Neighborhood Health Center is the primary care home for more than 28,000 patients. Each one of these patients is a unique person with an interesting story. Some choose to let us share their stories with you.

Accessing the World of Autism

Meet Paul and Michael Nelson, father and son, local authors, and beloved Neighborhood Health Center patients. 

Paul and Michael relocated to Buffalo, NY three years ago, from rural Pennsylvania. There, Paul was a music teacher in their local school district. Towards the end of his teaching career, Paul found himself wanting to write books. He’s since spent his retirement writing books and book series with his son. 

Paul’s book From the Moon, I Come in Peace is written from the point of view of Marcus, an autistic man who lives with his father. The story is a mix of narrative and educational essays that center around Marcus and the challenges he faces in a world of non-acceptance, bigotry, friendship, love, loss, and more. At the forefront of this story is the bond that is shared between Marcus and his father, who is his caregiver. 

This story reflects the lives of Paul and Michael. Michael is non-verbal autistic. Similar to the character Marcus, Michael is navigating his adult life with his father, who is his caregiver. Autism, as explained by Paul, is defined as a developmental disability of the brain. Part of the brain does not develop fully prior to birth. Autism presents differently in different people, which is why it is referred to as the autism spectrum. 

There is a significant lack of representation in media about autism that goes beyond simply informational. Paul has taken a narrative approach in his writing, building stories around characters that are autistic, and bringing those characters to life beyond their diagnosis. He explained that he puts a little of Michael and a little of himself into the characters they create, so every book is slightly autobiographical. 

“Writing fiction that has autistic characters helps to enlighten people in a more general and enjoyable way,” said Paul. 

Paul has been writing books with Michael since 2014. He’s since published 11 books, all of which can be purchased on their Amazon storefront. Paul also runs an X (Twitter) account that has accumulated over 28,000 followers, the majority of whom are caregivers just like himself. 

A Home at Neighborhood

After Paul and Michael moved from rural Pennsylvania to Buffalo three years ago, they needed new healthcare providers and became patients at Neighborhood Health Center. 

“It’s nice because Michael and I can both go there. They take our insurance and it’s nice for us to have the same doctors so there can be open communication regarding Michael’s treatment. Plus I love that Neighborhood Health Center has everything…I really like it there and we plan to stay there.” said Paul. 

By ‘everything’ Paul is referring to the number of primary and integrated care services Neighborhood has to offer, including dental, podiatry, nutrition, and more. Paul especially highlighted Neighborhood’s Behavioral Health care services, and how much mental health is considered in Neighborhood’s mission of “caring for the whole you”. 

“It is really needed. Mental healthcare is part of physical health care,” said Paul.

The Future for Paul and Michael

Paul and Michael have dreams of using the profits they make from their books to support starting an autism home in the Buffalo area. An autism home, or a group home for autistic adults, is designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for people on the autism spectrum who require assistance with daily living tasks. Typically staffed 24/7, these homes have trained staff members who provide care and assistance with things like meal preparation, medication management, personal hygiene, transportation, and more. As of right now, there is no active autism group home for adults in the Buffalo area. 

“It would be a great resource for local universities. They can have students work with people who are autistic and get hands-on experience before going out into the workplace,” said Paul. 

As for the message they are sharing through their stories, Paul hopes that people will learn that those who face mental challenges and mental illnesses are valuable members of our community. 

“After reading our books, I really hope that people can start to see others for what they are, not for what they are not,” said Paul. 

He also emphasized the value in what we can learn and how we can grow when we spend time with people who are different from us. As Paul states on his dedication page in From the Moon, I Come in Peace: 

“For Michael, my son and inspiration. I just write the words. Michael lives them.” 

Neighborhood Health Center is an inclusive and welcoming healthcare organization. We care for the whole you, regardless of your socioeconomic status. We are proud to care for those who are medically underserved, and to have kind staff who respect each of our patients’ individuality. We incorporate our understanding and appreciation of differences into the care we provide. Like Paul, we recognize that our differences can teach us all something great. 

Visit Paul’s Amazon storefront here.