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In Their Own Words – What a Difference a Day Makes
This "In Their Own Words" essay was written by Matt Rizzo, of Creve Coeur, Mo., who has a son with autism.
I will never forget the day. While the details escape me, the day will live on. Was it sunny? Was it raining? Maybe it was overcast. All I remember is how I felt. I was insanely nervous. I was dreading the appointment. It was a day that we had been building up to for the better part of a year. My wife and I were going to a neurologist to see if our son, Gabe, had autism.
For about a year we had been noticing that Gabe was missing developmental milestones. He was always on the low end of "normal." His ability to interact appropriately with other kids of his age was drastically deficient. He began repetitive behaviors such as running back and forth, crashing into walls, spinning in circles, etc. So I did what any self-respecting father would do. I got on WebMD. (Sidenote: don't look at WebMD. You will always end up with terminal cancer.) The good doctor told me what I had been fearing. Gabe had autism. But this was just the web talking. There were other signs of "normalcy" that I chose to cling to. Maybe this was just a phase. Then came the moaning and the lack of speech. He had a 40-word vocabulary, but chose to not use it. Instead he would spend the day moaning. We knew something was not right. We finally made an appointment with a neurologist to see if we had a true case of autism or if we were just being paranoid.
I remember getting to the doctor's office and sitting in the waiting room. Gabe was restless as usual and wanted to run back and forth, so we let him. I was trying to stay calm. After all, for the last six months I had been looking at WebMD and was aware of what autism was, but not what it really meant. I knew that the disorder entailed social difficulties; I knew that speech was sometimes difficult. I knew some of these people were insanely intelligent and incredibly talented, but I did not know what that looked like or felt like.
We were shuffled into the office and Gabe played with some toys. The doctor began asking my wife and I standard questions. We answered with as much detail as we could and explained why we thought one thing or another. In retrospect, we were probably shading the answers in such a way that would make Gabe appear more "normal" than he actually was. After about 20 minutes of answering questions, the neurologist observed Gabe playing for about five minutes. It seemed much longer than that as we simply sat back and watched as well. The doctor then stopped and asked if we had any questions for him. I remember thinking to myself "Yeah, man, what's up with my kid?" Fortunately, I allowed my filter to kick in and instead asked "What are your thoughts?" His response, "Oh, it's autism".
Three words.
Three words I will never get out of my head until the day I die.
In that one moment my entire life changed. I was speechless. I have only found myself in that condition a few times in my life. I truly could not come up with words. I remember looking out the window wondering what all this meant. My wife began asking questions of the doctor and he promptly began surfing the web to print out resources for us. I felt like an airplane just landed on me. We left the doctor's office with more questions than answers. These questions still keep me up at night. Will Gabe have friends? Will Gabe need assistance in living his adult life? Will Gabe be living with me and my wife 'til we die? Who will take care of him after we're gone?
In the last year, those questions have been removed from the front of my mind, but they will always be there. Instead, we have learned to take each day one step at a time. There is so much we don't know, so instead we focus on what we do know. We know that Gabe has made huge strides in the last year. Instead of moaning, Gabe tells us what he wants now. He is starting to mimic "normal" behavior. We know that Gabe is the hardest worker in the house. Gabe goes to school for eight hours a day, including therapy. He is not yet four years old. We know that Gabe has a big sister who doubles as a full-time therapist and gives more to her little brother than any six-year-old child should ever be asked to, and she does it with a smile. We know that we will always be Gabe's voice when he does not have the ability to show the world his. Outside of this, we let each day happen and react to it as best we can.
April 14, 2009 was the darkest day of my entire life. But from that darkness came an understanding of who Gabe is. Until that time, I did not know how to build a relationship with my son. Having him diagnosed opened up a world to us that allowed us to shine light into the unlit corners of Gabe's mind. Doing so has allowed me to finally connect with my son. He loves music. Every night, Gabe allows me to fulfill my childhood dreams of being a rock star when I play guitar for him while he takes a bath. He makes me proud every time he tackles me and punctuates it with a "Go Steelers!" He warms my wife's heart when he is going to bed, hugs her, smiles and says "happy." It was the worst day of my life, but my family was made better for it. My family has united around Gabe. We don't kid ourselves and we don't set expectations. We don't ever think he will be "normal", and honestly, I am not sure I would want Gabe to be anyone else other than who he is. He is our "Buddy" and we like him just the way he is.
