Aaron Likens

Aaron Likens is an award-winning public speaker, “Autism Ambassador”, and author of Playing in Traffic: My Journey from an Autism Diagnosis to the Indy 500 Flagstand and Finding Kansas:  Living and Decoding Asperger’s Syndrome. 

When he was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at age 20, Aaron Likens began collecting his thoughts and experiences on paper – the highs, the low, the challenges, and the unexpected joys.  What he found was hope – not only for himself, but also for others with Asperger’s.

 

Now a sought-after speaker and blogger, he is passionate about sharing his insights into this often-misunderstood condition.  He was the 2012 recipient of the Missouri Champions of Mental Health Award, and in 2013 he received the Governor’s Youth Leadership Award for the state of Missouri. As an Easterseals national ambassador, Aaron recently consulted on the creation of Bruno the Brake Car, a character on the Autism Spectrum, for Thomas & Friends.

 

He also realized a lifelong dream when he was chosen as starter for the NTT INDYCAR Series which includes the Indianapolis 500.

 

There has been a growing demand for public education about autism. Likens has become one of the preeminent speakers on the issue and its impact on education, law enforcement, employment, and medical care. He authored the book “Finding Kansas,” about living and finding peace with this form of autism and emphasizes the need to find ways to “celebrate, not separate” those with ASD and other disabilities.