New Sign up for MyNews Receive headline news, full articles and breaking news via the Web or wireless device. On a cold spring night in 1999, Chris Purkiss and I stand before a backyard chimenea , pleasantly vying for heat. A mutual friend has just introduced us at a party. Chris works with children and adults with autism, a topic I am researching. I don't get particularly hopeful at the prospect of Chris' wisdom.
Autism is mysterious even to recognized experts, of whom there are relatively few.
I've already encountered the opinionated. Chris will have a lot to offer. Before sharing, though, he tests my worthiness. Telling him I'd like an interview, I expect the sort of enthusiastic YES invariably offered by others when I request such. Chris presents a challenge.