"In Their Own Words" is a series within the Autism Speaks blog which shares the voices of people who have autism, as well as their loved ones. If you have a story you wish to share about your personal experience with autism, please send it to firstname.lastname@example.com. Autism Speaks reserves the right to edit contributions for space, style and content. Because of the volume of submissions, not all can be published on the site.
July 6, 2010 at 10:10 am
This took me back to the time my son was diagnosed, just a month or so before yours. The emotions, feelings you had, exactly the same for us. Bless you for being such a great father, thanks for sharing.
July 6, 2010 at 10:12 am
Thanks for your honesty about the hopelessness you felt that day. My husband and I have been through everything you said basically, and it's inspiring to hear about another couple who has made it through the worse part.
July 6, 2010 at 10:17 am
7:00-10:00 Event Set up
10:00 Bikers check in
10:30 Pre- Meeting for Mountain Bike Racers to brief them
On the course and safety
11:00 Approximate 5 mile Mountain Bike Race Start Time
12:00 Food, Activities, Games, Music and Entertainment
begin The band Underground Season is performing
12:00 Autism Awareness Hike Check In-Learn facts about autism
1:00 1 Mile Hike Start time
2:00 Magic Show Leon Etienne
3:00 Chinese Auction Results
4:00 Event Ends
An official flyer will go out next week with more details. You will be able to register online then also. This is just to get the word out there and give everyone an idea of what to expect. For any questions, you can contact Jennifer Hall 315-525-6316
July 6, 2010 at 10:18 am
Event is based in Ilion, NY!
July 6, 2010 at 10:25 am
Wow,what a heartwarming account of your journey with your son. This made me cry, smile and remember. I too have a son with autism, he is 12 and was diagnosed when he was 3. I too remember the diagnosis day, although I had done enough research on my on to not need a Dr. to tell me what I knew, My son was autistic. Still those words from a Dr. I can still hear. I am glad to hear your son has made such progress. I can tell you if anyone had told me 8 years ago that my son would be the young man he is today I would have told them they were crazy! He too has changed our lives and I would not want him to be anyone other than who he is. You sound like a awesome Dad, continue to love on that little guy, encourage him and fight for him and you will be amazed at how he blossoms. Thanks for sharing your story!
July 6, 2010 at 10:40 am
my father took it real hard that i have autism. it seems as though you have incredible strength. i wish you the best & hope that you are able to inspire other dad's to feel empowered about their kid's condition.
to me: it takes a sea full of positive parents to make our community work. :)
good luck!
July 6, 2010 at 10:56 am
I work with children with autism–and their families. I just know in my heart that every child or adult with autism is surrounded by those who are meant to be with them. I also know that each one of us has been given a gift that, while sometimes hard to open, is a very special treasure.
July 6, 2010 at 12:50 pm
I am a teacher of autistic high schoolers up to age 22. I am so thankful and pleased that many of my "kids" have families like yours – that embrace their child & will do anything to help them be all that they can be! And for your own comfort, let me assure you that the therapists and teachers who will pour into Gabe will love him as much as you do, and will rejoice over his successes just as you do! We pray that Gabe will have many successes and joys in his life – having you for his family as him on the right track already!!
July 6, 2010 at 4:07 pm
I remember the day my son was diagnosed, I am a mom i hope that it is ok that i post to this. I do also remember my partner was in deinal. Tim refused to believe it, he still to some extent is that way. I am so please to hear that fathers are standing up and speaking there hearts. I was sitting on the back porch,and Robert was at school. It was around 10 am and the teacher called me after having a series of test dome in school. I heard " Liz we think that Robert has Aspergers." I dont after that remember a thing that they said after that but crying and when we were done talking her saying that "Liz he will always be your Robert your special little boy" I still cry when i think about that day. After that we took Robert to a well known developmental center and were told that he indeed had Aspergers. That was the second worse day of my life. He is doing ok for the most part there are days from hell, but those days are made better by the good days.
