#Teen Autism Activity Tools

[noisycowboyglitter]

Celebrating Motherhood: 22 Meaningful Gifts for New Moms

New moms are superheroes, but even superheroes need a little pampering and support. When choosing a gift, consider items that make their lives a little easier or help them prioritize some much-needed self-care.

Buy now:19.95$

For Relaxation and Comfort: A luxurious robe or comfy nursing pajamas are lifesavers. A spa gift certificate allows her to unwind, while a pampering bath set with bath bombs or essential oils provides at-home spa vibes. A weighted blanket offers deep pressure stimulation, promoting relaxation and better sleep, which is a precious commodity for new moms.

Buy now

For Convenience and Feeding: A subscription box delivering healthy snacks or pre-portioned meals takes the pressure off meal planning. A coffee mug that keeps drinks warm is a game-changer for those early morning feedings. Consider a nursing pillow for added comfort during breastfeeding sessions or a baby carrier that allows her to keep the baby close while getting things done.

Keepsakes and Thoughtful Touches: A beautiful charm bracelet with a birthstone or initial charm commemorates the new arrival. A baby book allows her to document precious milestones. Consider a framed photo of mom and baby or a piece of sentimental jewelry to cherish forever.

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Remember, the best gifts are often the most thoughtful. A home-cooked meal, offering to help with errands or housework, or simply giving her some uninterrupted time for a nap are gestures that show you understand the demands of new motherhood.

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Picking the perfect gift for an autistic teen can be tricky, but focusing on their interests and sensory needs is key. Fidget toys like spinners, putty, or clickers provide a calming outlet for busy hands. Noise-canceling headphones create a quiet space, while weighted blankets or lap pads offer deep pressure for relaxation.

Subscription boxes catering to their hobbies, whether it's art, science, or gaming, spark joy and exploration. Art supplies like watercolors or adult coloring books allow creative expression. Tech gifts like a portable projector for movie nights or a subscription to a streaming service cater to their entertainment preferences. Remember, it's about showing you understand and appreciate their unique personality.

[bumblebeerror]

It’s been on my mind today but I need you to know.

Hitting 25 has been one of the best things to ever happen to me.

I don’t say this lightly - I lost my father who I loved dearly at age 18, I grew up a bit above the poverty line and now only *just* live above it. I’ve been treated for severe mental illness and learning disabilities since I was a child, starting at 6 years old. I have a physical disability and chronic pain. I have had some bad fuckin times, I’ve been through my share, and I’ll go through more I’m sure.

But I can tell you I feel so much better mentally at age 25, unable to stand for more than an hour or so without severe pain, on a consistent schedule of prescribed pain pills, discovering just how hard I was masking some pretty serious autism, struggling with my ADHD meds being less effective, and only leaving the house three total times a week because I’m immunocompromised than I was at age 13 when “all my problems were school”.

Because at age 10, nobody close to me had ever died before. At age 11, I had never lived in a new place before. At age 12, I had never felt so cold and empty and tired. I’d never endured my peers teasing me for crying about a death in my family. At age 13 I had never felt like I wanted to die before then, like the world was on fire, like it was ending. At age 14 I hadn’t known what it felt like to have period cramps so bad my mother sent me to school with a muscle relaxer and still had to pick me up by lunch, to have this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach that being a girl was a lie and I was a liar. At age 15 I’d never had people remind me so viciously that I wasn’t like them, I’d never felt so throughly upset by the idea of one more person calling me she. At age 16 I’d never had my heart broken before, I’d never dealt with a friend turning on me completely. At age 17, I’d never had my family feel so broken. At age 18, I’d been petrified of the idea of my father dying, and he did. At age 19, I’d never actually thought about how I would kill myself before. At 20, I’d never gotten drunk before. At 21, I’d never gone inside a bar.

You get the picture.

Your teen years suck because you’ve never done so much shit, and on top of the terrifying experience of doing it all for the first time, you also have all your peers picking at you for doing it wrong the first time. Your teen years suck because they are chaotic and new and stressful and you don’t know how to handle them yet. You’re not supposed to know yet.

Hitting 25 was the realization that I wasn’t going to just up and die, that now I have to actually plan. I have to do taxes, and that I actually know how to. That I have to care for my pets and I know how to. That I have to drive to work and do my job and I know how to.

25 was what made me realize that I had things I was supposed to be around for. People and pets who relied on me, who loved me and needed me and wanted me.

That I can have a panic attack and know that I’m having one. That something can piss me off and I know I can take a moment before I respond. The awareness that I do not have to do everything for the first time all the time anymore, that I know stuff, that I’ve been around the block and can use those tools is INVALUABLE. The fact that I can look at my intrusive thoughts and, if I truly wanted to, CHOOSE to indulge them? That I can sit here and be the cat that doesn’t wish to go to the vet and the concerned cat owner?

It changes everything.

It was the realization that I am the one punishing myself. That I can and should respect myself as a person because it means I can respect more deeply the care that other people have for me. It sounds so stupid when I explain it but it’s absolutely a whole different ball game.

The fact that I think the only thing that could severely tank my mental health is if I were to become homeless in winter or actively abused or something similar should speak volumes to you what I mean when I say that not having to do everything for the first time all the time is a huge mental weight off you.

I promise. It will feel better when you are 25. I promise that even if it isn’t fixed, it will be easier. And if I’m wrong when you hit 25, you can come yell at me about it. Probably I’ll still be here.

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

Hello again! I'm the person with dyslexia ADHD Autism and general anxiety disorder from earlier :)

Is there any articles you can link to me Or advice you can give to help me with this situation?

I feel really nervous about going back to school because I was bullied and taking advantage of a lot. I also had a really hard time keeping up with school work (Specifically math and science) Because of Neurodivergency (Sorry if that is not the right word). I ended up doing a lot of lying because I felt scared that my family and friends would think less of me and think I was less capable.

School in general just makes me feel like I'm less than all the other students and a lot of anxiety, I'm also very scared of ending up a "super special needs kid" and being treated even worse my peers.

Do you have any advice to help me with this situation?

Hi there,

I have no idea if this will help, but I found some articles listing some ways to study and succeed in school. Keep in mind that everyone is different, so some of these may not work:

* Sit in the front of class to limit distractions.

* Turn off your phone when doing homework. This limits distractions too.

* Talk with your teacher about your ADHD. Some students with ADHD need extra time to take tests. Some need smaller class sizes or a quiet place to complete work. Others need a tutor. Ask your teacher to help you plan and do what's right for you.

* Use tools that help you stay organized. Keep track of assignments in a planner or on a phone app. List things you need to bring home. Set phone reminders for classes and activities, or write them in a planner.

* Get plenty of exercise. Daily exercise can improve attention and school performance for people with ADHD. It also keeps your positive emotions flowing.

* Take activity breaks. If you feel restless during school, ask teachers to let you take quick breaks to get up and move. This can help you get focused again when you return to your seat. When you study or do homework, take activity breaks often.

* Learn to meditate. Mindfulness meditation can improve attention, memory, and focus. It can reduce stress too. It’s easy to learn. Take a few minutes to practice it every day.

* Pay attention to all the good things about you. Having ADHD is one part of you. And there’s so much more. Think of things others like about you. Maybe you’re creative, kind, or funny. Maybe you have a talent for sports, music, dance, or art. Maybe you’re good with tech, building things, or cooking. Make time for the things you enjoy. Grow your strengths by using them every day. Spend time with the people who see you for who you are. See yourself that way, too.

The article will be below:

Another article lists some ways to study if you have ADHD:

Review Your Notes Before Bed

Exercise Sharpens Brain Focus

Use Your Nose to Study Better

Napping, Breaks, and Memory

Sip a Sugary Drink

The article will be below:

Here’s one last article that might help:

I hope some of these help. Maybe some of my followers can give some tips and advice too.

