“If you have a word of encouragement, you can do anything.” - Hilton Als. Michael’s family and teachers had always encouraged him to keep working on challenges during his growing years. This early and constant encouragement has given Michael the confidence to explore different growth opportunities on his own such as earning a Master of Business Administration degree, earning third-degree black belt in Karate and helping others who are struggling with autism thru his unique memoir. He works full time and sings at fund-raising events using his gifted voice.

What inspired you to write your memoir “What Autism Gave Me”? How can the reader benefit from this book?M: After speaking at a number of autism events, I was encouraged by parents, teachers and others to share my journey with autism so that others would have hope. As a child, experts did not think I could attend school or lead an independent life. Continual testing revealed a hopeless diagnosis. The most important lesson in my book is that no one’s future can be predicted. Each person has strengths that often emerge later in life. When people see my testing results and what I have accomplished, it gives them a new perspective on what is possible.

Can you tell us more about the data processing job? What is the best thing you love about your work?M: When I graduated from college, I was unable to find a job. I never even had an interview. My uncle did give me a job putting data in a computer. When I started working, I would tell everyone that it was not my dream job because I did not realize I should not verbalize every thought I have. It is one of the challenges with autism. Overall, I know I am lucky to have job because so many people with autism are not employed even though they would like to work. I have continued to gain new skills at work and decided to get my MBA so I understood more about the business world.

How did you get into singing at fundraisers? Can you share some memorable fundraising events where have you performed as a singer?M: One of my talents is singing, with a focus on classical music, and it opened the door for me to go to college. My SAT scores were too low for college admission at the University of West GA, but I was granted an exception because of my singing abilities. A very memorable singing opportunity at a fundraising event was singing the National Anthem for one of Autism Speaks walks.

What challenges did you face during your school years? How did you motivate yourself to face those challenges?M: I had many challenges in school. First, only one school for special needs students in the Atlanta metro area accepted me because my testing scores were so low. This trend continued and throughout school I always tested below average on every standardized test. Instead of looking at what I could not do, my parents and teachers encouraged me to focus on one small goal at a time. It is something that I have adopted in my life and I have found that small steps added up overtime. For example, I learned to read but it was later in my school years than other students. My motor skills were poor so writing a letter was difficult and very slow. I used a computer as a child which was unusual when I was young. It shows that everyone needs to go at their own pace and not compare themselves to others.

What are the two things you want to learn and why?M: As a child, I found myself captivated by the Japanese mercenaries know as Ninjas. That fascination has continued into my adult life. I started a Youtube channel where I reviewed all types of martial arts movies and many of them were obscure ninja movies. One day, I would like to learn Ninjutsu, the actual movement and strategy of the Ninja. There are only a few schools in Japan that teach this ancient art form.
A second thing I would like to do is learn to speak Mandarin. I have a love of the Asian culture and would like to visit China and immerse myself in the history, culture and food.

Who is your inspiration?M: My martial arts interest started with watching the Ninja Turtles and Power Rangers when I was around 2 years old. I was not even five years old when I learned about Bruce Lee. He was a martial artist and a philosopher. As a child, I was not aware of the significance of my challenges. I saw myself as a normal child who had some minor challenges. So I thought I could be just like Bruce Lee. No matter how difficult my karate was, I kept working. In retrospect, I now understand that karate was my therapy and it helped me overcome many challenges.
When writing my book, I tapped into Bruce Lee’s philosophy. Each chapter of my book starts off with one of his quotes that represents the topic covered. His quotes demonstrate that he approached challenges with a positive attitude and that is what I have tried to do as well. A great example is the quote, “As you think, so shall you become.” Even though my diagnosis stated that I would never lead an independent life, my parents put me on a path that made me more than my diagnosis. They thought I could be more just like Bruce Lee’s quote.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?M: When I was six years old, a karate program accepted me even though I had so many challenges. Twenty-five years later and after a great deal of work, I have earned a 3rd degree black belt. It is something that no one thought was possible. My motor skills and overall brain function have improved from the movements that I have learned while practicing my karate moves. More importantly, this karate has become a second family to me. Both my dad and my brother also participated in karate and earned their black belts too. My book is dedicated Mr. Mitsunobu Uchida, founder and President of U.S. Taido Association, Inc., who allowed me to join his martial arts program when I was six years old. He has had a profound effect on many lives because of his ability to accept all individuals as they are. He expects people to give their best effort and to never give up. In more ways than anyone can image, Taido has played a significant role in my success. It is a place where I belong.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you like about that place?M: I love Disney World and agree it is the “Happiest Place on Earth”. It is a world I identified with as a child and still find joy when I visit.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to overcome challenges?M: My advice to anyone is not to limit yourself based on your diagnosis. My parents continually set new goals for me. I was so far behind other children and it was never obvious that I was making progress because I had so many challenges compared to other children. One of my greatest strengths was not giving up when something seemed hard or unachievable. Small goals at a time really do add up.

Any special message for our community?M: It was never obvious that I would have a positive story to tell. Experts and studies continue to confirm that my testing results suggested that my life would be limited. My parents never made me think I was unable to do something. They told me it would be harder for me and encouraged me to try. Like the story The Tortoise and The Hare, no one thought that the tortoise had a chance but slow progress made a difference in the end. It is important to challenge yourself to do new things.