Note: As part of my Day Program, I contribure to the program's newsletter. In June 2021, that Newsletter transitoned to a monthly basis as much of the elements of the program are back to a in-person status.
Month: August 2022
Hi-Lo Day
Yesterday was what I call a "Hi-Lo Day" Hi-Lo Day It's been busy and fulfilling but it hasn't come without challenges. The feeling of wanting to give up. But realizing that you are valued for all the things you do and acknowledged for putting your talents to good use. Having to manage constant change and… Continue reading Hi-Lo Day
Wellness Wednesday: Goal-Driven
The past month has been very good for me in the fact of being well. I am losing weight very consistently and as such I am setting goals for intervals so I can be accountable for myself in between the times I meet the accountability of the weekly weigh-in. Doing so has proven well and as such gives me the drive to keep the journey up and moving forward.
Airports Work To Help Those With Autism, Other Hidden Needs
MORRISVILLE, N.C. — Getting to the airport, through security to the gate and on the plane can be stressful for anyone. But it can be especially challenging for people with dementia, autism or other disabilities that may not be apparent to those around them.
Reflections: Regognizing A Return
A few weeks ago, I made the opportunity to do some of the things before things changed drastically in my life in 2020. It felt good in a way, but I do know that I need to continue to work on things and get back to where they should be from years ago,
Adulting: Knowing You’re Not Ready Yet
Being an autistic adult and knowing that after you try something and realizing that you are not ready to make that change on a consistent basis is something that can be hard to digest. It makes you feel guilty because you are being selfish, but then seeing all the things that happened over the past few years and even in the past few weeks makes me realize that it is Ok to accept that everything doesn’t go exactly to plan or fall back into place.
Developing Better Habits
Planning to start the week off on a good note and focus my energy and needs more towards me and making this great week as just next weekend will be a three-day weekend.
Knowing My Limits!
It's the mid-point of the weekend and I feel pretty good!
Once Largely Overlooked, Adults With Autism Gain Visibility
While advocacy groups and media have traditionally put greater focus on children with autism, new research finds that representation of adults on the spectrum is growing.
Inside Six Flags’ Efforts To Make Its Parks More Inclusive
Six Flags America has taken two big steps to make its parks more accessible to people with physical disabilities and autism, concluding years of effort by the amusement park chain and mirroring a broader movement toward accessibility in the entertainment industry.
Deciding For Yourself
For most of the 33 years of my life, I lived under my parents’ roof. As such I was often coddled because of my challenges in life. Oftentimes I followed suit in their choices they made for me. Now in my fourth year of independence, I am learning that I have to think and decide for myself what is necessary for me in my life, because I am the one that has to live with the choices I make.
Wellness Wednesday: Better Changes
Last week, I had the opportunity to begin monthly consultations with a nutritionist through a collaboration between my day program and the local community action concern. It was an insightful meeting where I learned to make better changes to improve my health.
Reflections: Recognizing My Needs
Last week, being in almost a month of a near pre-pandemic workflow, I recognized that I needed to practice some self-care and take a “mental health day.” Many said how proud they were for me recognizing the need to do so, and as such I treated it as taking care of myself.
Adulting: Challenging Thoughts
In the past week, I have been experiencing challenging thoughts. Not only are they in my headspace, but I also, when in private, script them. This can set the tone for the outlook that I have on my life and as such can bring down my self-esteem greatly.
A Better Mindset
Sometimes, it takes the simplest of things to have a positive attitude. For the longest time in recent years, I had a very negative outlook on my life, what it pertained and my future. Being in a better place, hopefully for a long time, has made my life much more desirable to enjoy!
“Mental Health Days” are Important!
After three weeks of a pre-pandemic routine, I knew earlier this week that a Mental Health day was needed.
Wellness Wednesday: Making Swaps
As I am continuing down my personal wellness journey, I am experiencing new and exciting changes to the lifestyle that can have an additional benefit to my overall health as a result of switching or swapping things out in the process of general consumption of nourishment that has been proven successful in the long run of having the outcome I desire as I progress in my journey.
I am closing on what was one of those days
I am closing on what was one of those days
Don’t Give Up On Food.
Yesterday, I had the opportunity through a collaboration between my day program and the local community action concern to meet with the SNAP Nutrition Educator on a 1:1 basis to discuss my health needs.
Reflections: Managing Life’s Challenges
Being autistic, it can be hard to accept when changes occur to our daily routine that we may not see beneficial. But when you add in further change that can happen in short notice and not know how your day is going to go, it can be difficult to manage your demeanor and not react to the change because it is different. I apparently have been doing better in this regard and it proves that some small changes that I have implemented on my own have helped in this regard.
Dustin's Dynasty 