Over fifteen years ago, I had my first experience with parrots. My father and I were sitting on the patio outside my parents' house when he noticed movement in the poplar tree above us. He casually remarked that there was a parrot in the branches. I didn't see the bird, or believe my father at first, because let's face it, Parrots don't fly around wild in Virginia. But, it turns out my father was right. There was a Parrot there, and he adopted our family. We did seek to find any owners who might be missing such a bird, but no one ever turned up. He has become a member of the family, of course, and despite the clear evidence he'd been mis-treated, he has been able to adapt fairly well. He will never behave like many of his more jovial green-cheeked cousins, but he's family, so, we love him just as he is.

My first experience with autism came a little over three years ago when we began to notice that, as an infant, my son was not developing in the ways we expected. The day we actually received the diagnosis, my entire life changed. I thought, perhaps, I would never have a meaningful relationship with my son and I had no idea what the future would bring. He wasn't even eighteen months old. Now Tim is nearly four, and it occurred to me while watching him actually interact with my parents' bird that he was honestly interested and engaged.

That realization has become the basis for Peppertalk.org. In seeking ways to foster communication and help my son connect to the outside world, it became clear that a therapy bird might make a difference. So, I began to develop what I hope will become an experiment in learning, for myself, for Pepper, and most importantly, for Tim. It's just a private endeavor, and this site isn't associated with any hospital or group.

Pepper came to us all the way from Texas. He was hatched and reared by the wonderful staff at the Parrot Supercenter. I chose to work with a juvenile Grey, not only because of their abilities with speech and learning, but also because Tim seemed interested in them whenever he saw them. I also wanted a young Parrot who would be learning together with Tim as they work the same lessons. And, most importantly, I wanted to work with an animal with a long life-span. Tim can become very attached to those around him and I knew he would become attached to any pet we brought home. It is my hope that regardless of any success we might see with Pepper, that he becomes a loving, life-long companion in our home.

I want to make clear the fact that the success and progress Tim has seen, especially over the past year, is directly related to a group effort. His teachers at his school, our family, and our friends have all worked together to help him connect to the world in a meaningful way. I am so thankful for all the help we've received--especially the generous gift of time.

I would like to thank everyone who has helped to make this site possible and there are too many people to mention who, by their daily assistance, help me keep my own sanity. Thanks to you all.