July 6, 2010 at 10:20 pm
I am a dad and my 3 year old Jesse was diagnosed with PDD-NOS. I still struggle to accept this but i am trying. Reading your story makes me feel that at least their is someone out there who understands my life (and my familys). Thank you for sharing your story and may god bless your family and science continue to uncover more truths surrounding this mystery syndrome.
July 7, 2010 at 7:14 am
A really touching, open & inspirational story. It helps so much to read about other families with an autistic child, learning of their history and approach to helping their special little buddy.
I'm really proud to have an autistic child and likewise, wouldn't want my son to be any different than he is. One of the most amazing journeys to look forward to is to see them grow & develop and learn of the many strengths that lay within them.
Thanks for sharing and best wishes,
July 7, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Thank you for sharing this story. My son is almost 4 and was diagnosed just a few days before he turned 2. Your story really touched me. I too like so many us of will never forget that day, but what I took away from this story is guess what…i dont think I would change my son either. He is such a trip. He is my little boo boo and I love him to death.
Thanks again and God Bless.
July 8, 2010 at 2:57 pm
This was perfect!!!! I too remember the day the DR. suggested this of my daughter… I don't remeber much else of what she said! It has been 3 years, and my baby has made tremendous strides! She is extremely intellegent, funny, loving and happy! My older two kids have been nothing short of amazing, they too are like part-time aids to the baby sister!!!! And my husband has been great, we are all in this together! Thank you fo rsharing :) melynda


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Terrebonne native heads to national rodeo finals
Published: Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 11:49 p.m.
A Pointe-aux-Chenes native will represent Louisiana in a national high school rodeo competition next month.
Derrick Chaisson, 18, earned the title of state champion in the bareback bronc riding event earlier this month during the Louisiana finals at McNeese State University in Lake Charles.
Chaisson and two classmates from Jewel Sumner High School in Kentwood make up the state team that heads to the National High School Finals Rodeo, scheduled for July 14-21 in Rock Springs, Wyo.
Sponsored by the National High School Rodeo Association, it's billed as the "world's largest rodeo," attracting more than 1,500 competitors from high and junior high schools across the U.S., Canada and Australia.
A member of the United Houma Nation Indian tribe, Derrick is the son of Will and Rosalie Chaison. The family moved to Kentwood when Derrick was in the fifth grade. He's now a high school senior.
During the bareback bronc competition, cowboys ride a bucking horse without the benefit of a saddle or reins. A leather rigging behind the horse's shoulders has a handle attached, and the rider holds on with one hand and uses his spurs and movements in an effort to stay on top for 8 seconds. Participants are judged on their control and spurring technique. Chaisson has been participating in the event for just over five years.
He's participated in the national rodeo twice before, but this is his first time as a state champion.
"I feel confident, like I'll be able to do something this year," Chaisson said. "I know what the horses are like. I know how to treat the atmosphere; a lot of people let the atmosphere get to them, but I've got that covered this time around."
He said he will participate in a couple of rodeos to warm up.
"I'm doing every little thing to get ready," Chaisson said. "I've got to stay in shape for the finals."
Though he hopes to win in Wyoming, he's grateful for how far he has come.
"It makes me feel like all the work I've been doing has finally paid off," Chaisson said. "I really just thank my family, friends and God, most importantly."
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.

subset: commoncrawl


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- Feb 24:
- Oscars 2013: Live coverage from the 85th annual Academy Awards
- Oscars 2013 predictions: Is it 'Argo' vs. 'Lincoln'?
