Welcome! My name is Allison (Allie) Goodman, also known as Dolphreaky, and I am the Executive Director of Dolphreaky's Phriends, Inc and the 2022 Miami Dolphins Fan of the Year (FOTY). My 4-year-old son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) about a year ago and my husband and I have experienced many challenges throughout this journey. We continue to experience challenges, and at times we have felt alone in this journey. But in my experiences as a fan of the Miami Dolphins and through the connections I've made, I've come to know many people who are either affected by ASD themselves or know someone who is. The inspiration for this blog stems from the eye-opening interactions I've had over the years and diverse people I've encountered. I believe autistic individuals are greatly misunderstood, particularly in the realm of social media, and I wanted to create a safe space for people to share their perspectives without feeling embarrassed. I asked if there would be interest in such a thing, and the positive responses were overwhelming! So, let's give it go! I hope that in participating, whether by posting, reading, or sharing, that you gain something from this blog! About the blog: This forum is intended to be a safe and judgement-free outlet for individuals (personally or otherwise) affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) such as autism, Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, etc. The primary audience will be members of the Miami Dolphins “Phamily” and thus, the forum name, “Phamiliarizing the Spectrum: Shared Perspectives from Around the Autism Spectrum.” Here, writers of all ages and backgrounds can feel comfortable expressing themselves freely, without being subject to ridicule. Some of these topics are sensitive in nature and maybe be difficult to discuss. We encourage open and honest communication as it’s therapeutic and enlightening to both readers and writers alike. However, please remember this is a public platform. Remember that these are raw, unedited posts from members of Dolphreaky’s Phriends who have dedicated their time and opened their hearts to sharing their experiences. Please read with an open mind; respectful discussion is encouraged! Ground rules: Harassment of any type will not be tolerated here. Comments of inappropriate, damaging, or profane nature will be immediately removed without warning. Members failing to abide by the rules will also be removed without warning. Spam, self-promotion, profanity, advertising, etc. is prohibited. Thank you and enjoy!