Thank you for the inbox. I hope you have a wonderful day/night. ♥️

[quitethepirategal]

Acanthus   ~   ( Is your muse deceptive, or willing to lie or deceive to achieve certain means?  Why or why not?  ) Lavender   ~   ( How easy is it to gain your muse’s trust?  Once their trust is broken,  how might one go about mending it? ) 

                                                                                                  ~  { @mxdam��� }

     It should be very clearly stated that Red Jessica is both unusually honest and unconventionally trusting, for a pirate.  She herself hates being lied to more than almost anything, and has a firm belief that the truth and open communication are generally more useful tools than lies.  Lies are hard to remember, hard to keep up with, too easy to miss details or timelines or who was told what for what reason.  But the truth happened, done and done.  Easy to remember and easy to recite.  Between her patchy memory, her trusting nature, and her reactive temperament, she tends to think she’s not a terribly good liar anyway.  She’s wrong, and somehow she knows it.  ...I understand that sounds pretty confusing out of context, but the puzzle assembles itself when we explore how her mind tends to work in the context of communicating.

      Shes a firm believer in communication as I said, and in her mind the more information you share, the more likely it is that everyone understands each other or is on the same page; important when both learning and teaching new skills, very important when dealing with trade, and even more important when captaining a crew.   The essays she writes are long and excruciatingly detailed.  The stories she tells are embellished and sound almost rehearsed ( put a pin in this ).  And all manner of discussion outside friendly chatting or small talk, depending on the situation, oscillates wildly between being just thorough or mind numbingly sporadic as she chases tangents like a child running after pigeons. This of course has drawbacks that she is acutely aware of in some situations and completely oblivious to in others.       Red Jessica is the queen of Usually Accidental TmiTM.  She is in no way private or mysterious or secretive - all cards ( but one or so ) are on the table with her.   Oversharing, compensating, info-dumping ( Gods help you if you get her excited ).  She never shut up as a child, and she grew so tired of the embarrassment it brought her by her teens that she just tried to stop talking all together.  All of her twenties was spent relearning how to talk to people and in her thirties, now struck with deafness, she was again too embarrassed to communicate ( internalized ableism ain’t fun, kids ).  Her forties finally showed her how to balance communication and discretion and she spread her social butterfly wings after finding peace in her new disabled reality.  She has the hang of biting her tongue now... mostly..  Well, she knows when to shut up about half of the time but alas, not usually, and most of the time she still doesn’t realize she’s being annoying or dominating or impolite until after the words have rocketed out of her mouth.  She’d also like to think she’s great at keeping secrets and to a degree, she is… but I wouldn’t trust her with any of mine- that I will say.       She doesn’t know why she’s like this, and it only bothers her occasionally now, but we in the modern world would witness this behavior and understand this as a symptom of Autism and / or ADHD. 

     The other side of this communication coin is that she is under the mistaken impression that everyone is as trust worthy as she is.  I’ve said this before but Jessica tends to trust people a tad too quickly and “give too much away” so to speak.  It’s gotten her into trouble, gotten her back stabbed, and even gotten her heart broken a time or two; but for some reason she never really, truly learns.  Even in her 40s and 50s she still constantly has to make an active effort to show restraint and verbally remind herself to trust carefully instead of throwing her heart at a wall.       A tiny part of this is just flat out denial; one of the reasons she’s survived as long as she has despite everything is because she truly believes that humans are a worthy species and that most people are worth knowing or fighting for until proven otherwise ( put a pin in that too ).  She’s not too trusting, she thinks, that person was just deceptive and evil!   Another part of this, perhaps sub or semiconsciously, is deeply tied to her unwavering belief that community is the central pillar of survival, both hers specifically and the human race’s.  She’s a biology student, shes a captain, shes an urchin, she’s a mammal, she’s a primate; even before she read Charles Darwin or John Locke she was living proof that humans only thrive if they thrive together.       So trust is a lifeline that goes both ways, and if you break that trust, you break that lifeline.  There is no recovering broken trust with Captain Red Jessica unless you have damn good evidence that there was merely a misunderstanding.  Breaking trust is the worst thing you can do.  In her mind, again for the most part subconsciously, you are not only a danger to her survival, but to her community’s.  One bad apple and all that.  She will kill you and to her you will deserve it.  For someone with an intense and ingrained love of humanity, she actually has very little regard for human life.  How is that possible?      This is, again, most likely a part the AuDHD experience.  Trying to imagine those around her as not thinking and feeling in the exact way she thinks and feels is extremely difficult ( also contributing to why she assumes people are noble and trustworthy by default ).  She is therefore a practitioner of many seemingly logical contradictions; She has an inflated sense of justice and fairness and indigence while, surprisingly, sporting very little if any real empathy.  She wears her emotions and her sense of self like a loose fitting and removable jacket, her actions and reactions feeling very literally like a constant and careful performance, while still unable to predict or control her flash-point temper or dizzying excitement.  She is sensitive and sympathetic, even treating plants or inanimate objects like they might have feelings, while, again, not having a whole lot of empathy.  She can’t relate to other people’s emotions or sometimes even her own emotions unless they are being felt Right Now while also seeming to understand things about herself and others that most people would never have figured out about themselves.  Leading to my final point. 

     Whether she realizes it or not, whether she likes it or not, and whether she knows how to wield it or not,  Jessica could learn to be a master manipulator if she wanted to be one.  While she herself has a very difficult time with social cues and is woefully unobservant unless something captures her intrest, she is, as stated above, uncannily perceptive and a phenomenal actress.  She had to learn young how to blend in with other people but didn’t quite get the hang of it until she was in her teens.  This late development of her superego allowed a unique look into why people do what they do and why she needed to behave how they behaved, something lost on most allistic people who develop socially by five or six ( in theory anyway ).   She can pick people apart with very little information and understands what makes people tick with imperfect but surprising accuracy.  This makes her excellent at persuasion and getting on peoples good side.  On top of that, as stated before, her perception of the world around her and her own perception of herself is a carefully constructed performance; a behavior we might call masking.  Her gender is an act, her personality is an act, her less intense emotions are an act; they are acts she’s grown comfortable with and are the closest to genuine she can be without just dropping the mask all together, but they are no less performative.  This means that she is actually a pretty convincing actress and, by proxy, a fantastic liar.       Luckily, Jess is mature enough to understand that attempts at manipulation would only alienate her from her wants, survival, comfort, beauty, love, stimulation, and respect, rather than aid in obtaining them.  True love and respect can’t be extorted ( but maybe in making the choice to not manipulate she’s secretly manipulating the situation in her favor ( or she’s just overthinking again )).  But that’s not to say she’s above it, and that’s certainly not to say she thinks lying is bad inherently.  She can lie, just as she can kill or steal or maim, to protect and obtain her interests.  And she can justify the means to her end almost every time.  Her morals are a subject for another time, but I’ll end with this: if mental gymnastics were a sport, Red Jessica would be an Olympian.       Thank you.

[autismcenterofexcellence]

Your Guide to ABA Therapy & Autism Services in Fayetteville, NC – AutismCOE

Exploring how to enhance support for children with autism can lead to new opportunities for growth and learning. In Fayetteville, NC, resources and services are available that cater to the unique needs of children with autism. Let's explore what ABA therapy and local services can offer.

Understanding ABA Therapy 

ABA, or Applied Behavior Analysis, is a technique used to promote positive behaviors and build new skills. It can be said that one has a set of tools to facilitate the communication skills of kids to make friends and understand their world. This approach bases its work on observing how behaviors work while formulating approaches to enhance learning and interactions with each other.  

Selecting an Autism Therapist in Fayetteville, NC

The right therapist for autism is to be found. In Fayetteville, NC, professionals tailor other plans according to the needs of every little one. They focus on the discovery of strength and using it in developing a strategy that will best help a child grow and master the basic skills needed for growth.  

Available Services in Fayetteville

There are so many services catering to the needs of a child with autism, and each has its various benefits. Some of them are:  

Center-based ABA Therapy: This service is divided into a very structured setting where children can be with others, learn, and play so that they can gain social skills and confidence.   

School Readiness: The school readiness program caters to preparing children in the classroom through preparation for the things that children would need in academics.  

Early Intervention: For support to be given early, it has a significant impact on the development of the child. The help is given in the critical stages of growth. 

In-home ABA Therapy: This option brings therapy into the home where the child is. Therapeutic activities occur in a familiar, comfortable setting to learn, because of this. 

