families view autism as a part of living and not an illness. He understands that the concept of emotionally "fixing" someone with autism is far less helpful than trying to grow through the challenges with the family. Medications can be helpful tools in his care of patients and families, but the more powerful process is getting to know individuals and families where they are. The more families and people with autism that Todd meets, the more confident, connected, and effective he feels as an autism professional.
—Loren Weisman