Coping Skills: Healthy v Unhealthy
Coping Skills: Healthy v Unhealthy Coping skills are things people learn over time on how to manage their lives in ways that are either good or bad for them in…
Masking: Benefits & Burnouts
Masking: Benefits & Burnouts Masking is hiding self-soothing behaviors that others may find “weird.” This involves such things as stimming or intense interests. Stimming is usually self-soothing techniques that involve…
It’s a Spectrum
It’s a Spectrum My mom always used to tell me how everyone would try to give her advice on how to raise me because they would have someone they knew…
Learning Independence from CA
Learning Independence from CA There’s so much I have grasped over the years of being in the Transitional program at CA and a few that I still need to improve…
Changes and ASD
I am one step closer to my own independence, which is what the Adult programs at CA helped me to do. However, changing from something familiar to something new and different is a challenge.
A Tremendous Journey
How I Chose to be in the CA Residential Program. I recall in the first blog I wrote, it ended up being about my residential experience and the steps my family and I took to get me there.
It’s Not Lazy: What is Demand Avoidance and Executive Functioning?
Demand avoidance or what I prefer: Persistent Drive for Autonomy is an avoidance of tasks for daily living and even avoidance of preferred tasks when asked to do so by another.
Autism stigmas and me
A stigma is, by definition, “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality or person.” As research for this blog, I asked for feedback from the autism community, both on social media and from those I know. I also spoke with people who may not be on the spectrum. I was able to compile a massive list of stigmas surrounding autism and other mental health factors. In compiling these lists, we also discussed how we may be able to change that view and help people better understand one another. .
My Brother, My Friend
“Family is not about blood. It is about who is willing to hold your hand when you need it most.” While reading this quote from Arjun Sathwara, I thought about…
my story with autism
I have the habit of writing a diary. When I review my diaries at the end of a year, I am so surprised by how many times I expressed my dedication and passion for autism to myself in the diary. The reason for this passion is a mystery to me to some extent, but I do know that my story with autism began in college.