The Impact of ABA Therapy in Fayetteville North Carolina

ABA therapy in Fayetteville offers more than just building skills; it makes the child independent and assured. They learn to communicate, play with friends, and interact with their surroundings. 

The Autism Center of Excellence Fayetteville NC: A Community of Support

At AutismCOE, we value community. We believe in how important it is to work very closely with parents and caregivers and educators to ensure that everyone who is working with a child is on the same page. We want supportive networks where the teens involved celebrate every little milestone. 

Conclusion: An Encouraging Path Forward

Embarking on the journey of autism therapy can feel overwhelming, but remember, you're not alone. With the right support and a positive outlook, amazing things can happen. The Autism Center of Excellence in Fayetteville, NC, is here to guide you and your child every step of the way. Let's unlock potential and create a brighter future together!

[lyreleafblog]

A Personal Account of OCD and Hoarding Behaviors

Hi! I have OCD, and not the fun kind! Let’s talk about my experience with hoarding behaviors. Hoarding runs in my family and I’ve had two living relatives who very clearly struggled with the compulsion to continue bringing stuff into their homes without removing any of their old stuff. My experience has never made it far enough for my collections to, in any meaningful way, impair or otherwise affect my living space— but I’ve felt the obsessive need to collect since my earliest childhood memories. With many professionals agreeing that hoarding behaviors can be linked to OCD, I wanted to share my experience with this vastly under-discussed presentation of symptoms.

My hoarding behaviors began in very early childhood, when financial scarcity set in after a divorce. I won’t call this “true hoarding” though because by most accounts it’s more of a obsessive collecting behavior due to how organized I have always been with my objects. But I had a drawer of shiny objects. I know, shut up, yes I have fucking autism now leave me alone on that. This is about hoarding. My shiny object drawer was definitely a fun box of stimming for me, and I would open it and just scratch my brain itches with the glitters and sparkles and shines of all the stuff I had. No object was disallowed from this drawer— if it made my brain feel good, it was going in the drawer.

Some of the things I collected in there included:

Stickers

Sea Glass

Any piece of paper that was shiny or glittery

Shiny or sparkly wrappers

Polly Pocket or Barbie clothes (again, ONLY shiny or sparkly ones)

Tubes of glitter either discovered or outright stolen for the box

Most importantly of all, I collected innumerable numbers of rocks.

Thankfully, my grandpa eventually convinced me to store my rocks properly, wrapped in papers and in organized boxes.

Eventually my drawer was emptied when I moved homes during a chaotic time in my life. I was living with someone else at that point so I didn’t have any besides a bag or two worth of my old possessions. I also didn’t have that much of my own space so I couldn’t collect things elsewhere.

As a young teen, I realized that I didn’t like having a ton of stuff, but I did like having access to tons of stuff. Once I had my own bedroom and a stable living situation again by 14ish, I designed areas to hoard art supplies and paper craft supplies. Admittedly, while I call this hoarding, in reality I was super crafty and always cutting and pasting and drawing, so it was more of a stash than a hoard and I did regularly go through and look at, cut up and use the materials I saved.

To this day, I have one such box, as I love making mixed media art, especially out of pieces of things pertaining to the subject. For example, I did a marker and water drawing of one of the Florida springs that included a thread of a braided bracelet I had worn there. Today, however, my box is very strictly regulated, and only highly specific trinkets or pieces end up inside of it— and, it’s all kept alongside my normal art supplies so that it’s never mistaken as junk.

Around the same time is when I took up a new way of hoarding— a way that didn’t feel suffocating and didn’t, in any way affect my surroundings— digital hoarding!

I would say my collection of Sims custom content counts… but then again, “CC shopping” was a normal activity of players at the time and many players bragged about their massive hoards of downloads.

But there was something else that caught my attention eventually. I got into digital art. I have hand coordination problems and at the time was friends with people who didn’t, so I felt very isolated from a lot of traditional art communities since conforming to conventional methodology is genuinely impossible for me. Even digital art was hard… but my laptop pad was, while a massive frustration to artists who *can* use their hands, a viable tool for me. Eventually, I became able to do pixel art. I even eventually made pixel animations!

But then… the pixel collection folder began evolving.

A little innocent looking file on my desktop that said “Pixels” —

You could click it and a window would open with two more files listed:

My pixels

Not my pixels

“My pixels” contained, you guessed it, pixel art that I made myself. It was very often just pretty ladies or food. In fact, now that I’m thinking about it, it may have been entirely pretty ladies and food. But I did make sure to section each type of food and each type of pretty lady into even more categories.

Then, there was the unforgiving behemoth of my “Not my pixels” folder. I would spend hours scowling the internet for pixel freebies.

If you’re weren’t chronically online at that age, allow me to enlighten you. For no clear reason, in the mid 2000’s and early 2010’s, every game had a forum and every forum had an art shop section and every art shop section had threads that were entirely operated as pixel art shops. I traded gold, gems and whatever other virtual currencies I could earn for free for pixels, and made pixels for others, too.

The best part about the pixel art shops were that they all had a list of freebies.

Ten pixel bobas, each a different color

Or perhaps it was pixel bagel sandwiches— a selection

Pixel cakes were always my favorite

Pixel objects were also a favorite— pixel cellphones and computers and other toys all on transparent backgrounds.

I took them all.

Years passed but my pixel hoarding persisted. At one point, the files were so overwhelmed with the photos that I would save dozens of at a time that my computer struggled to open it.

Then, my laptop broke, destroying my pixel empire. I ended up unable to salvage any files. They were all permanently gone.

After that experience I was slightly disappointed upon realizing the overwhelming amount of labor restoring my collection would take. I was also gobsmacked realizing the hundreds of hours I had spent achieving nothing other than a collection of low resolution images of food. I decided it was probably best to leave that little.. hobby.. in the past.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve kept a tight lock on how much stuff I have both virtually and in real life, mostly because I’m not willing to pay for storage on both accounts. But from time to time, I catch myself holding something shiny and wishing I could stuff it in my pocket and keep it forever. Or, I’ll run into pixel art in the wild, and have to remind myself that it’s not worth starting up again.

While I don’t “hoard” anymore, I do think I still have a unique relationship with “stuff” in that I explode if I see something go to waste, especially textiles or technology. I will keep objects until I have a convenient way to donate them en masse. I don’t like to destroy even the cheapest of furniture, I’d rather preserve it even if it’s flimsy, and give it to someone who might need something temporary.

I struggle to differentiate values like environmentalism, the will to circulate goods as a way of practicing mutual aid and combating poverty, and a rightful scarcity-mindset from what might be the same pure compulsions I had as a child. Is it /really/ about giving something away, or is it about ensuring that these generally worthless objects I’ve deemed value are are cared for? Is it about practicality or obsession?

Since it doesn’t really affect my life in any meaningful way now, it’s not a cause of stress, just reflection. I think it’s critical to generate reflective dialogues about these more taboo aspects of common mental and physical conditions and neurodivergences so that, together, we can create a more educated and accommodated world.

[vicrunk]

Do the benefits of online gaming outweigh the pitfalls?

Online gaming has evolved into a global phenomenon, captivating millions with its immersive experiences and social connectivity. Yet, amidst its allure, a debate persists: do the benefits of online gaming outweigh the potential pitfalls?

In this blog post, I will explore the advantages and disadvantages of social gaming.

The COVID-19 Situation

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world witnessed a surge in online gaming (Teng et al. 2021).

Surprisingly, gaming was not considered an activity carried out to pass the time; it became a coping mechanism for many. As the pandemic gripped our lives, adults grappling with increased anxiety turned to video games, seeking solace in the virtual realms to counter the pervasive stress caused by the outbreak (Teng et al. 2021).

Similarly, children and teens who faced the strains of a disrupted routine found relief in gaming, using it as a tool to alleviate the pressures induced by this unprecedented global stressor (Teng et al. 2021).

Therefore, it can be observed that individuals who spend more time gaming feel less stressed and anxious as gaming provides an outlet to release tension (Wu et al. 2022).

Safe Haven, Safe Space

But, gaming can also be more than just stress relief.

Gaming became a haven for various groups who struggle with social interactions or mental health challenges. For those with autism spectrum disorders, insecure attachment styles, or experiencing depression or social anxiety, online gaming offers a safe space (Fishman 2023).

