Finding Kansas - Decoding the Enigma of Asperger's Syndrome

ON LEFT: Aaron with Dr. Temple Grandin. Her first book, Emergence Labeled Autistic, is considered one of the classic books in the field and is must reading for everyone involved with autistic children.

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"Finding Kansas is more than a geography exercise. Aaron Likens has possibly decoded the enigma of understanding one of the most mysterious and misunderstood neuron-biological disorders: Asperger’s Syndrome."




	Listen to Aaron’s radio interview on KMOX-AM, the Voice of Mid-Amercia CLICK HERE to download .mp3, CLICK HERE to listen on-line.




			Read Aaron’s blog: CLICK HERE

		To schedule speaking engagement or personal consultation: CLICK HERE

	Aaron recently gave a presentation at the St. Louis County Police Academy about Law Enforcemet

St. Louis Area Crisis Intervention Team (CIT Sgt. Barry Armfield, St. Louis Area CIT Police Coordinator, had this to say about Aaron’s presentation: I wanted to let you know I was in attendance for Aaron Likens’ presentation for our in-service training on Autism. Aaron was great!! Aaron is an intelligent speaker who speaks from his heart. As you know, I have been involved in CIT for several years and have listened to many speakers talking about mental illness, Aaron is the best. After the class I really felt I had a better grasp on understanding Autism. He is entertaining and gets the point across. *I have been to a lot of training in my 37 year career and Aaron is one of the best speakers I have heard.* Thank you for allowing us to use Aaron for this training.

Aaron featured in St. Louis Beacon.
CLICK HERE to read the story.


	Read story of Aaron in the Suburban Journal CLICK HERE


	Following is an excerpt from “*Finding Kansas: Decoding the Enigma of Asperger’s Syndrome.” Aaron was diagnosed at the age of 20 with Asperger’s Syndrom. Since that time he has written a new book that will change how educators, parents, therapist, and doctors view this Autism Spectrum Disorder*.


	The Title Chapter from “Finding Kansas.”

Just a note from Dad... This piece is one of the most significant in this book. It is so significant that some professionals at one of America's top autism organization have adopted Aaron's definitions of a Situational Handicap.

Finding Kansas: The Situational Handicap

new cover Some people who know me and know that I have Asperger’s think that there’s nothing wrong with me. These people, however, only see me in certain situations and have no idea how paralyzed I can be in some situations. This can be very aggravating because I know something isn’t perfect with me, but when I hear such remarks as, “Oh, you’re fine,” or “I can’t see how you have that at all,” it really bothers me.

To make a good example, let’s say a person is paralyzed. However, for reasons unknown, this person is perfectly fine anytime they are in the state of Kansas. If you saw this person while in Kansas you’d flat out tell them, “Hey, you’re not paralyzed!” At the time this comment would be true, but to the person, they know that the second they leave the state they are paralyzed again.

Now this person, knowing the magic of Kansas, would probably sell his home in whatever state he’s in and move to Kansas so he would not be paralyzed. This is exactly how I try to be in life in regards to finding my Kansas. MORE


	A Special Message from the author...






	Aaron Likens has been featured in national magazine advertising. To see those ads: CLICK HERE


	I’ve wanted to race since I was three years old. That’s “PLAN A” for my life. There is no “PLAN B.” That’s what I always thought until I realized that last year’s winner at Indy, or Daytona probably won’t change a life today. I believe that by raising awareness of early intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders lives will be changed. That’s “PLAN A” for my life today.

		F For evaluation and services in Missouri and west-central Illinois, contact TouchPoint Autism Services 1101 Olivette Executive Pkwy St. Louis, MO 63132 314.432.6200 www.touchpointautism.org

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d_200704_logo-interior Aaron was featured in the Jan. 9, 2009 issue of e-Speaks, Autism Speaks online newsletter. To read the story about how he was the Chief Start/Flagman of the largest kart race in America: CLICK HERE


	Aaron had his first Book Signing at Barnes & Noble on January 25. To see photos: CLICK HERE