Thomas A. McKean is an autism advocate who was diagnosed with autism at the end of seventh grade and placed in a psychiatric facility (as was the custom at the time) from 1980 to1983. Following this, he studied computer science at college and received his GED. Thomas then worked for the Medicare division of Nationwide Insurance, before attending Columbus State Community College to study Mental Health and Journalism. In 1992, Thomas served two non-consecutive terms on the board of the Autism Society of America (1992-1994 and 1997-2000). He has traveled extensively throughout the USA and Canada, speaking at conferences and doing private consulting for families and school systems in regards to children with autism. Thomas has written and published two books, Soon
Will Come the Light and
Light on the Horizon. He was presented with a Title of Honor for his work in the advocacy field and has addressed members of Senate and Congress regarding disability issues. He has appeared as a guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show, as well as NPR and various television newscasts. In 2017, Thomas was diagnosed with a progressive neurological disorder that has weakened his muscles and placed him in a wheelchair. Thomas now resides in Hilliard, Ohio with his sister, her husband, and a Pomeranian. He is still writing and currently serves on the board of directors of the Autism Society of Ohio.
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Renowned autistic advocate, author, and international speaker, Thomas A. McKean, shares his views on how parents can navigate the increasingly challenging realm of autism advocacy on social media. You may have noticed that autism support has taken a dark and toxic turn on social media over the past few years. Whereas once many people with