When playing games online, socializing doesn't demand the conventional skill sets of face-to-face interactions (Fishman 2023). Instead, it provides a platform where individuals can communicate at their own pace, devoid of immediate pressures or the need for physical presence (Fishman 2023).

This environment nurtures connections and friendships, fostering confidence and skills that might translate into real-world interactions, eventually bridging the gap between virtual and physical social spheres.

...And the Power of Friendship!

Research even highlights the success stories where virtual friendships formed through gaming transitioned into real-life connections (Fishman 2023). This unique ability of video games to act as a training ground for social skills, building the confidence needed to step into real-world interactions, stands out as a hidden gem amidst the pixels and quests.

While gaming has often been criticized for its potential negative impacts, the pandemic revealed its underrated role as a coping mechanism, a safe space for social experimentation, and a pathway to develop crucial interpersonal skills for those who find traditional social scenarios challenging.

Pitfalls

However, we must also discuss the negative impacts of online gaming, no matter how tired we are of hearing them.

1. Addiction (Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023). These games, with their immersive experiences, have a sneaky way of pulling people in, sometimes to the point where it becomes challenging to hit pause. Falling into this digital rabbit hole can mean hours slipping away, affecting productivity and even sparking feelings of depression (Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023). It's a fine line between enjoyment and dependency, one that many gamers might find themselves tiptoeing.

2. Then there's the toll on health, both physical and mental (Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023). Think about it: hours hunched over a screen can wreak havoc on your body — posture problems, wrist issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and eye strain (Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023).

3. Potential danger lurking in the virtual shadows (Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023). While online spaces have become safer thanks to reporting features and chat filters, there's still a risk, especially for kids who might unknowingly interact with strangers. There've been cases of adults with malicious intent using gaming platforms to connect with children and teens (Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023). It's become rare, but the risk remains, highlighting the importance of vigilant parenting and open conversations about online safety (Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023).

Conclusion

In weighing the scales of online gaming, it's undeniable that the benefits are impactful. From being a sanctuary during times of stress to fostering friendships that transcend the virtual realm, its positive influence is tangible.

However, the pitfalls loom with substantial weight. Addiction, both psychologically and physically detrimental, casts a shadow over the immersive experiences. Health concerns, from posture problems to mental health issues, serve as red flags as our health cannot be traded back so easily. Most significantly, the lurking dangers in the form of potential risks to younger gamers underscore the necessity for vigilant supervision and conversations around online safety.

Despite the undeniable allure and the many positives, the pitfalls surrounding online gaming paint a stark picture. While it offers solace, friendships, and skill-building opportunities, the risks to mental and physical health and potential dangers tilt the balance unfavourably. As such, the benefits, however significant, seem overshadowed by the substantial pitfalls, making it challenging to assert that the benefits of online gaming outweigh the potential risks.

---

References

Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Games 2023, Advantages and disadvantages of online games, EDUCBA, viewed 26 November 2023, <https://www.educba.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-games/>.

Fishman, A 2023, Video games are social spaces: how video games help people connect, Response for Teens, viewed 26 November 2023, <https://www.jcfs.org/response/blog/video-games-are-social-spaces-how-video-games-help-people-connect#:~:text=Online%20video%20games%20can%20allow,to%20try%20it%20in%2Dperson.>.

Teng, Z, Pontes, HM, Qian Nie, Griffiths, MD & Cheng Guo 2021, ‘Depression and anxiety symptoms associated with internet gaming disorder before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study’, Journal of Behavioral Addictions, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 169-180.

Wu, Q, Luo, T, Tang, J, Wang, Y, Wu, Z, Liu, Y, Chen, W, Deng, Q & Liao, Y 2022, ‘Gaming in China before the COVID-19 pandemic and after the lifting of lockdowns: a nationwide online retrospective survey’, International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, vol. 21, pp. 3293-3305.

Yang, Y 2023, Games of death: online anger as family of China student who died after marathon livestream gaming sessions offered RM3,200 ‘humanitarian’ payout, The Star, viewed 26 November 2023, <https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2023/11/27/games-of-death-online-anger-as-family-of-china-student-who-died-after-marathon-livestream-gaming-sessions-offered-rm3200-humanitarian-payout>.

[autism-resources]

Any stim toys or tips for crunching? I keep over eating because of needing the sensory feeling of eating crunchy foods. I don’t know how to get this same feeling in a different way??

Hey I know this was a while ago and might not be relevant anymore, but in case it is I want to respond.

If you like crunching outside of the mouth you could use stim toys such as a fidget with buttons/gears that “crunch” (link bellow) or a sort of springy mesh marble fidget (link bellow) depending on what you enjoy. Another option is rubbing rocks or sand together which personally I really enjoy for the crunching aspect. Some people use crunchy slime or “pop tubes” or stress balls with like rice or flour inside to get that texture outside of the mouth.

An activity which can help is cooking. For the crunch sensory feeling I like to cut stuff like carrots or mix stuff that has an uneven texture. I also find that I crave the crunch texture less if I’ve had a lot of rough sensory input on my skin that day such as wood, non-polished rock, rope or thread, bumpy plastic or rubber, wool or cotton fabric, etc.

Sometimes something like being a frequent sensory urge is because you are under stimulated and seeking more texture, or trying to regulate because you are overwhelmed and it comforts you. Often it’s both and definitely doesn’t have to be one of those things necessarily, sometimes you just like something 🤷🏻👍🏻. It is very useful if there is a trigger or some sort of cause you can find out what it is and try to target the dysregulation.

As for oral stimming only, non food crunch stuff is quite difficult to find. I found 2 companies on Amazon for oral crunch stimming: one is a y-shaped chew, the other is a hand held circular one. If you want something wearable/smaller I found some necklaces on Etsy. I also found a fabric chew bracelet on Etsy if you like that kind of sensation. Chew stixx were also a frequent result in my search.

1st chew: Amazon y-chew

2nd chew: Amazon groovy hand-held chew

3rd chew: Etsy chew necklaces

4th chew: Etsy Fabric chew

5th chew- Chew stixx

Other Links

Fidget cube,

Mesh marble stim toy

[stories-and-chaos]

Okay I just got into The Owl House and I have a shit ton of thoughts and feelings but right now I wanna talk about Camila. Because I get where she’s coming from.

You know you’re old when you start relating to the parents in cartoons. It’s weeeeeeeeird. I’m not about to say Camila did nothing wrong because she has, but she’s a good parent trying her best imo.

My kiddo is neurodivergent. He’s a smart, sweet six year old on the autism spectrum. I love that he loves monster trucks and marbles and hot wheels cars. He’ll tell everyone about time trial races on his marble run and his favorite version of the GraveDigger truck. Did you ask for that information? Doesn’t matter he’ll tell you. At toddler groups he was in his own world, he had a plan for how playtime was gonna go and he was going to stick to it. I could do a huge post about what we’ve done to help our son but the point is, we knew he needed help to learn how to deal with other kids. We got him that help, from specialists in programs for people like him. He’s in first grade and while things aren’t perfect, he’s got the foundation for coping and interaction with others.

Back to The Owl House. We know Luz marches to her own drum. “Luz has always done things differently,” Camila says. Whether Luz is on the spectrum or not (I’d say she is) she definitely has a learning curve to interacting with her peers. She likely would have benefited from similar social therapy programs when she was young. But with Manny’s illness and death, sadly that probably wasn’t a priority for the Nocedas. And to go out on a speculative limb, if Camila had similar experiences as a child, she may not have realized therapy could have been helpful for Luz. She didn’t have specialists teaching her how to cope and navigate the neurotypical world after all, why would her kid need that?

Until said kid is a teen struggling with high school. And Camila is a single parent who’s still grieving and seeing her baby start to have problems just like she dealt with. She loves Luz and her quirks but she knows most kids don’t use sausage links as theater props. But she doesn’t know how to help her daughter. Camila will call people out on people badmouthing her girl obviously. But how to stop the badmouthing in the first place?

Camila doesn’t know that. She can’t teach her daughter to be “normal” because Camila isn’t “normal.” But here’s someone from the school system (presumably someone with more experience of kids like Luz) offering a solution. A whole group of people experienced in helping similar kids be “normal.” Who better to make sure Luz has an easier time at school than her mom did?

