All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them” - Walt Disney. Micahel also dreamed to become a stand-up comedian. With his courage and talent he has channeled his love of comedy and obsession of Hollywood movies to do his favorite job as a stand-up comedian to spread happiness. He has already done over 200 shows across Canada and the United States where he takes you on a comical journey through the lighter side of Asperger’s Syndrome. Let us applaud this young talent who is nurturing his passion with hard work and humor.

What inspired you to come up with “Does This Make My Asperger’s Look Big” act?M: I was ostracized throughout my public school years, and luckily, thanks to my parents' intervention, was enrolled in Stand Up for Mental Health program in Guelph, Ontario. The title of my act is a direct response to teases I've received during elementary school.

What do you like about being a stand-up comedian and why?M:  I can talk for as much as I want for a nondescript period of time, and no one can tell me to shut up. I mean, they could if they wanted to, but then I'd have to respond accordingly.

How did you prepare yourself for your act?M: Writing and pacing, mostly.

How many shows have you done so far? How does it feel when you make people laugh?M: I'd say somewhere between 150 and 200. When people come to see live comedy, it's usually for escapist means. People need to laugh at someone else's misery so that they can forget about their own troubles for a while. Making people laugh, as an experience, has no comparison. It is the most euphoric experience in the world.

Did your love for stand-up comedy help you overcome Asperger’s?M: As a youngin', Asperger's was not so much a struggle for me as it was for everyone else around me. I was always extroverted in my behaviour, but extremely alienating in the way that I would monopolize a conversation, fixate on a handful of interests, and constantly apologize, assuming that, because I couldn't get a read on people, they might be upset with me. Stand up served as a form of group therapy in which I got to vent all of my frustrations and reflect on my past trials in a format that people could relate to.

Who is your favorite stand-up comedian and why?M: That's probably the hardest question to answer. I have several favourites, such as: Mitch Hedburg, Louis CK, Steven Wright, TJ Miller, etc. I love these guys for being able to give words to feelings and moods you thought couldn't be described, then to also take quite banal, familiar situations and warp them into something almost alien and unfamiliar. They're just a blast to watch.

Do you think laughter is important for healthy human life and why?M:  Absolutely. There;s a time and a place to be irreverent, but if we had to dead serious all the time, well... we'd lose it, to be frank.

What are your other hobbies?M: I'm an avid film watcher. I love watching, deconstructing and introducing new films to people. My fixations these days are far more accessible to people as opposed to the obsessions of my youth: Pokemon, dinosaurs, trains and the colour green.

How can art play an important role for our special children?M: It helps stimulate the creative side of the brain and enables to kids draw parallels between subject matter that they didn't see before.

Any special message for our community?M: If you have a passion, nurture it. Seek out programs and social groups that'll help foster those loves, and eventually channel them into something that you can do for the rest of your life.