Rockland artist with autism releases album about surviving addiction, overdose
Andrew Ace Greenspan, of Nyack, sang a song he wrote and produced called "Hope to See you Again" for News 12 crews during his interview on Monday.
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A 33-year-old man in Rockland recently released an album to raise awareness about the difficulties of being on the autism spectrum and struggling with addiction.
Andrew Ace Greenspan, of Nyack, sang a song he wrote and produced called "Hope to See you Again" for News 12 crews during his interview on Monday.
"It's the details of the stuff I did, like popping pills, smoking Mary Jane, running away," Greenspan said.
The song is featured on Greenspan's newest album called "Livin' Rough, Hangin' Tough."
The work of art follows his journey to recovery after surviving an overdose while living on the spectrum.
"I think that both issues are overlooked, because when you have issues on the spectrum and they're so challenging. If you don't have the support you need, some people can get stuck with substance issues," Greenspan said.
Greenspan said he thinks the struggle is more typical than people realize.
Autism and learning specialist Rob Bernstein said the overlap can be common.
"The short answer is yes," Bernstein said.
Bernstein said the commonality could have something to do with obsessions being a characteristic of autism.
"So, to have somebody who's obsessed, who drinks a lot... That sort of makes sense to me," Bernstein said.
Greenspan said he will celebrate one year of sobriety very soon.
In the meantime, he said he hopes his fans, who may similar struggles, know that their recovery is possible, too.
"You can still be living rough and still hang tough, and that's what I want to show," Greenspan said.
If you want to hear more of Greenspan's music, the artist said he is slated to perform at Maureen's Jazz Cellar in Nyack on Tuesday night.
April is Autism Awareness Month.