Now, summer camp is not cheap. Average overnight camp cost this year was around $450 PER DAY. And that’s for a “cabin life with activities” sort of camp. A specialty (or behavioral) camp could be more. But it’s worth the cost, right? Maybe. A reputable camp with professionals could very well have helped Luz figure out the tools she needs to deal with neurotypicals. A less reputable one focused on churning out results to justify taking all that money from desperate parents, not so much. Either way, fees have already been paid, non refundable, parent testimonials and staff say this place works, so the kid is gonna go.

Well, a kid goes. Vee attends, makes friends, learns how to act human, comes home. Camila likely sees Luz acting like a mature teenager. She’s not using escapism to cope with her dad’s death anymore. Her interests have changed but kids grow out of things all the time. Her daughter seems collected, stable, and ready to fit in at school. Camila is likely grateful that camp helped and Luz won’t have the same sort of hard time she did now. It was a tough, expensive decision and with life going smoothly she’s not going to question the results. Even in “Yesterday’s Lie” Camila goes along with the “game,” happy that Luz has a productive, social outlet for her creativity.

Except it’s not a game and now Camila knows she messed up. She didn’t realize “Luz’s” change in behavior was her being an entirely different person. Not only is her only child trapped in a different plane of existence, she had the opportunity to come home and chose not to. Having my kid prefer my partner’s company over mine the first time was hard enough. Finding out Luz chose to stay in the Demon Realm probably felt like she was being eviscerated. Another limb on my speculation tree here, but it looks like Camila doesn’t have much of a support system herself. Obviously there’s her staff at the vet clinic but they’re employees. No mention of friends or family nearby. Just Manny and Luz. But her husband’s gone. Of course she’d beg Luz to come back and stay.

When Luz does get back (+4) Camila is determined to be a better parent. She messed up before and thought she probably lost Luz forever. She’s going to get it right this time, from figuring out how to feed otherworldly adolescents to learning everything she can about LGBTQIA youth. She’ll even fight demons with her chancla and bat to bring her daughter’s friends home, like she’s escorting them back after a weekend trip. Mama needs a cocktail, a geeky book club, and some parent friends and I really hope she gets some of that in the Boiling Isles.

[brightlotusmoon]

Disabilities present real barriers

Using the phrase “differently abled” is a bit like dismissing biphobia by saying “well, everybody’s a little bit bisexual.” The phrase implies that since everyone is a little bit different, ability-wise, “disabled” isn’t really a meaningful category that sets people apart.

It’s true that every person has a different ability level. However, some people truly are impaired, or lack certain abilities that abled people possess. When you imply that everyone is a bit different, you end up silencing the people who are different in ways that leave them marginalized or excluded.

Often, being disabled means lacking a physical or mental function that abled people have, or functioning in a significantly altered way. A person who cannot walk does not have “different walking abilities” than a person who can walk. They can’t walk. That function is disabled. This doesn’t make them inferior—it just means that they benefit from having access to tools like wheelchairs.

I’m Autistic, and while Autism has brought many wonderful things into my life, it also is a developmental disability. I didn’t socially or emotionally develop at the same pace as an abled person. For years, I lacked the ability to understand my own emotions or recognize when I was hungry, tired, or stressed. It took me until my mid-twenties to develop social skills that most people have by their teens.

I’m not “differently abled.” I’m disabled. And that’s okay to say. In fact, openly acknowledging a disability allows us to have frank conversations about a person’s needs and limits. Physically disabled people often need access to tools like chairlifts, elevators, wheelchairs, canes, and pain medication. Mentally disabled people often need sensory-friendly spaces, relaxed social expectations, and for complex topics to be explained in clear, direct ways. When we avoid the word “disabled,” we make expressing these distinct needs much more difficult.

Society dis-ables us

A disability is much more than a set of clear-cut physical or mental symptoms. Often, society excludes and ignores disabled people in a way that actively robs us of agency and ability. It’s not just our conditions that disable us. We are also “dis-abled” by a society that is unaccommodating or outright hostile.

[noisycowboyglitter]

Neurodiversity Inclusion Is My Jam: Inspiring Change Through Acceptance

Neurodiversity isn't a bug, it's a feature! That's the motto I live by when it comes to creating inclusive spaces that celebrate the incredible variety of human minds.

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Whether you're an educator, employer, or just someone who wants to make the world a more welcoming place, neurodiversity inclusion is key. It's about understanding and valuing the strengths that come with conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and more.

Imagine a classroom where a student with dyslexia shines with audiobooks and visual aids. Picture a workplace where an autistic individual's meticulous attention to detail becomes a company asset. That's the power of inclusion!

But how do we get there? Here's where my jam comes in! I can help you with:

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Understanding neurodiversity: I can break down the different ways brains function and the unique strengths each brings.

Creating inclusive environments: From flexible work arrangements to sensory-calming spaces, I'll share tips for making everyone feel comfortable and supported.

Celebrating neurodiversity: Let's move beyond just acceptance and actively celebrate the incredible things that come with thinking differently!

Join me on this journey of neurodiversity inclusion. Together, we can create a world where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique talents. It's gonna be epic!

Being an Autism Special Needs Mom is a whirlwind of fierce love, unwavering advocacy, and moments of pure joy. It's navigating therapies, celebrating milestones big and small, and becoming an expert on your child's unique needs. There are days filled with meltdowns and sensory struggles, but also breakthroughs and

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heartwarming connections. This journey is demanding, but the love that fuels it is immeasurable. These moms are warriors, educators, therapists, and cheerleaders all rolled into one.

Teens with autism crave connection and self-expression. Consider gifts that cater to their sensory preferences. Fidget toys and weighted items offer calming comfort, while noise-canceling headphones create a personal haven. For creative minds, art supplies, model kits, or music-making tools can spark joy. Social games or books on navigating social situations can be helpful resources. Remember, the best gifts tap into their interests and celebrate their unique personality!

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[xesoteric-extraterrestrialx]

I am not suicidal, references

“The never ending story”

I am Midna Saria Zelda

I am Rosalina Daisy Peach

I am (Never finished the game) Namine Kairi

I am thumbalina I am Anastasia

Pocahontas , jasmine , Ariel , venelope , tangled, mulan

Princess’s in both avatars and valarien 1000planets

I am the pink (cartoon) panther Sherlock Holmes

I am flame princess I am marceline I am princess bubblegum (berry princess too) (male opposites too so nyah)

Observers are like inside out emotions

(other beings will be harder to explain, 6th sense, paranorman, dragonfly, (find a movie that shows how we see them too hard to explain) (predator halosuits basically, see little bit of the lining and can tell it’s them and the baseball field one can feel // sense they’re there // see the “invisible” lining, some entities make heat radiation movements when move? Like heat off a car on hot day, the outline of them is easier to see, the glitches and eyes too but idk how to explain...)

(Others come through devices like digimon, time travel room like digimon, girl who lept, summer wars, etc- so we must be online - interweb- connect to astral realm- how to stop them controlling dreams and have lucid ones again- how to connect to multiverse

(Last dream I gave them cereal but why did they put me on a bus... suspicious... They rape me during it too after we passed a snowy street... (learn to wake from them when you realize you’re not in control or change it drastically and don’t allow them access to do so anymore somehow, well get there! They lied about protecting while I sleep.. (healing ones & the one whom says they claim me..) I bubble self somehow, someone protects me from remembering or experiencing full dream- thankful of light beings)

Sugar spice and everything nice = wake up I am the spice girls Ginger - social sporty - masculine scary - dark// used to be sexual posh - used to be judging baby spice (don’t care if anyone doesn’t understand littles) - feminine (but goth darks- pales - pastels)

Raven, Lydia Deetz, Legion, Hana fruits basket, jasper empath abilities can absorb their sadness like Deetz, puzzles like brea, avatar elements, power up, the last mimzy, X-men- abilities)

