By the time you read this message, I’ll be on a family vacation celebrating our son Seamus’s graduation from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree in German. All parents have hopes and dreams for their kids, and my wife, Noreen, and I are no different. But it wasn’t always clear whether this dream was attainable for Seamus.

The University of Iowa put it within reach, and for that we are profoundly grateful. The resources and support offered through the Belin-Blank Center’s Academy for Twice Exceptionality made it possible for Seamus, who is on the autism spectrum and also has high abilities in language and math,  to achieve a college education.

The community here welcomed us and provided a space both for Seamus to follow his interests and for me to thrive as a scientist and a leader. All of you are integral to that. I wouldn’t be here without you, and Seamus wouldn’t be here without all of us. Your work in advancing knowledge of the brain and neurodiversity as well as engaging in community building here in the Iowa City area makes this a place where families can find their futures.

You can read more about Seamus’s and my journey in Iowa Stories. I’m sharing it with you as a proud dad and also as a grateful colleague whose vision is for all of us to feel the support of our community in achieving our goals.

Ted

May 2025