The National Institutes of Health is making major investments into research projects looking at how autism impacts a person’s development, sleep, mental health, aging and more.
Month: September 2022
In First, Feds Issue National Strategy To Support Family Caregivers
Federal health officials are putting forth a national strategy to address the needs of family caregivers, acknowledging the challenges faced by millions who care for people with developmental disabilities and other issues.
Understanding the Need to Get Out
As we are nearing the third year of the pandemic, I am beginning to understand the need to let my fears diminish and find wellness via my own dimensions, whatever that may be. As always, getting out of the door can be the hardest part of doing something that is uncomfortable for me and many other autistic individuals, but once we know we are OK, we excel at what we are doing.
Wellness Wednesday: Balance of Time
Last week I have been experiencing the importance as an autistic individual to properly balance my time more. The past few years have changed the way we have thought about time and how we spend it. However, with the world getting back into some state of normalcy, it is imperative that there needs to become a balance of how we spend our time as people.
Reflections: Family Invasions
As fall arrives, in the housing complex I arrive in is usually an overall maintenance inspection of the property and this year was no different. As I traditionally have the past two years, I asked my mother to aid in getting the apartment ready for inspection. As I have improved in my skills since last year, I have also had a better allowance of letting her into my home.
Adulting: Bedtime
In my over 4 year journey of independence as an autistic adult, one of my constant struggles is the fact that I struggle with going to bed. This is further enhanced with the belief that because a medication helps me sleep, that it is what puts me into a trance. This is something that was taken literally by me for the longest time and am now turning a corner for the better.
The Great Regression
As I concluded in this week’s Reflections post, autistics across the spectrum are enduring things that seem like we are at times reversing the clock from where we have come back to the way things were. I used to be in what was the dark ages and have been through so much prior to and… Continue reading The Great Regression
Another Year, Turning A Leaf
I now realize that this and other circumstances that have occurred with my housing situation this week have presented the need for me to be more cognizant of following my wellness regimen, particularly the need to be consistent with my medication to be able to follow my wellness regimen.
Wellness Wednesday: Change of Scenery
As we approach the eve of the Fall Equinox, I have been thinking of ways to better intertwine nature into activities of wellness. Being outdoors makes me feel better and there is nothing like the air hitting your face at a time of year like the shoulder season.
Reflections: Easy to Regress
Life in the past 2-3 years has been nothing short of a challenge for autistrics across the spectrum. One of the major hurdles that has been at the forefront of autistics in the times of pandemic is the fact that many are losing skills and regressing to some degree. I too have been a victim of regression and while I seem to have some days where it can be really challenging, I know that there are better days ahead.
Adulting: Flexibility
In last week’s adulting blog, I shared my experience when accepting a change to one’s routine. However in this day in age, I for one am learning that I need to be flexible by being open to changes in my routine.
A Rule Follower
One of the traits of being autistic for one to adhere to rules, orders, etc. For me in my over four years of independence, it has been a contentious point to not understand standard norms, however, I am realizing the necessity of doing what is necessary because they are meant for a reason.
Wellness Wednesday: The Importance of Wellness Activities
Excuses, Excuses, I know they help, yet I choose not to take part, What are they? Things for me ! I know that they help me, but I also know that when I choose not to do them that my life takes a downhill turn. I am realizing the importance of why things must be done in order to life the best life that I can and not get into that deep, dark place.
Reflections: The Importance of A Routine
One of the major facets of autism is the fact that many thrive off of routines. Having and following a routine can also provide a sense of comfort and wellness for getting through the day and staying well. Not adhering to the said routine can cause challenges for autistics and those around them.
Adulting: Accepting Changes
For many autistics, being able to accept changes can be difficult for some to tolerate. Many may react in a negative manner or they may obsess over it and try to come up with other scenarios of why it doesn’t need to change or have a solution that meets their needs. However, it must be understood that change sometimes has to be accepted even though it may be difficult.
Being A Better Person
Last week, I had the opportunity to reflect on the last 2-3 years and how much of a roller coaster it has been, yet there have been several blessings that have saved me into being in the better spot that I am today.
Wellness Wednesday: The Battle Within
In this current phase of self-discovery I am seriously beginning to close the door on the battles that I am discovering were within my headspace. I now chose to discontinue the battle that I was choosing to fight for nearly four years and take what I need to do seriously.
Autism Dating Show Wins Emmy Awards
A documentary series following the dating experiences of young adults with autism is the winner of multiple Emmys.
A Couple’s Quest For Treatment For Their Son With ASD Hits Repeated Obstacles
When Sebastian Rios was a toddler, he hardly talked. “Don’t worry,” his pediatrician told Amparo and Victor Rios, Sebastian’s parents. Kids who grow up in households in which both Spanish and English are spoken are sometimes slower to develop language skills, she said.
Reflections: Restoring Autistic Burnout
NOTE: This is the second-half of a two part series on my recent discovery of Autistic Burnout. In yesterday’s Adulting post, I discovered some of the signs and what to do in order to practice restorative care for myself. Today, I share what I discovered as the best practices for me in order to restore my energy following periods of burnout.
Dustin's Dynasty 