- Oscars 2013: Critics from across the country make picks in major categories
- Feb 22:
- Oscars 2013: Ethan Hawke rips Academy Awards
- Oscars 2013: Five things we hope will happen Sunday night
- Feb 21:
- Oscars 2013: The 10 biggest mistakes in Oscar history
- Oscars 2013: A theater man casts his design eye on the Academy Awards
- Oscars 2013: Best picture contenders produce $2 billion box office bounty
- Oscars 2013 fashions: Dresses that changed the red carpet
- Best film sets and design elements from the movies of 2012
- Oscars 2013: A playlist of memorable 'Best Original Song' winners
- Oscars 2013: Can you pick the top winners? Cast your ballot and see how your vote stacks up
- Oscars 2013: Trivia quiz
- Feb 20:
- Oscars 2013: The categories we wish were real awards
- Want to Win an Oscar? Better set your film overseas
- Oscars 2013: An unsettling 'The Gatekeepers' in tight documentary race
- Oscars 2013: Oscar voting closes after fierce studio campaigns
- Oscars 2013: Will Kimmel hit another post-Oscar home run?
- Feb 19:
- Oscars 2013: Best Picture-inspired cocktails draw on mixologists creativity
- Oscars 2013: Why 'Argo' and Ben Affleck are going to win
- Oscars 2013: Five ways to fix the telecast
- Oscars 2013: Can Seth MacFarlane save the show?
DON'T MISS: 85th Academy Awards -- Irreverent "Family Guy" goofball Seth MacFarlane makes his Oscars-hosting debut as Hollywood holds its annual orgy of self-indulgence. "Lincoln" leads the field of celebrated films with 12 nominations, but keep an eye on "Argo." As for the telecast, producers are promising plenty of star power and glitzy production numbers. We just want them to finish on time. 5:30 p.m. Sunday, ABC.
SUNDAY: Lena Dunham may be gracing the covers of magazines everywhere, but her character on "Girls" still leads a much less glamorous life. Tonight, she makes a road trip with Jessa (Jemima Kirke) to meet her pal's very odd father and his new-age girlfriend. 9 p.m., HBO.
SUNDAY: Now that the evil Governor (David Morrissey) has declared war on "The Walking Dead," we're eager to see if Rick (Andrew Lincoln) can get his head back in the game and rally the troops. 9 p.m., AMC.
MONDAY: On "Bones," the usually by-the-book Brennan (Emily Deschanel) is now thinking outside the box, thanks to the influence of an eccentric intern (Brian Klugman). But she may be taking things too far when she seriously considers the possibility of time travel. 8 p.m., Fox.
TUESDAY: "Makers: Women Who Make America" is an excellent and ambitious three-hour documentary that chronicles the advancement of women over the past 50 years. Among those featured are Hillary Rodham Clinton, Gloria Steinem, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Walters. 8 p.m., PBS.
TUESDAY: Red-hot "Sherlock" hunk Benedict Cumberbatch headlines "Parade's End," a sweeping, five-part miniseries that serves up a juicy love triangle among the ruins of World War I. Rebecca Hall and Adelaide Clemens also star. 9 p.m., HBO.
TUESDAY: Someone at CBS clearly thinks that we just can't get enough cop shows, so here comes another one: "Golden Boy" charts the rise of a young, ambitious New York police commissioner (Theo James). Also, murders happen. 10 p.m., CBS.
WEDNESDAY: "Battle for the Elephants" is a National Geographic documentary that examines the brutal slaughter of African elephants for their tusks -- a practice largely fueled by China's demand for ivory. 9 p.m., PBS.
WEDNESDAY: Don't tell Donald and Daffy, but "Duck Dynasty" is a bona fide cable hit. Season 3 kicks off with an episode that has our bearded quack pack heading off for a camping trip and awaiting the dawn of duck season. 10 p.m., A&E.
THURSDAY: "The Ben Show" is an amusing series that finds funny man Ben Hoffman working toward a new personal goal in each episode. First up: He tries to start a band. 10 p.m., Comedy Central.
FRIDAY: In the delightfully absurd Season 3 finale of "Portlandia," the city plunges into a blackout after the mayor's office fails to pay the electric bill. 10 p.m., IFC.
SATURDAY: "Blackboard Wars" is a documentary series that chronicles the energized effort to revive a New Orleans high school that has been tarnished by academic failure and a culture of violence. 9 p.m., OWN.
Contact Chuck Barney at firstname.lastname@example.com. follow him at http://twitter.com/chuckbarney.


