NEWBURYPORT, Mass. — Motorsports publisher Coastal 181 has released “Playing in Traffic: My Journey from an Autism Diagnosis to the Indy 500 Flagstand,” by Aaron Likens with Bones Bourcier.
The book comes out just in time for the chief IndyCar starter to flag the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 26.
This is the inspirational story of one man’s triumph over adversity. As a boy, Aaron Likens wanted nothing more than to fit in. Walking invisibly through everyday life was miles better than dealing with the chaos he met while trying to navigate his way around the roadblocks he found in school, in personal relationships, and in employment situations as a young adult. How ironic that someone who preferred not to be noticed would end up pursuing, and landing, one of the most visible jobs in motorsports: chief starter of the Indianapolis 500, the biggest automobile race in the world.
At age 20 Aaron was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, a condition now on the autism spectrum. For years he struggled to cope with the reality that his life was different. But at least now he knows that there’s a reason for that difference; that’s better than the daily hurt he endured while wondering why things that came so easily to others were major hurdles for him. His diagnosis also brought out the best in those who believed in him. That started at home with his father, but then expanded to include friends in auto racing as well as individuals in the field of autism awareness, some of whom helped him unlock a powerful gift for training students, teachers, doctors, police officers, and FBI agents on keys to understanding and treating autism.
Ultimately, this is a feel-good story of overcoming obstacles both seen and unseen. But from the first page to the last, the life of Aaron Likens serves as a reminder that with dedication, love, and patience, all things are possible.
“Playing in Traffic,” 344 pages with 45 color photos, is available for $24.95 plus $7 shipping online at www.coastal181.com or by calling toll free 877-907-8181.