ABOUT US
The On The Spectrum Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to the identification and advocacy of adults who are on the Autism spectrum, as well as those with accompanying conditions such as Dyslexia and Twice Exceptional (2e).
Our goal is to help adults and teens on the Autism spectrum, and increase awareness of our many strengths and talents. Spectrum differences are widely misunderstood, and our unique abilities are often overlooked.
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Our mission at On The Spectrum Foundation is to change this incorrect perception through hosting annual events, public speaking, and educating the broader community.
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If you are on the spectrum, have a friend or family member who is, or are simply interested in learning more, then please explore our site. Any contribution to assisting us with our vision is greatly appreciated, and thank you for your interest in our foundation.
To make a tax deductible donation to On The Spectrum Foundation click here
John Truitt - Founder & Chief Philanthropy Officer
My name is John Truitt, I was diagnosed with twice exceptional neurodiversity at age 45.
After a career spent in medical, dental, and medical device start-ups, I created the On The Spectrum Foundation – a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to advocating Autism spectrum talents through self-discovery and social education.
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I now speak professionally and offer life coaching support for Adults with ASD and learning differences.
I specialize in problem solving, identifying trends, and blending unrelated concepts to create new offerings, programs, and businesses. I have learned that being on the spectrum gives me strengths, skills, and unique insight that average team members often do not possess.
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I believe my unique differences have been instrumental in my successes. It was the discovery of how my ”ASD works” that made me want to share their benefits with others on the spectrum.
My Story
In addition to ASD I was diagnosed with the following differences at age 45
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H93.25 Central Auditory Processing Disorder with deficits processing auditory information.
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F80.2 Mixed Receptive-Expressive Communications Disorder with deficits listening and processing conversations.
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F81 Specific developmental disorders of scholastic skills with visual processing deficits.
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F81.0 Specific Reading Disorder (Dyslexia) with slow reading rate to obtain comprehension.
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F81.2 Mathematics disorder with deficits calculating but with strengths in applied math.
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From a professional standpoint - most recently I founded and served as CEO/Chairman of Dallas based Simple Sleep Services (SSS). SSS was created as a direct to public in-network medical offering that serviced the DFW metroplex and San Antonio.
I capitalized on creating a company that treats Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) with an alternative to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Our patients were more compliant with therapy, and we provided convenient home sleep testing as opposed to cumbersome in laboratory polysomnograms.
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Prior to Simple Sleep Services, I was instrumental in listing the medical device manufacturer SomnoMed on the Australian stock exchange at age 31.
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More importantly, I have a lifetime of experience trying, failing, learning, and trying again. I know firsthand our social and relationship challenges, and I didn’t study ASD in a book – I have lived it.
​​I came to know the world of neurodiversity through an astute marriage counselor who suspected that I may be on the spectrum while in counseling with my wife of 18 years. Our marriage had become tumultuous and nonfunctioning, and I was convinced that she was wrong. Pretty much wrong about everything. Then, after witnessing me misinterpret my wife’s body language and facial expressions during a session the counselor proposed ASD as a potential diagnosis.
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I was familiar with the term autism, but I was only aware of the typical stereotype (male, good at math calculation, limited eye contact, reserved socially, and awkward).
At first, other than male, none of those traits seemed to apply to me. My ASD “tells” are extremely subtle. Like when I uncontrollably quickly cut my eyes away from someone at the exact wrong moment, or when I can’t seem to smile the right way in a photograph.
The symptoms made sense even though I didn’t exhibit the external traits commonly associate with autism. What I came to know as perseveration, rumination, and anxiety were impacting my life in crippling and destructive ways, and I agreed to a referral to a PhD. who specializes in adult neurodiversity and learning differences.
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That decision was the first step towards a fulfilling life that I never realized could be possible. I also learned that everyone is a work in progress - including me.
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I learned that ASD is in many ways a difference of extremes – especially in sensitivity. The impact of sensory issues cannot be understated, and I find them more complicated than traditionally explained. While sensitivity to loud repetitive noises and bright light are very common – so are diminished senses such as smell and sensitivity to pain. For example the tag in the collar of my shirt can bother me more than a breaking a bone.
I invite you to join us on our journey to increase ASD awareness and advocacy here at On The Spectrum Foundation. Our goal is to help the world understand that autistic people are different, but we are different good, not different bad!
More About John
What other services does John offer?
Separate to my coaching services, I also speak professionally about the challenges and benefits of ASD. My presentations can be tailored to any audience and they range in time from 30 minutes to a full day. Please email me here john@onthespectrumfoundation.org for details.
In addition to supporting the foundation, how can we work together?
I work directly with ASD clients one-on-one to identify your needs and how I can best help you achieve your goals. I am not qualified to diagnose or treat any conditions, and I do not start with standardized clinical forms or templates. We simply get to know each other and decide together where to start first. Please email me here john@onthespectrumfoundation.org details.
Legal
No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, trustees, officers, or other private persons, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article Third hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the corporation shall be the carrying on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements) any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
GET INVOLVED
For all inquiries about getting involved and making a difference in the world of Adult Asperger's, please email: John@onthespectrumfoundation.org