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Rick Ansoff
Personal Information
Shirley Hufstedler School of Education
San Diego Campus
Associate Professor
Associate Professor
Alliant International University San Diego
10455 Pomerado Road
San Diego CA 92131
Courses, Research Interests, Publications
Research methods
Introductory SAS (Statistical Analysis Systems)
Learning Theory
Dissertation Implementation
Dissertation Design
History of Psychology
Philosophy of Psychology
Major Figures in Philosophy
The nature of human agency (including biological, philosophical and historical aspects); the Philosophy of research methods and statistics; the Philosophy of science
Ansoff, R. (1996). How can there be personal agency without an ontology of the individual? Theory and Psychology. 6, 539- 544.
Ansoff, R. (1995). Serial order and the problem of rapid, complex action. American Psychologist, 50, 178.
Ansoff, R. (1993). Finding a home for a psychology of volition. Theory and Psychology, 3(3), 323-336.
Ansoff, R. (2000). Teaching research methods and postmodern theory: The criterion of utility. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association in Baltimore, Maryland.
Ansoff, R. (2000). The postmodern challenge to scientific psychology. Paper presented at the monthly November meeting of the Northern Virginia Chapter of the Washington, D. C. Secular Humanists .
Ansoff, R. (2000). Reversal Theory in the Next Century and the Emerging struggle between artifact and entity theorists. Paper presented at the Ken Smith Memorial Conference on Reversal Theory in Bristol, England.
Ansoff, R. (1999). Voluntary control of meta-motivational states in reversal theory. Paper presented at the Ninth International Congress on Reversal Theory in Toronto, Canada.
Ansoff , R. (1999). Darwin on survival through cooperation, not competition. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association in Providence, Rhode Island.
Ansoff, R. (1997). Kuhn's scientific revolutions are not grounds for skepticism in Psychology. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Eastern Psychological Association in Washington, D.C.
Ansoff, R. (1995). In the shadow of the average man: The forgotten warnings of Adolphe Quetelet. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association in New York.
Hinke, K. & Ansoff, R. & Robinson, D. N. (1997). A comparison of moral reasoning skills of fourth and sixth Graders in Mexico and the U. S. : Justice/Care Orientation and Culture . Poster presented at the biannual meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development.
Academic History and Background
MA, general psychology and statistics, Georgetown University
BA, psychology (cum laude), United States International University
PhD, general psychology and statistics, Georgetown University, 1998, 1998
The French Embassy Prize from the International School of Brussels (Belgium)
Professional Practice and Community Service
Rick Ansoff has taught at Georgetown University and United States International University / Alliant International University.
* Shortwave radio listening
* Psychology of investing
* Classical music


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ATM Skimmers Found at 4 Sites at Publix and Mid-Florida Credit Union ATMs
Published: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 11:36 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, November 13, 2012 at 11:36 p.m.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office says that four devices used to steal information off credit and debit cards have been found in recently in Polk county.
Four of the devices, known as skimmers, were located at Publix and Mid-Florida Credit Union ATMs in Bartow, Mulberry, and Haines City.
The Bartow Police Department and PCSO are investigating several fraud complaints.
Sheriff Grady Judd said that the best weapon against this type of crime is the public. If you notice anything strange on a card reader or ATM, or if you have any information about these crimes, call PCSO at 863-298-6200 or Heartland Crimestoppers at 800-226-TIPS.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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PARKERSBURG - It was a time to remember the sacrifices made by those in uniform for the freedoms Americans enjoy everyday.
The Veterans Museum of the Mid-Ohio Valley held an open house Monday at 1829 Seventh St. and held a picnic Sunday at Veterans Park near the Mid-Ohio Valley Regional Airport in honor of local veterans.
There was a steady stream of people through the Veterans Museum Monday, said Gary Farris, museum director.
Article Photos
Photo by Brett Dunlap
Sandra Rexroad of Marietta looks over an Army uniform Monday at the Veterans Museum of the Mid-Ohio Valley during an open house in Parkersburg.
"People are browsing and looking at the displays," he said.
