Thomas Iland: Autism in Life

 As we move forward in a time of technological advancement, we still have a way to go in some areas of social advancement, including awareness about mental health and developmental disabilities.  Speaking on these issues, or simply learning to interact in healthy and supportive manners, provides a form of healing and growth that no kind of prescription drug can produce.
For local resident Tom Iland, socializing was particularly tricky. He didn’t have common stage fright; rather it was his autism that provided his greatest challenge.  Today, it may surprise many who don’t know him that he has autism, an achievement Tom attributes mostly to his parents, who never gave up on him and were a “huge component to [his] success.”
At age 13, Tom was formally diagnosed with autism. Tom experienced many of the firsts of life – such as independence, driving, relationships and college – through the lens of autism.  After completing his degree, Tom became a CPA, working with Disney, Tetra Tech and even Deloitte, one of the big four international accounting firms.  In lieu of all his professional success, however, he stepped away from business to pursue his true calling: public speaking, and educating the public and professional worlds about autism.
Teaming up with District 52’s BarneStorming Toastmasters Club at Barnes & Noble, Tom led a presentation at the bookstore on July 6.  He focused mainly on teaching guests to “recognize the person first and the condition second.”  The lecture itself was met with enthusiasm and eagerness.  A theme of the evening – “Listening Together, Laughing Together and Learning Together” – was heard throughout the presentation.
Tom’s future promises the release of his new book, “Come to Life,” a collaborative effort with his mother.  The book aims to provide guidance to parents, teachers and those who live with autism, helping navigate the transition to adulthood.
The future further sees Tom traveling to many businesses and schools, demonstrating the potential and ability in people with autism.  Currently, he is reaching out to universities, companies, police departments and communities that wish to know more about and help people with autism.  His greatest hope is to give those with autism the opportunity to come out, feel part of the world around them, and know that world is welcoming and full of possibilities.  His mission is clear in his message: “Life does not come to you; it’s up to you to come to life.”
For more information, please visit Tom’s website at www.thomasiland.com.