The last few weeks I have begun the importance of mentally preparing for the fact that nothing ever is certain.

There are expectations that we as adults are expected to meet in the outside or not we are expected to meet.

Oftentimes being autistic doesn’t excuse the behaviors that are exhibited because said expectations are expected to be adhered to, especially if they are clearly understood by the individual themselves.

Those in the outside world may not be as forgiving when it comes to autistic people experiencing meltdowns or behaviors that cause concern to the general public or the safety of themselves or someone else.

The consequences that could happen could be harsh and challenging any way you look at it.

The reality is hitting harder as I am nearly closing on my fourth decade of living and there will unlikely be people to advocate for me if I am not being my best self.

My family has been one to always make me aware of the dangers of the outside world, understand right from wrong and know that consequences are real along with the necessity of taking responsibility when I do wrong.

It is not that my family is going away anytime soon, but I am getting older, and they are too, so there is more of a responsibility of caring for myself and I am seeing more of that as time has progressed and roles have changed recently within my family.

I am learning the skills and have the tools necessary to mentally prepare for the outside world and know that the responsibility now lies within my lap to hold each and every day at all times in a world where nothing is certain.