Problem Child: Confessions of an Aspie

From the very beginning of his life, Daryl Blonder has always known he was different from people around him, but he often didn't realize how different. Although identified in elementary school as "gifted," the challenges he faced as a child and adolescent as a result of the presence of high-functioning autism-difficulties socializing with and relating to his peers, cognitive impairments, intense interest in a narrow and esoteric range of topics, and unrelenting restlessness of body and mind-set him on a unique path in life. As society's expectations became increasingly difficult for him to live up to, Daryl had to find his own way. "Problem Child" is an intense chronicle of victories achieved against all odds, heartbreaking and often terrifying episodes of misfortune, but ultimately, a personal triumph as Daryl realizes his lifelong dream of working on movie sets and having the freedom to pursue his passion for traveling.

A lifelong resident of Connecticut, Daryl Blonder was born in New London in 1981 and raised in the nearby small town of Salem. At the age of 16, he was diagnosed with high-functioning autism. It was during the dark days of high school that Daryl first discovered the solace of writing. He graduated in 1999 and did not attend college, instead choosing to enter the working world while pursuing a career in show business. Daryl’s big break came in 2006 with a supporting role on the ESPN miniseries ＂The Bronx is Burning.＂ Since then, he has worked in various capacities as film crew or cast on several large-budget features, including ＂Paul Blart: Mall Cop＂ starring Kevin James and ＂Edge of Darkness＂ starring Mel Gibson. Daryl’s favorite pasttime is exploring America. He has been to 34 states, and his thirst for adventures on the country’s back roads is his life’s passion. When not working on productions or traveling, Daryl lives at his childhood home in Salem, Connecticut.