My name is Michael McCartney Wind, I was born on December 29th, 1991 in Richmond, Virginia. My autism was diagnosed weeks after my second birthday 20 years ago. My parents tried whatever they can to help me become more verbal just like the others in the real world. I was non-verbal until the age of 5, I learned 2 to 3 word simple sentences. I didn't know that I was diagnosed with Autism until I was 16 years old. My mother and father once told me that Autism is basically not a good or bad thing, it's just a thing.
But here are a few true special things about me that you'll learn to love though:
I sing the hit songs of Frank Sinatra and other favorites live. I've began my debut as a Sinatra performer on November 18, 2005 at the middle school's variety show in Shoreham-Wading River High School. I perform those hits where ever I can in Long Island, such as dinner parties, birthday parties, retirement homes and even fire departments. They always tell me I sound a lot like Sinatra when it comes to singing.
Also, I work in the mailroom in New York City. I began that job on July 2nd, 2012. I was very nervous on the first day because I felt like I was going to screw up badly. But I always got a lot of help from my dad, my mailroom boss, and the rest of the co-workers I work with in the big apple. Now it's been a year and a half since I've been here, and I enjoy making progress with the rest of the people in the world.
So look at me now, 20 years after being diagnosed with Autism, I'm still talkative, full of spirits and always singing my heart out! Thanks so much for taking the time to read this! I'm certain that your children with autism will have a great story of their own and a great future!
Hauppauge, NY
