First person diagnosed with autism passes away at 89.

Donald G. Triplett, the first person to be diagnosed with autism, has died at the age of 89. Triplett was known for his fiercely independent savant abilities and worked for 65 years at the Bank of Forest, where his father was a primary shareholder. His autism diagnosis arose from a detailed 22-page letter sent to a Johns Hopkins researcher in Baltimore containing telling observations by his parents about his aptitudes and behavior. His story offers hope to parents of children who are different. Funeral services for Triplett will be held on Monday at the Forest Presbyterian Church.