Linda J. Walder is the Founder and Executive Director of The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation and it is her vision that started the all-volunteer run organization named in memory and honor of her beloved son Danny. If you ask Linda, she will tell you that every move she makes leading the acclaimed organization that started a movement is guided by Danny and the life she envisioned for him. Her goal is to help others in the autism community of adults fulfill their dreams and reach their greatest potential, and to always honor the legacy of her son’s lifetime.

Linda has received numerous honors for her accomplishments on behalf of the autism community that have included a Russ Berrie Award for Making a Difference, The Jefferson Award for Public Service, and honors from the New Jersey Coalition of Inclusive Ministries and ASAH, New Jersey’s association of special education private schools and agencies. Linda also received Redbook Magazine’s “Strength & Spirit Award” and was featured, as one of the five most inspirational women in the United States. She has been recognized before the New Jersey legislature for her humanitarian efforts that “exemplify a standard of excellence towards which others should strive.” In September 2011, Linda received the Seeds of Hope Award for her leadership in the field of autism and was featured in NJ Monthly Magazine’s September, 2011 issue. In March 2012, United States Senator Robert Menendez honored Linda with the Evangelina Menendez Trailblazer Award for her pioneering work on behalf of the autism community. In 2013, Linda was the first recipient of Autism Spectrum News’ Beacon of Hope Award. In 2014. Linda was awarded the Classic Woman Award by Traditional Home Magazine for her philanthropic efforts. Linda joined the Editorial Board of Autism Spectrum News in 2016.

As a spokeswoman and expert on adult autism, Linda has appeared in news media including Dateline NBC, News 12 New Jersey, WOR News Radio and in publications including The New York Times, Parade Magazine, USA Today and the Bergen Record. Linda has also moderated Congressional briefings on adult autism and moderated a panel of experts at the United Nations for World Autism Day. Linda’s blog entitled, Autism for a Lifetime: Finding Joy in the Journey offers unique perspectives on adult autism for those directly affected by autism as well as the community at large.