Over the past week or so, I have beginning to realize as an autistic adult along with other challenges that it may be helpful to start to do things that help me have a better quality of life by not taking more time or becoming additionally challenged as part of the disabilities that I have.

Being that it is Disability Pride Month, I have acknowledged that yes, because I have many impairments due to autism among other challenges that I have trouble in doing some things that others have no issue in doing. Since the technology, autism, mental health and the disability community at large has experienced so many revolutions since the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in 1990 that I need to utilize not only the tools that I already have, but also work at creating things or other auxiliary aids to aid me in ways that are necessary.

I have started by using the simple tools that are provided already via many forms of technology to aid me in becoming more productive and less frustrated when completing things that are necessary to be focused on and seen when completing. It is using the viewing and magnification tools that has made things such as the ability to read digital content and even this document as it has become much easier to complete by digesting the information and seeing just what I am focusing on rather than the whole document on which I am working.

The computer and digital applications are not the only place where I have magnified the content. Learning how to tailor my smart phone and other handheld devices setting by setting has allowed me to better digest messages and process information that is sent to me much more than what I have done previously. I have also reengaged the smart speakers as has been past practice in aiding me with reminders, music, weather forecast, smart plugs to assist with lighting and so much more.

There is certainly more that I will need to learn as time allows. The main point is not being ashamed or feeling secluded when having to use extra tools to aid in making my quality of life so much better. This can even be done in ways that are quite subtle such as wearing slip-on shoes that are now more decorative or having digital thermometers and clocks around the house to gauge the time and temperature without letting the brain to think about it more deeply than what it needs to. And who can forget the necessity of headphones to occupy our headspaces with music or to drown out noises that can be  challenging as well.

It is accepting that having to do things a little differently or having the screen or the view that may look different by others, but it is accepting that I need help and seeing the small changes that are necessary when doing things is starting to pay off in dividends. As I say, sometimes it is the small things that make all the difference and not living in denial by just believing things are OK without giving things time to work themselves out and see that there is a difference by making thing easier and providing a better quality of life.