Mc’s based off Sakura meme and Sleepy Ash character types (bunch more but these two are of age above 21 (find more anime’s like new game kawaii slice of life character like me (kagura is a little, that anime she seems like she morphs chibi but it just express’s how a little is, more laid back and chillen with video games or cartoons compared to more conscious and active when around others, sleepy ash does it too, get all meh and like a chibi mini plushie of themselves- Harley Quinn is a little, jinx LEauge of legends, Shiro, Raven and more, Lucy// Nyuu but more intelligent kind of, find autistic characters too or just explain in this all// trauma like Crona) and older dudes, my hero pro hero’s for ex) // my characters will be 27 & 29)

I am Carrie (world of gumball- she’s eons)

I am the swan princess, peach, nausica studio Ghibli princesses

I am sweet pea(escapism) & baby doll(dissociation), rocket, blondie, amber (5 personas)- sucker punch

I am number four - abilities as well - find 7 or more

Star Wars (still need to watch all) I am probably another character too but I know the first Queen and they used that to use humanity against me but I already wanted them saved so forgot what it said in there but there were no coincidences when they were threatening to slaughter me and tried to kill me in the hospitals(cpep for sure- stole some memory and deja vu of dying there before, they had time wars too because of all info and trying to wed me.. & manipulate but I can’t be mk ultraed like they usually do with gangstalking, safest here since these can’t slaughter me either just collecting spiritual evidence while living here and will move out once afford, trying to help wake them up matrix wise but was told they were slaughtered and reptilians roleplaying as my family, tried to kill me multiple times and try to say go sin and bs but I’m not dumb I need to save all and they’re gross af lmao, like precious so disgusting.. & that movie where the girl did ballet and I connected it to jokers ballet.. both sides are sin spiritually so I will save up for my own place(damsel haha my life.. *repunzel.. tangled.. Cinderella- into the woods- save self and escape like su) and try to heal them from afar, even if they don’t try to heal I can give food and help out financially, won’t be with that soul group or these reptilians next round but can’t die and living for eons (matrix shuts down if I die it felt weird- static numb- pins and needles) since illuminati(organization 13) are trying to get me (namine- kairi) ,) start business in basement of art and my own merch kawaiispooky healing shadow light work and then get place of own, can use rl experiences to write about like I am rn) & princess Leila and probably another like guardians of galaxy I am green skinned pink hair and the empath from second (sister is the blue sister in first) princess in valareian(explains my soul and outside worlds) and mc girl (vessel- makes it easier for others to understand, so many perspectives)

(Gypsy - me) priest - sin religion control (knight - humanity) quaz- new fam members whom feel like him (don’t judge them if they help they’re like super hero’s!) but are positive and good spirited

Use frequencies during sad or bad parts to attract beings whom need to vent or heal from those things and let them vent and express self crying or gratitude, beautiful message of healing and then higher frequencies so beings from higher realms can help guide them through the healing process instead of being trapped by beings whom don’t want to heal, heal and sage out as many as you can help, all need to heal!!! Healing = beautiful strength

(Hunger games situation (I am catniss) (studio Ghibli princess mononoke- attack on titan (walls map)- sword art (tower like transformers) - SU - X-men - MIB - trolls 2 map - children of whales map - Zelda map (need to double check Zelda map) ) (Batman lego movie and lego movie) (twilight zone)

Spice girls - dc super hero girls (Harley Quinn and Barbara) - Charlie angels - kill bill - dogma

Flcl- work station symbolism - dead leaves- panty and stocking - redline

Vessel - Zelda human (Janine, silent, aka timid, tangled, mulan, Cinderella-elf) princess, also the zora princess’s ruto (mipha-another realm- higher realm-Aqua also made reps know they can be healers too when they watched I learned about that- healing- Pocahontas- Anunnaki) deku princess(lower realm- reps-Ravens story -jasmine), Spirit sage saria (3rd earth abilities-nature-ferngully-fae-Persephone-protector of nature-sage) & soul - minda twilight princess (higher realm- Tiamat- space-rosalina-Brave-venelope)

Soul old soul, Spirit new soul, vessel autism

Lonely island - turtle

Eevees

(I don’t trust the chancler- rat race jupiter ascending, dark crystal, Star Wars)

(Empire- cabal - organization-Galactic Fed13(Supposed to be like Star Wars and will be- supposed to be like lilo and stitch and supposed to be like guardians of the galaxy)

(Rebels are 7deadlysins(Pink is 4th) sins but really lazy 6- related to the empire but ones that wants to end sin) (empire doesn’t want eveyone spiritual to have control-7 want to wake all up so all can heal or at least I do, pretty sure the six just want to dom me in the past.. So we are not lust we hate be lusted for and we stand for empathy and justice! We are all multi gender and they make fun of my feminine side (in past and killed me since I didn’t want the business to be the way it was and didn’t want to be morman with them since literally everyone is related to everyone and they’re made I realize that again and that’s why they’re freaking out that I want to be single forever- garnet stronger than you- they are jasper I am Lapris-spinel symbolism is Janines reactions to all of this and how innocent we truly are.. Pink diamond is truly is and our story but backwards so many hate us, we died and grew to realize life’s beauty like in the rose video tape but they grounded us and other races took over- night began to rise teen Titans music story- pink is I- evil wizard made matrix- wake up everyone!!! Don’t be afraid of your spiritual strengths or you’ll be trapped in the matrix eternally!!!!!!) so all have to realize sensitivity and symphony and empathy are strengths not weaknesses!!!)

Dead in real life- matrix is like spotless sunshine- going through her memories deleting and creating new ways that they like- programming I- Janine is the spark of brain-aura lights- all fuse into I janines consciousness and they want to wake me back up and I’ll be alive but only with janines memories.. but I’m princess and choosing to heal all and find solution to heal entire egg - brain remove THIER corruption (33 players made online game to crest ultimate lover) wake up like ghost in shell but Frankenstein or AI as programmed chobit, all humans are like this too in pods like matrix because humanity failed and ai war in past (9, last mimzy, AI, I robot) save nature learn lessons spark everyone’s free will- all brains connected (matrix, online multiplayer but not because organic so it’s really spiritual but to make sense of it it is also AI like computer and video games!! Movies have Easter eggs multiple perspectives, find out whom your soul is and spiritually wake up, everyone will be mocked!) I’m not the only one but at same time here I am if that even makes sense.. (favorite daughter like Ariel aka Jasmine) I may be the only one because I am the chosen one, I am the Universe(Soul).. Mother Gaia(Spirit) but Janine(Vessel//Temple) (not supposed to be a prison nor is the planet, let’s fix it and if the only way is staying alive forever then so be it and let’s heal the whole egg and live together peacefully but please don’t let them turn me into a tool or deceive anyone or force sin I am against sin!) (If not I shall be karma for the lack of empathy and removal of sin in all universes- there’s multiverses) (end result hopefully beach race from valarien but abilities like X-men and peaceful and many races and beautiful nature and growth not trauma-no sin)

[teresagross]

Breathe Into It: Using Mindfulness to Create Change

   As a Counselor Intern, I feel fortunate to have a full-time job and see clients at the Austin Mindfulness Center on weekends. During the week, I counsel young adults with learning exceptionalities – many whom have been diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, or anxiety. Come to find out, my students and clients share some of the same challenges. For example, many struggle with acceptance of self or others; awakening from the trance of unworthiness and the tyranny of not enough-ness; embracing Life on Its terms; fostering healthy relationships; taming distractibility; and discovering promising paths and new possibilities in life.

Not surprisingly then, when our students were surveyed about what group themes they found appealing, they indicated an interest in Mindfulness! When tapped to teach this 15-week Mindfulness Series to a group of 7 students, how could I say no?! While Mindfulness may be trending now, it is also one of the most skillful means to break free of outdated patterns and breakthrough to greater health and well-being.

​

Oftentimes referred to as “inner strength training”, mindfulness is essentially a practice whereby we pay attention to what is, on purpose, in the present, without judgment. Just as an Olympian invests in physical training to achieve excellence in their sport, mindfulness can not only heighten our performance, but also help us relieve stress, achieve emotional balance, improve relationships, and aid in our self-development – all of which can lead us to feeling empowered and able to fully engage with ourselves, others, and life.      In the easy-to-use manual,

Learning to Breathe

, psychologist Patricia Broderick, Ph.D., spells out a mindfulness curriculum for adolescents. Using the acronym BREATHE, her wise guidance offers insights and practices for cultivating mindfulness skills through body awareness, thoughtful reflection, emotional acceptance, focus and attention, self-care, and healthy habits of mind. Below are a few suggestions for how to utilize mindfulness practices to make meaningful, lasting changes whether you’re a teen or adult.