There were several hundred people at the event at Veterans Park Sunday, which included a climbing wall, cannon display and demonstrations by Carlin's Battery D Civil War re-enactors, food, Bluegrass band Forever Young, static displays by local units and more. The event was free to veterans and active duty military personnel.
"It was probably the best event we have ever put on," Farris said. "We had so many people out there."
There are plans of making the picnic an annual event starting next year.
Between the picnic and some bad weather Monday, Farris said they did not have as big a crowd at the museum Monday as they have had in the past, but they still had quite a few people.
"We want everyone to remember the veterans and what they have sacrificed for this country," Farris said.
Farris said more needs to be taught to today's younger people about the wars in Korea and Vietnam.
"They get some World War II in school," he said. "I don't think they get enough of the Korean War or enough of the Vietnam War.
"They are getting educated on almost a daily basis about what is going on now (in Afghanistan)."
Farris said many of the Korean War veterans did not get the huge parades that were given at the end of World War II for returning troops, but they weren't spit on and mistreated the way some Vietnam War veterans were. The Korean veterans have almost been forgotten by many.
"It is sad those veterans were not honored more," Farris said. "If you look, there are hardly any books or movies on it. There should be more."
The museum has many items donated from local families including uniforms, equipment, pictures, memorabilia and more.
"The people of the Mid-Ohio Valley have been great," Farris said. "(In donating things) they are thinking of the veteran who owned that particular item and people want them honored. That is what we do."
Many people who came to the museum Monday saw the event advertised and wanted to stop in and see the museum.
Gela and Jack Roberts of Wood County came to the museum for the first time Monday. Jack was a veteran of the Navy, serving during the Korean War.
"We thought we would come out today," Gela Roberts said. "We have been wanting to come out and we never had.
"It is really nice. There is a lot of information here."
Jack felt the museum might be a good place to donate some of his old service items.
"I am getting old and I am going to have to do something with it," he said.
The museum has markers placed around the different items detailing who owned and used the items on display as well as their service.
Sandra Rexroad of Marietta came by the museum for the first time Monday as a way to honor her late husband, Ross Rexroad who was an Army engineer with the 20th Engineer Brigade 169th Engineer Battalion. He served in Vietnam from 1968 and 1970. He died over nine years ago from Agent Orange-related cancer, his wife said.
"I like to do something for Veterans Day," Rexroad said. "This is when my holiday season begins. My holiday season doesn't begin with Thanksgiving, it begins with Veterans Day."
She appreciated the community cared about the service of the area's military veterans in that many local families donated something that belonged to someone who served and it is on display in the museum.
"It shows the values of the area," Rexroad said.


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City of Marion Illinois Cemetery
Goddard Chapel
Goddard Chapel 1918 - 1987 Recognition for Enlistment to National Register of Historic Places
Sunday July 19, 1987 Rose Hill
"Only character makes people different, not birth, not wealth, not position - Only CHARACTER." Leroy Goddard
The beginning of the chapel was a project of the Marion Woman's Club. The women proposed that such a chapel be created and found Leroy A. Goddard receptive. He countered with a proposal that he would build the chapel if Marion would enlarge its cemetery properties. The city complied by purchasing 27 additional acres to be laid off into burial plots.
The Chicago banker brought his own architect and contractors to Marion and the cornerstone of the chapel was laid June 12, 1918.
A time capsule which was a copper box placed in the cornerstone contained a brief biography of the donor, and a statement by Mayor E.B. Jackson and City Clerk George C. Campbell telling of the donation of the building. Other articles which went into the box included a statement about the part Williamson County had taken in World War I through the sending of 1800 of its men to the service, subscriptions to Liberty Loan drives, the Red Cross and the YMCA. There was a copy of the ordinance of the Village of Marion published in 1865, statement of the three Marion banks, a list of city officials from the time of the city's beginning, a list of organizations in the city copies of the Marion Daily Republican, Semiweekly Leader, Marion Evening Post and the Egyptian Press, A copy of the New York Herald of April 15, 1865, giving an account of the death of Abraham Lincoln and a booklet entitled, "Marion, the Opportunity City."