Understanding the Neurodivergent Mind Changes Everything
Aspergers101 began with one goal: to better understand how my son, Sam, was wired.
When we first received his diagnosis of autism—then known as Asperger Syndrome—the outlook presented to us was often discouraging. Many projections about his future were limited. But we refused to let others define what Sam might or might not become. There was, and is, far more to him than a diagnosis.
What I eventually discovered was something powerful: when we lean into how the neurodivergent brain works—rather than trying to “fix” it—we unlock possibilities that might otherwise remain hidden.
Today, Sam lives and works independently. His early fascinations evolved into career opportunities. While challenges still exist, understanding how his brain processes the world allowed us to equip him with tools to successfully navigate a neurotypical environment while contributing his own unique gifts and talents.
In many ways, Sam’s life has become a quiet answer to those early predictions.
A Lifetime of Expert Insight
Aspergers101 exists to support families seeking a deeper understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1.
Over the years, this platform has become a curated collection of insights from some of the most respected voices in the autism field, including Dr. Temple Grandin, Dr. Tony Attwood, and many others across education, medicine, therapy, and perhaps most importantly—motherhood.
Here you will find both professional expertise and lived experience. Together, these perspectives provide practical tools, understanding, and encouragement for parents navigating the journey of raising a child with autism.
Because no parent should feel they are walking this path alone.
Legacy and the Road Ahead
While Aspergers101 has retired from its active role as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the information on this website remains available as an enduring resource for families.
My husband and I now live in the Texas Hill Country, but I remain actively involved in the initiative my son Sam and I founded more than a decade ago: Texas Driving with Disability—a program designed to improve communication and understanding between law enforcement and drivers with disabilities who may have unique communication needs.
Today, Texans have the option to voluntarily disclose a “Communication Impediment” designation on the front of their driver license or state identification card, as well as when registering their vehicle through the DMV. This designation alerts trained officers that an individual may communicate differently, respond more slowly, or be deaf or hard of hearing.
I am also currently completing a parental resource book that shares the roadmap our family followed—combining lived experience with interviews from world-renowned autism experts—to create the lifetime reference I wish I had when this journey first began.
NOTE: Please be aware that the “Asperger Syndrome” diagnosis was eliminated from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-V) that was released in 2013. Since then, Asperger Syndrome is captured under the broad term Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The content of our site remains current and relevant for those that either retain the Asperger Syndrome or High-Functioning Autism diagnosis.
Behind the Scenes:
Recent Media Coverage:
Express News – Documentary helps with Coping with Autism/Aspergers
Navigate Life Texas – Jennifer Allen’s “Aspergers 101”: Sometimes the Best Things Really Are Free!
PediaStaff – Autism Resource of the Week: Aspergers101
Texas Standard- with David Brown/ Heard on Texas Public Radio, Marfa Public Radio, KUT, KERA & Houston Public Radio
Some people don’t pick up on social cues, which can lead to tragedy. We’ll meet a mother who’s changing how Texas police interact with autistic kids like her own.
http://www.texasstandard.org/stories/texas-standard- for-april- 26-2016/
DPS expands training to include autism, communication issues
By Samantha Ketterer (Houston Chronicle)
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/texas/article/DPS-expands-training-to-include-autism-7320549.php
WOAI-TV (Sinclair Broadcasting)
Department of public safety assists drivers with communication challenges
By Amanda Weber
http://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/department-of-public-safety-assists-drivers-with-communication-challenges
KXAN-TV – Austin
New tool helps officers, people with Autism during traffic stops
http://kxan.com/2016/04/25/new-tool-helps-officers-people-with-autism-during-traffic-stops/
Houston Chronicle – full story
DPS boosts training on how to deal with drivers with autism
http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/texas/article/DPS-boosts-training-on-how-to-deal-with-drivers-7357942.php
Time Warner Cable News/Austin
DPS Adds Communication Impediment Marker to ID
http://www.twcnews.com/tx/austin/news/2016/04/26/dps-adds-communication-impediment-marker-to-id.html
The Katy News
Initiatives to Help Texas Drivers with Communication Challenges
http://www.twcnews.com/tx/austin/news/2016/04/26/dps-adds-communication-impediment-marker-to-id.html
The Daily Texan
Texas DPS announces expansion of law enforcement officer training related to communication, autism
BY FORREST MILBURN
http://dailytexanonline.com/2016/04/26/texas-dps-announces-expansion-of-law-enforcement-officer-training-related-to
The Texas Department of Public Safety Press Release
Initiatives to Help Texas Drivers with Communication Challenges
http://www.dps.texas.gov/director_staff/media_and_communications/pr/2016/0425a
Everything Lubbock.com
Initiatives to Help Texas Drivers with Communication Challenges
http://www.everythinglubbock.com/news/local-news/initiatives-to-help-texas-drivers-with-communication-challenges
KSAT-TV: Autistic drivers eligible for special notice on driver’s license/San Antonio family working with DPS to launch campaign
http://www.ksat.com/news/autistic-drivers-eligible-for-special-notice-on-drivers-license
Thrive with Aspergers – Guest: Jennifer Allen/Aspergers101 (article and Podcast)
http://www.myaspergers.net/what-is-aspergers/podcast/now-enjoy-great-parenting-advice-from-aspergers-101/
TheChatterBox with Ellen Hedger – Guest: Jennifer Allen/ Aspergers101 (Podcast)
https://soundcloud.com/ellen-smith-hedger/the-chatterbox-with-ellen-hedgerjennifer-allen-of-aspergers-101
About the Founder
After an extensive career broadcast marketing, Jennifer and her husband searched for answers when their oldest son hit the kinder years with great difficultly. After finally learning that their oldest son had Aspergers Syndrome, she left her career in television and became a full time mother to both of her sons. Jennifer elicited the participation of her sons and together they produced several independent programs including a children’s animated series
The need for more information encouraged Jennifer to elicit a team of autism experts to provide weekly, original content to a website free to anyone seeking to live their best under the diagnosis of High-Functioning Autism/Aspergers Syndrome… appropriately titled: Aspergers101.com
Under the Aspergers101 umbrella, Jennifer created and spearheaded the “TexasDrivingWithDisability” state-wide initiative from the fear of her own son driving. Working with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Jennifer forged new paths for people on the spectrum by establishing and marketing the driver license restriction code: Communication Impediment with a Peace Officer. She has partnered with the Texas DMV and DPS (along with the endorsement of the Texas Governors Committee on People with Disabilities) in introducing a new Bill to the 2019 Legislative Session that would place Communication Impediment in the TLETS thus notifying an officer of Autism prior to approaching the vehicle. Jennifer and her son Sam are currently training Texas Law Enforcement Agencies on Autism/Aspergers and what it might look like in a pull-over.
Recent Awards:
San Antonio United Way Volunteer of the Year Award (VOYA) 2016 Category Health & Wellness
Abilene Christian University Distinguished Alumni Citation
Gutenberg Award (ACU) 2016
Media Relations Contact
Jennifer Allen/Founder Aspergers101 and Driving with Autism
(210) 241-2922
jallen100@att.net
Press Releases
Social Media
Disclaimer: Aspergers101 does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
Aspergers101 is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.