Thomas is 62 years old and has spent the past few decades involved in autism-related social/support groups among other organizations and has become a well-known self-advocate throughout Pennsylvania. For the past 15 years, he’s led a group called “Spectrum Friends” that helps people with autism come together, listen to guest speakers, make new friends, and go on fun field trips. He’s also won and been nominated for multiple disability/autism advocacy awards for his work within the community. Thomas continues to strive for greatness every day and is looking forward to sharing his life story and amazing experiences through ASDNext blogs!
Thomas Hassell

An Autistic Traveling Man
Hobbies can bring great joy into your life. Thomas shares one of his favorites hobbies, traveling. Starting as a child with family and continuing to the present, he has traveled widely in the United States.
Read morePublic Health and Autism Science advancing Equitable Strategies (PHASES) and Their Goals
Thomas was asked to join an Autism External Advisory Committee. This study by A. J. Drexel Institute is focused on how Autism effects people throughout their lifespan and use a public health research framework. He gives a detailed account of the study and why it is important to him.
Read moreSelf-Advocacy
Thomas writes about his self advocacy for the adult Autism community. He writes about the hard work that is involved in expanding his self advocacy role within the larger autism community. He also share shares his motivations in his on going efforts.
Read moreMeet Thomas!
Welcome to our new blogger, Thomas, who shares how he got his autism diagnosis and how he has used that information to make his and other people‘s lives better. He is a well-known self-advocate and group leader for an autism support group in Pennsylvania. Click on the blog to learn more about Thomas.
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