Gordon Gladstone interviews Adam Sherman, author of Living Beyond Normal, a memoir of one person's struggle with autism. Sherman aims to “be a voice for the disabled community in our quest to be heard and accepted by society as equal human beings.” Lunch catered by One Market Restaurant/Mark and Mike's NY style deli and sponsored by Monica Levin and Nancy Igdaloff. Members only. Free. Advanced reservations required by August 15 at 10 am or as capacity allows.

What is it like, exactly, to live with Autism? Sherman brings his experience to life in these pages. We walk the proverbial mile in his shoes—and inside his head. As with the colors of the rainbow that make up the puzzle-piece-inspired ribbon that emblemizes Autism, no two Autistic people are the same, so Sherman’s Living Beyond Normal is by no means universal in the particulars of his detail. And yet there is a feeling of universality in the telling of his story.

Writes Sherman “I am a person with autism. I am not a hero, I am not an activist, and I am not special; I am just a person who is doing what I believe is the right thing to do. I hope that this benefits those who are like me, as well as people with other internal struggles of their own. I also want those considered neurotypical to know that we are here, and that we deserve acceptance, understanding, and love.”