Parkwood Power
Open Topic

Have Your Plan

Ironically, as we close on National Preparedness Month today, I have experienced preparation and ill-preparation of what is needed should events occur. Unexpectedly a few weeks ago, I experienced a power outage during the evening hours at my home and for seven hours, I was without power. Luckily, I was prepared to some extent, but as always it provides for a learning experience to be prepared in the event it happens next time.

Weight Loss Shirts to Match
Healthy Lifestyle, Uncategorized, Wellness Wedbesday

Wellness Wednesday: A Final Wake-Up Call

Monday night was one of those days. It was the usual Mondays, off to work a stop at the day program to check in and then later in the afternoon to TOPS. TOPS, short for Take Off Pounds Sensibly, has been in existence for over 70 years and has a mission of being a non-profit and helping people Take and eventually Keep Off Pounds Sensibly.

My High School in 1971
COVID-19 Series

Concentrating On COVID: A Really Scary Time

The last week brought forth an unscheduled vacation due to the unforeseen circumstances of several coworkers within the confines of the office contracting COVID or being an exposure or close contact of someone. Fortunately after much investigation, it was discovered that I was not affected. Nonetheless, I caused a great amount of anxiety and worry about many things.

Third Ward School
Adulting, Employment, Independence

Adulting: Hearing What You Don’t Want to Hear

Nowadays the comorbidities of being autistic and having other mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia is more prevalent than ever. With the blending of these comorbidities when something is communicated, it can cause a trigger to the autistic person in the form of unwanted behavior or anxieties.

Creek in Fall
A Journal Entry, Achievements, Independence, Open Topic

A Journey Is A Journey

This week, I had the opportunity to attend a day of awards ceremonies awarding those who have supported youth and those adults, including myself four years ago who have made that journey, While I am sitting here reflecting on those years since receiving that award over four years ago. It is often brought to the forefront of the additional things I achieved, some major setbacks and bounced back from the major ones.

Dunbar Creek at Betty Knox 2015
Healthy Lifestyle, Independence, Weight Loss, Wellness Wedbesday

Wellness Wednesday: Inspiration Comes in Mysterious Ways

This week has been an out of this world week. But if anything it has taught me to never give up on my dreams, including my hopes and dreams for a healthier lifestyle. While we may have not hit the target as of yet, in the distance can see the destination ahead and it looks… Continue reading Wellness Wednesday: Inspiration Comes in Mysterious Ways

Reviews

Book Review: Happy, Positive, and Confiedent Sex for Adults on the Autism Spectrum…and beyond! by Michael John Carley

NOTE: I want to disclose that this review is for either Adults on Autism Spectrum as the book intended or for those aiding such individuals in this aspect. For some, this may be too much to digest for their ASD person and that is OK, however I feel it is in good interest that this book is a important tool for this often taboo subject in individuals on the spectrum.

COVID-19 Series

Concentating on COVID: Honor and Divide

As we progress in this ever-looming Coronavirus pandemic, thoughts of what to do become confusing and exhausting for some. Others adhere to what they are recommended to do to stay safe. Honoring one request while having to accept another’s belief system can cause a divide between two parties, even if they are very close. However, we must do our best to honor everyone’s wishes while staying safe.

Hometown Pavilion
Adulting, Dignity & Respect, Equality, Independence, Sexuality

Adulting: Consent

In last week’s adulting blog, I discussed being independent and having the ability to make your own choices and own them without feeling invalid. This week, while accepting more boundaries for myself made me understand that I, along with anyone else autistic or neurotypical, have rights for themselves. One of the struggles that I see in many autistics, including myself, is that of  consent.

Backyard Trees and Cemetery
Open Topic

Saying No, Burnout, Assertiveness and Downtime

Like many other people I struggle with saying no. There are a number of reasons for this. I read another advocate’s blog post on this issue and thought it was deemed important to address this in my blog as how it affects me as there are no two people with the same issue.

Uncategorized

Netflix Brings Back Autism Dating Show

by Shaun Heasley, Disability Scoop | September 15, 2021 A new season of "Love on the Spectrum" will be available on Netflix later this month. (Netflix) A documentary series following young people with autism as they experience the world of dating is set to return. The second season of “Love on the Spectrum” will debut on Netflix… Continue reading Netflix Brings Back Autism Dating Show

Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Bridge
Healthy Lifestyle, Holistic Health, Independence, Uncategorized, Wellness Wedbesday

Wellness Wednesday: Keeping Forward

This week is a landmark week on the wellness journey. Six months ago I had a visit to my doctor’s office where I got on the scale. I weighed 358 pounds, the clinically highest in my life. For some time I had experienced back pain and other difficulties when walking long distances. When I got on the scale that day, I knew I had to get back on track because the Quarenteen and then some had caught up to me.

Autism News

Ed Department Expands Investigations Of Mask Policies And Disability Rights

by Ana Ceballos, Miami Herald/TNS | September 14, 2021 TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — President Joe Biden’s administration has initiated an investigation into whether Florida’s ban on mask mandates violates the civil rights of students with disabilities. The investigation launched late last week by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights comes after a weeks-long battle between Gov.… Continue reading Ed Department Expands Investigations Of Mask Policies And Disability Rights

Autism News

COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates Could Impact Services For Those With IDD

by Michelle Diament, Disability Scoop | September 13, 2021 President Joe Biden speaks about new COVID-19 vaccination requirements at the White House. (Yuri Gripas/Abaca Press/TNS) A sweeping new Biden administration plan to require many workers across the nation to receive COVID-19 vaccinations could have implications for individuals with disabilities and the people who support them. With the resurgent… Continue reading COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates Could Impact Services For Those With IDD

Mount Pleasant Central VFD
COVID-19 Series

Concentrating On COVID: Vaccination Fear

As we are in the year of the vaccines, the country is struggling with the facts of health and safety over personal choice. As the COVID-19 vaccines are slowly becoming approved and the needs for boosters approaches. Also approaching is the time of the year for the influenza vaccine. I was one to avoid vaccines for several years out of fear, but over time that has diminished.

Memorial of Tractors for 13 Soldiers
Adulting, Independence, Sexuality

Adulting: Making Choices for YOU!

When an autistic adult makes that big leap into independence. They are oftentimes away from the cusp of their very guarding parents, however some can still remain a close bond. The circumstances for this can remain very complex and as a result can make the ability for the autistic person to feel at ease about making decisions that they can feel comfortable or that they know is in their best interest, despite their close supporters objecting to their choices.