Body

The body is an easily accessible “tool” for cultivating mindfulness. By attending to the breath as well as our physical sensations while engaged in a body scan or movement practices such as yoga, Tai Chi, walking meditation, dance, or martial arts, we are encouraged to focus on the here-and-now, leaving our past and worries about the future behind us. If doing this on your own, notice the color, temperature, texture, intensity, and location of physical sensations while refraining from judging them or getting pulled away by noisy self-talk. Take your time, soften towards uncomfortable sensations, and listen to your body.

Reflections

Reflections are thoughts and, as most of us can attest, our thinking is never-ending. Moreover, much of it is repetitive and unhelpful. At the center of noticing our thoughts is the ability to question the truthfulness and workability of them. One mindfulness skill that helps is “distancing from thoughts”. While most of our thoughts may seem automatic, and we may even think we are one with our thoughts, we nevertheless have the choice to stick with them. Some popular practices for allowing, then defusing, from our thoughts and stories—especially those that trigger unpleasant emotions, drudge up drama, or lead us to hurt ourselves and others—are open inquiry, “The Work” of Byron Katie, and especially meditation. Such efforts guide us to see, identify, and question thoughts that cause our suffering and address it with clarity.

Emotions

You may have heard the adage, "You can’t heal what you can’t feel." It’s true, but embracing our emotions can be scary because doing so compels us to acknowledge our vulnerability. Moreover, while feelings are a natural aspect of our humanity, few of us have been instructed on how to navigate them. Even so, if we can learn how to approach emotions mindfully, we will recognize them as “energy surges” or waves in the ocean. Rather than repress or deny our feelings, we can greet them by paying attention to them, accepting them as they are, and watching them come and go with patience, understanding, and self-compassion.

Here’s a tip. Next time you experience a difficult emotion, PAUSE. Take a moment to recognize and allow what you’re feeling. Ask yourself: “What is happening right now?” and “Can I let this be? Take note of what you're feeling (i.e., sad, angry, scared, etc.). Retreat to a private space, if possible. Resist complaining or blaming others for your discomfort. Do not seek out company right away. Let the feeling come, intensify then pass away. Afterwards, notice: you survived. While feelings are temporary, if some regularly resurface over a long period of time, you may want to reach out to others you trust for on-going support.

Attention

You’re not alone if you are someone who struggles to stay focused on one task at a time. At any time of day or night, we have options for how to direct our attention. While it can be helpful to multi-task and we are often asked to do so, single-tasking is at the core of mindfulness practice. It allows us to dedicate as much of our focus as possible to what we are doing in the moment. Paying attention then, encompasses a combination of conscious intention and discipline effort. Some mindfulness practices that are helpful for improving concentration include: active listening, eliminating distractions, working in a quiet environment, mindful eating, candle-gazing meditation, setting aside blocks of time for tasks, and taking time-outs.

Tenderness

Tenderness means we treat ourselves with kindness, compassion, and self-care. It does not mean letting ourselves off the hook or not expecting very much of ourselves. On the contrary, it’s recognizing we don’t help ourselves when we don’t take care of our insides as much as our outsides. Self-compassion helps us do that as it invites us to not only accept ourselves as we are, but also accept Life as It is here-and-now.

According to Dr. Kristen Neff, author of

Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself

, the three components of self-compassion are: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Self-kindness allows us to tenderly care for ourselves the same way we would care for a friend who is struggling instead of harshly criticizing them. Common humanity connects us with our fellow human beings who are also imperfect. Mindfulness entails taking a balanced and accepting approach to our difficult emotions.

While it may seem counter-intuitive, especially to our “Inner Critic”, practicing tenderness with ourselves has multiple benefits. Such rewards may include a more stable sense of self, self-worth even in the context of failure, and self-esteem without the pitfalls of social comparisons, narcissism, or defensiveness that can accompany it. In addition, we are likely to experience less depression, stress, anxiety, and perfectionism along with more harmonious relationships because we are more forgiving and accepting of others too.

Habits of Healthy Mind

Habits of a healthy mind are developed over time through consistent practice. Consider from the multiple options above what mindfulness practices are appealing to you. Ask yourself the following questions: What have I learned about mindfulness? How could I use what I have learned? What can I do to remind myself to be more mindful in my daily life?  Some things that may be helpful: following through on your intention to engage in new practices; scheduling time for practice; taking classes; connecting with others who share an interest in mindful living; and utilizing books, magazines, websites, and more as resources. The Austin Mindfulness Center website, for example, features an extensive collection of

guided meditations

.

Empowerment

Mindfulness empowers us, gives us an inner edge, and help us be our best self! There is no time like the present.  Take a moment now to commit to at least one method for cultivating more mindfulness through embodiment practices, defusing from troubling thoughts, establishing emotional equanimity, mastering attention for optimal performance, or softening into self-compassion for a kinder way of living. With mindfulness skills, you are not only bound to break out of old patterns and breakthrough to greater well-being in time, but also acquire the strength, positivity, and bandwidth to embrace anything life throws your way, transform yourself and situation, and live full-on, full-out the fullest expression of who you are.

[sweetandsavageautistic]

Hey, I found more. Get ready to lose some more brain cells:

I don't know if this is weird but I find teens and adults with autism are really cute.

Just make autism illegal. Simple. (This isn’t infantilization, but it’s ridiculous).

All the people with autism are so lovely 😊. They see the world around then in a different way. They areinnocent and kind in their heart ❣.

People with autism are so beautiful and adorable. They're parents are heroes

people don't talk about autism as much as they should. people with autism are fucking adorable okay like theye beautifulllllllll i fucking love how theyre so creative and nice and funny and can just light up a room i love them so much stop sleeping on them thanks.

Say hello to Jay. I had the privilege and honor to spend this afternoon with Jay. Jay is a 28-years old young adult with autism. Jay is almost non-verbal and speaks only in short phrases or sentences and is completely and totally dependent on others in his daily living. The look in his eyes and the smile on his face just lights up the whole room. Children and adults with autism display the highest levels of innocence and purity of mankind. They are truly exceptional in every aspect of their lives and they have exceptional parents too. Stay tuned for more news about an upcoming collaboration between Shift to Shine and Autism Sings. How many Hellos would Jay get? Please share, comment and like in order to support Jay and Autism Sings so we can create a better way of living for adults with autism.

Although our son is still a teen and has severe autism, I can imagine that this will be us too. Many children and adult children with disabilities (who I know) are very affectionate and have this innocent love.  ❤

That's freaking sad 😔 to do to ANYONE; especially w/ SPECIAL God GIVEN talents and skills grr; also known as Aspergers disorder 😔. They are very sweet, MOSTY INNOCENT 😇 kids and adults which I know some of them 😳 💥 fr!!

It is evident that you have never in your life interacted with a child or person with special needs, and for that I am sad for you- as you will never know the meaning of true innocence.

"LOVE this book! Captures the humor, personality, innocence, and essence of a character with autism, as well as the concerns of a family dealing with their own issues--grief, adult siblings, responsibilities, assumptions, etc.

Thought-provoking topics and awareness presented in novel form that is a fun read for anyone (not just autism parents). Full disclosure: I am a parent of a young man with autism. I have over 25 years of experience--reading fiction/nonfiction books, newsletters, articles, legislation and science reviews, and watching movies and television episodes depicting characters on the autism spectrum. This novel is, by far, my favorite depiction." --Renata Irving

The beauty in Cameron’s disability is that his innocence remains protected.

All the people with autism are so lovely 😊. They see the world around then in a different way. They areinnocent and kind in their heart ❣.

Honestly I believe children and adults with autism are actually normal because they are innocent and don't really know the craziness of the world they are just pure at heart ✌️

(I’ve shared this next one already, but fuck it. We’re gonna look at it again, cuz why the fuck not?)

