Jamie Reidy shares the story of a man diagnosed at 36 with autism and how he met the challenge.

CNN’s Elizabeth Landau profiles Joseph Sheppard and his amazing journey in this lengthy article.

Sheppard, 42, has high-functioning autism. He found out only about six years ago, but the diagnosis explained the odd patterns of behavior and speech that he’d struggled with throughout his life. And it gave him the impetus to reinvent himself as an autism advocate.

“What I choose to do is change the course of the future for persons with autism, because I believe in them and I believe, given the right support and environment, they will be a strong force in repairing the world.”

In order to achieve his goal of setting an example for other adults with autism, Sheppard had to return to college to get a degree in psychology. Soon, he will start on a Master’s program.

Last year, one of Sheppard’s advisers, psychology professor Jim Tanaka, brought him on as co-director of the Centre for Autism Research, Technology and Education (CARTe), which launched officially in November. The center uses technology to help people with autism.

I applaud Mr. Sheppard for his efforts to set an example for all other adults diagnosed with autism. Talk about a Good Man!

Today is World Autism Awareness Day.

Photo by: GDS Infographics