Future Plans For 2021, I cannot wait for Daylight Savings Time and warmer temperatures to occur, so I can explore the community I reside in more. Prior to having to leave my last apartment suddenly this time last year, I would enjoy going on long walks and enjoying what my community had to offer. Once… Continue reading Union Station Weekly; Volume 5, Issue 9; January 29, 2021
Month: January 2021
We Just Want to Fit In
I have been doing a lot of reflection this week on autism and the things I do to get by on a day to day basis. While certainly no one is perfect, nor is there one fix all to todays societal problems with autistic individuals such as myself, I personally feel like one thing is in common with us…We just want to fit in.
Children’s Books Honored For Disability Narratives
"Get a Grip, Vivy Cohen!" and "When Stars are Scattered" are among the books being recognized by this year's Schneider Family Book Awards. (Penguin Random House) Tales about a girl with autism and a boy who’s nonverbal are among the books being honored for portraying the disability experience as part of a prestigious award given… Continue reading Children’s Books Honored For Disability Narratives
Mental Health Issues Affect 3 In 4 Kids With Autism
by Shaun Heasley | January 26, 2021Courtesy of Disability Scoop The vast majority of children with autism have at least one mental health condition too, new research suggests. Almost 78% of kids on the spectrum are diagnosed with some type of mental health condition and almost half have two or more. Even among preschool-age children with… Continue reading Mental Health Issues Affect 3 In 4 Kids With Autism
Wellness Wednesday: Accepting Our Coping Mechanisms
I know I sound like a broken record when I say that my post for Wednesday is late, but I’ve heard many great things this week and have too discovered many great things. One of those things is that wellness doesn’t just include our physical health, but it includes our mental and spiritual health too! We cannot be physically well without our mental health. I have said many times that Mental Health and Autism do correlate greatly. With that in mind I am going to spend this week on accepting out coping mechanisms.
Concentrating On COVID: When Things Don’t Work
We as autistics sometimes look at the whole picture rather than be so narrow minded focusing on what we really need and why it has to be our way. Sometimes we have to look at the alternatives of things rather than being hyper focused on things that have to work our way.
Adulting: The Assumable
So as I am getting adjusted to independent life again, it has made me realize the need to do things that just are sort of unspoken and what should be routine. For many autistics, including myself, this presents challenges. It is just not on our “radar” and at times our hyper focuses are geared far away from what must be done and rather what interests us.
Vlog #57: Just Keep Positive
Discussing my recent gratitude epiphany and the need to be positive in my life and think of others who are not so lucky,.
Vlog #056: The Foundation of Mental Health Recovery
Discussion on Autism and Mental Health Recovery, primarily with medication being the foundation of the mental health recovery journey
Union Station Weekly; Volume 5, Issue 8
What's On My Mind? Last week I was honored by the County Behavioral Health Office for 10 years of employment With COVID, I am taking notice of establishments that cannot retain employees because of the inability to pay above minimum wage. Additionally,enhanced COVID protocol has made the management at many establishments severely reduce their hours… Continue reading Union Station Weekly; Volume 5, Issue 8
Adhering to Abrupt Changes in Routine
Most of 2020 and gearing into 2021 we have had a great deal of change to routine. To the autistic community, this can be perceived as a nightmare. I hear of many individuals and families struggling and not being able to do the things that they can do pre-COVID. It stresses many and leads to autistic burnout, meltdown and shutdown. There are many that learn to adapt, however some have the inability to do that.
Wellness Wednesday: COVID Fatigue
I am sorry to again bring up something COVID related, however, I personally feel that it is important subject to bring up. As we are beginning to see a little bit of light in the tunnel of the Coronavirus Pandemic, we are just passing the tenth month of it. While I might consider a little bit of myself privileged to be able to go out, I personally know that many others cannot and that they are struggling far worse than I and the others that can leave their homes.
Concentrating On COVID: Motivation to Do the Expected
Because of COVID, many including myself cannot sometimes handle the dullness and isolation as a result of the government restrictions. Additionally, we may acquire increased anxiety and depression as a result of that isolation that is experienced. It can get to a point where one can lose the motivation to do things such as take care of their habitat
Adulting: Sensory Overload
Oftentimes, I feel as if this topic has to be an integral part of autism acceptance and awareness as if not properly managed by the autistic or it is managed with a unique coping mechanism, it can result in a perplexed perception of what an autistic person does.
Vlog #055: Expressing Gratitude
Explanation of how many, paid or unpaid who support autistics oftentimes go without being thank and as a expectant.
Vlog #054: Goals Can Be Crushed
Union Station Weekly; Volume 5, Issue 7
How do I Make New Friends or Supports? Many of the members and staff wouldn't believe it if they saw me over 15 years ago atthe old Clubhouse. Even as close as five years ago. Because of my principal diagnosismaking friends and supports is a struggle for many that have my condition. When I firstattended… Continue reading Union Station Weekly; Volume 5, Issue 7
When Things Just Don’t Work
This week has been one of those weeks. What has happened has. I personally experienced when things don’t go our way and how we as autistics have to improvise and make do with the moments and resources we have. We have to “grin and bear” with reality and face what we sometimes find as unpleasant. Especially in a time of pandemic, this can be hard on the autistic person and can pose challenges for them and those that care for them.
Wellness Wednesday: When You Want to Cry but Can’t
Reality struck this weekend. My mother and I were out shopping and I decided to dine out at one of the safest restaurants in the community. We went in and were seated at a booth. Once I got in the booth, it was difficult to maneuver, granted I had a coat on. I wanted to cry so bad.
Cats May Improve Social Skills In Kids With Autism
New research suggests that adopting a cat from a shelter can yield improvements for children with autism. (Ekaterina Kuznetsova/Unsplash)
Dustin's Dynasty 