Hmmm....four years ago I was finishing up five years at my last nonptofit PR job, about to pick up stakes and move to New York on a wing and a prayer. Almost every aspect of my life here differs rather profoundly from my life in San Francisco. Is it our age, or the times, or both?

I think that having a kid diagnosed with PDD/autism spectrum -- usually happens between 2-3 years old -- and then the ensuing 3-4 heavy-duty intervention years until they are established in elementary school -- whether mainstream or special ed -- is a uniquely intensive crisis period in a life.

Not the same, but comparable to the cancer-chemo-radiation-remission process.

It changed me more profoundly than any other experience in life -- including marriage and parenthood or any part of my career. I view it as my real passage into adulthood -- it is the most profound feeling of responsibility I've ever felt.