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Showing posts from 2023

Filthy American Here - Why I am leaving ABA therapy Part 2

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Jacob here again, story time is over and it's time to talk about where I am, how I'm currently feeling about this job, and why I'm leaving. Over in the UK, where the main author of this blog is from, ABA is banned as a form of child abuse. When I learned I was getting this job and excitedly told my friend I'd be helping autistic kids, I was stunned to find out he wasn't excited about me. After learning how the UK classified it, I looked deep into this for a bit. I needed to make money, but I wasn't going to participate in child abuse. I had 6 weeks of paid training, so I decided to keep researching, keep learning and see what happened. 

Filthy American Here - Why I am leaving ABA therapy Part 1

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Hey, this is Jacob, I've contributed before to the politics and ADHD blogs, but this is a first for me. I do NOT have autism (that I'm aware of). I've had some suspicions in the past, but even if I do ADHD rules my life far more than any symptoms that make me consider Autism. Nevertheless, it has become a strong part of my life. About a year ago, my son was diagnosed. We knew he had ADHD already, but he was far from what I've dealt with and there seemed to be more issues than just ADHD. 

Celebrating the Strengths of Autism: Unleashing the Power Within

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Autism is often associated with challenges, but it's time to shift our perspective and celebrate the remarkable strengths and talents that individuals with autism possess. Their unique way of experiencing the world brings forth a wealth of strengths that should be acknowledged and appreciated. In this blog post, we will explore and celebrate the strengths of autism, from their attention to detail to their creativity and problem-solving abilities. Let's dive in and uncover the incredible gifts that individuals with autism bring to our society.

Navigating Life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: My Personal Journey

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 So, in this blog I generally like to try to stick to the topic of Autism, how it affects me, tips and tricks and sometimes we go into other topics surrounding neurodiversity. But today is another one of those days where I talk about my personal life, my struggles, successes and failures. 

Seeking Extra Support: It's Okay Not to Be Okay

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Life can be challenging, and navigating the world as an autistic individual presents unique experiences and obstacles. While embracing our strengths and celebrating our differences is crucial, it's also essential to acknowledge that everyone, including autistic individuals, may face times when additional support is needed. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of seeking extra support as an autistic person, recognizing when it's okay not to be okay, and understanding when and how to reach out for assistance.

Finding Your Tribe: An Autistic Guide to Making Friends

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 Finding genuine connections and building meaningful friendships can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for everyone, including autistic individuals. However, navigating social interactions can present unique challenges. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of finding the right people to be friends with as an autistic person and provide some practical tips to help you navigate the journey of building authentic connections and finding your tribe.

Taking Care of You: Self-care as an Autistic

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Self-care is a vital aspect of overall well-being for individuals of all backgrounds, including those on the autism spectrum. As an autistic person, it's essential to recognize your unique needs and challenges and prioritize self-care practices that promote your physical, emotional, and mental health. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of self-care specifically tailored to autistic individuals and provide practical tips to help you navigate your self-care journey.

A Night Out

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Well, guys, it finally happened, for the first time since I went sober I decided to go on a night out. Know how it is, these places serve alcohol and for the longest time I did want to take the risk of going somewhere when I would be tired and there was alcohol.

RIP To My Best Friend

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So, I have rewrote this intro so many times I have lost count and I just think I will never be happy with it. My cat died, and I have to say it has been pretty rough this past week, which is why there hasn't been any content out on the blogs.

Supportive Friendships: The Power of Sharing Your Needs and Preferences

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Hey there! When it comes to building friendships, one thing holds true: communication is absolutely key. As an autistic individual, you may have unique needs and preferences that shape how you interact with others. That's why it's so important to take the time to express yourself and share those needs with your friends and acquaintances. Trust me, it can make a world of difference!

Celebrating Neurodiversity: Embracing Your Unique Brilliance

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Did you know that being neurodiverse is something truly special? It means that your brain is wired in a unique and wonderful way, offering a different lens through which you perceive and interact with the world. Embracing neurodiversity is all about recognizing and appreciating the strengths and unique perspectives that you bring to social interactions. So, let your true self shine and show the world the amazing gifts that come with being neurodiverse!

Embracing Your Unique Social Journey: Navigating Social Interactions as an Autistic Individual

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Hey there, It's Spec! We're here to dive into the wonderful world of social interactions as an autistic individual. You may have noticed that your way of connecting with others is a bit different, and that's absolutely okay! In fact, it's something to be celebrated. So, let's embark on this journey together and explore the power of embracing your social differences.

University Life

 University life can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The stress of assignments, navigating social circles, and being away from home can really weigh on your mental health. But fret not! We're here to lend a friendly hand and share some tips on how to take care of your mental well-being while studying at university. So, grab a cuppa and let's dive in!

Intrusive thoughts, an overview

 Have you ever experienced a disturbing thought that just wouldn't go away? Maybe it was a violent image or a taboo desire that seemed to come out of nowhere. If so, you're not alone. Millions of people experience intrusive thoughts, and they can be both unsettling and distressing. In this post, we'll explore what intrusive thoughts are, why they happen, and what you can do to manage them.

The History of Autism: From Misunderstanding to Recognition

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Autism is a complex neurological disorder that affects an individual's communication and social interaction skills. It is often characterized by repetitive behaviours and restricted interests. Autism has been studied extensively in recent years, but the understanding and recognition of the disorder have not always been as it is today. Let's take a look at the history of autism and how it has evolved.

Mental Health and Misinformation

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 So this isn't the post that was meant to be here. I was planning to write a post about how I've been using ChatGPT to write content for my AI-powered blog . But instead, I've spent the entirety of today (Tuesday 28th) stuck, crippled with depression. Most of the time I'm doing pretty well these days, but every now and then I just get floored with this deep feeling of loss and darkness.

Busting Autism Myths

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 Autism is a complex neurological condition that affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States. Despite increased awareness and understanding of autism in recent years, there are still many misconceptions and myths surrounding the condition. In this post, we will explore some of the most common myths about autism and provide the facts to help increase understanding and awareness of this important condition.

Temple Grandin

 Temple Grandin is a name that has become synonymous with animal rights and neurodiversity. She is a renowned animal behaviorist, autism advocate, and author who has dedicated her life to improving the treatment of animals and promoting acceptance of those with neurological differences.

Why You Shouldn't Lock Your (Autisitic) Child In Their Room

 Although this blog is often aimed at autism, this is something that I feel strongly about, it relates not only to autistic children but also those that are neurotypical. As you may know already from the title we will be talking about locking your child's bedroom door and the impact this has on the child.