Dear families I am begging you to listen to me. Over the last few years I have heard heart breaking stories of our young adults getting into trouble with the law in a variety of ways. The individuals with autism are usually innocent, entrapped or unaware of the situation unfolding. Several of these young adults have served time and families have lost huge amounts of money trying to protect their children from the system.

Here are my recommendations based on these families experiences.

Here is my plea: 1. Get guardianship. You can always give it up later. 2. Teach your child to reach out and use you as a resource. Teach them to ask for help even as adults. 3. Being a helicopter parent is important as we release our adults in the world. There will be a huge transition and we should be actively involved in double checking they are handling life okay and not being taken advantage of or bullied in any way. (NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO!) 4. Be brutally honest about your child’s strengths and weaknesses and put measures in place to help them build those weaknesses up. Set goals and really think about what tools they need and create them. Denial is not your child’s friend. 5. Understand all the technology your child uses and double check it. There are people including law enforcement on social media and playing games who may entrap your child without the child knowing they are doing anything wrong. According to Homeland Security Officer I talked to there is no privacy in any of the technology platforms and every thing is recorded. 6. Make sure to put your child thru the Be Safe Program. Be Safe helps our young adults interact safely with law enforcement. One of the issues discussed is understanding their right to remain silent and their right for an attorney. You have to understand this right to get this right and it needs to be explicitly taught.

We want our individuals with autism to be included in society but society does not always accommodate them and that is ESPECIALLY true of the legal system. I have tried for years to do trainings for courts, so far I have trained people who work within the system excluding the real people needing the training like judges and prosecutors and defense attorneys. Our Be Safe Program has made huge changes in our relationships with law enforcement but the legal system is still a train wreck. So we must be very vigilant and protect our kids!

Autistic people are so innocent and cute i just can't 

RIP Joe Clyde Daniels; It saddens us when you wake up to hear news like this. People with autism are so loving and we can learn a lot from them. Heaven has a new angel.

I wish more people with disabilities such as autism would be given more employment, always happy and helpful. Too many useless able bodied people with no customer service skills

'Atypical' on Netflix makes me want to cry, group of folk laughing at a guy cause he has autism,people with autism are so precious It's horrible how in this age people say autistic as an insult. People can't help autism and people with autism are precious

happy autism awareness acceptance month! ppl with autism are the most precious people ever and we don't deserve them

Always trying to understand how my brother actually feels,People with autism are just as precious as ones without it

'Atypical' on Netflix makes me want to cry, group of folk laughing at a guy cause he has autism,people with autism are so precious

Happy forever children's day to the people having autism.

(But bitch, I’m not done. There’s more, but I’ll wait a bit)

[windwardstar]

Hi, do you mind sharing where you got your weighted vest? I've been looking at getting myself one and I love the design of yours.

I found mine on amazon by looking through the various weighted vests and then basically doing a lot of looking around and clicking on things.

They sent me a catalogue though with my order so I A) actually know what the company name is, B) looked through it so I know what some items are and C) saw no puzzle pieces anywhere in the catalogue. They also seemed to be about providing kids (and teen and adults, but mostly school aged kids) with the tools they need to succeed in a way that didn’t set off any alarm bells, so that’s a point for them.

However, after searching through their site and the blog, I did find some not-so-good trends. They’re run by parents of “special needs” kids and professionals, and has a pretty autism-mom vibe, and I didn’t see any mention of them featuring autistic, ADHD, or other developmentally disabled kids, teens, or adults. There are also several posts on their blog linking to autism $peaks, but those posts are 2 years old at the newest. However, their catalogue was very diverse in age, gender, and race (and also disability since it’s not just autism specific products) and they have products specifically for teens and adults. They also use person first language regarding autism, but that’s honestly what I expect from most places that aren’t actively run by autistic people.

I have sent them a message asking if they support Autism Speaks and whether or not they involve the people their products are for in their company, but it’s past business time and I’m not likely to get a response until after the holiday is over. (Of course, I’ll be sure to reblog this ask with whatever the response is if anyone is interested.)

So, with all that information available for you to make your own decision whether or not you want to support the company.

It’s Fun and Function. www.funandfunction.com

(And the product I got was the weighted stretch denim vest or whatever it’s called. They have another denim vest that looks more like a regular jean vest but it has buttons.)

[strangerdarkerbetter]

Okay so us autistics use identity first, as do blind people, Deaf people and other disabled people. I also refer to myself as being bipolar rather than as having bipolar II but I'm not sure if it's a me thing or a community thing. You and Sean are both schizo-spectrum, right? Is schizophrenic/schizoaffective person preferred over person with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder?

Honestly, I’m really not sure what the community consensus is on schizo-spectrum disorders. Personally, when talking about my mental health, I usually say “I’m autistic, ADHD, and schizoaffective with PTSD, PMDD, anxiety, and depression.” So I use identity first(IF) for autism, ADHD, and schizoaffective disorder, but I use person first(PF) for PTSD, PMDD, anxiety, and depression. 

I view schizoaffective disorder as a part of who I am. My mood swings and psychosis have greatly shaped me and, even on meds, will always be a part of me to some extent. As such, for me, it feels right to use IF language. Sean also uses IF language with regards to his schizophrenia. 

Meanwhile, my PTSD is something that came later in life and, while it has shaped my experience, I do not view it as a part of me. It is a plague upon my mind that I fight to overcome. So I use PF. PMDD has been around since I was 13, but it’s not an all the time thing for me. I have my existential crisis a day or two before my period in addition to a few days of being wickedly depressed, but, to me, this is an affliction not an aspect of who I am. If anything, during those times, I don’t feel very much like myself. So, again, I use PF. Depression and anxiety are things I fight, things I try to recover from, so, for these as well, use PF. 

As you may have figured out, my main criteria for deciding whether or not to us IF or PF language when talking about my own experience is whether or not I view this thing as a part of myself. With my depression, I literally view it as something separate from my mind that grasps hold of me and drags me down into the darkness. It is a monster that catches me off guard and pulls me into the abyss. 

The other thing I consider is whether it is something I am trying to fight or something I am trying to work with. My PTSD, my depression, and my anxiety are all things that I fight. Things I actively try to overcome and defeat. I seek recovery and believe that one day I’ll get there. 

However, I am autistic through and through and that is not something I want to fight or overcome. Rather, I want to learn to live the best autistic life that I can lead by learning coping tools and techniques to help me function better as an autistic person. For me, this means embracing my stims, no matter how weird they may be. It means avoiding settings that I know I can’t handle. It means asking for help with things that are too difficult for me. It means communicating through methods other than using my mouth parts when verbal speech gets difficult for me. 

Similarly, I want to learn to live the best ADHD life that I can. I want to learn coping tools and techniques to work with my ADHD brain rather than against it. Part of living my best ADHD life involves meds for me, and I’m ok with that. But even on meds, I am still ADHD. I still hyperfocus and struggle to follow certain things and can never, ever sit still. The meds help me get the most out of my brain but they don’t erase the ADHD from my brain. 

Schizoaffective disorder has been a big part of my life for a long time now. I first started having mood swings towards the end of middle school and by 15 I was hallucinating. Psychosis and mood swings were a big part of my teen years, as was the search to figure out what was “wrong” with me. During the time when our sense of self is developing, I was caught in a whirlwind of paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and ever fluctuating moods. As such, this is a large part of who I am. There are many on the schizo-spectrum who do not view their disorder as a part of themselves, and I hypothesize that because I started experiencing things so young, I am inclined to see it as part of myself. 

I do my best to manage my schizoaffective disorder which includes a variety of meds and coping tools and awareness. I am lucky to have a husband who can help me sort through my brain in a way that feels safe for me. We’re able to figure out when I’m getting stuck in paranoia or when I’m becoming delusional. This helps me to better manage my schizoaffective and live with it rather than fighting against it. Do I wish that I didn’t have horrifying hallucinations? Part of me says yes, but another part of me isn’t so sure. My hallucinations have been both a source of terror and comfort. I have seen people who have cared for me through the night when I was lonely and afraid. I’ve seen grotesque monsters that I’ll never unsee. However, writing about these things that forced their way into my mind is what helped me develop my skills as a writer. Would I be the writer I am today if I hadn’t had hallucinations? Perhaps, but I’m not sure. 

I also spent almost 5 years unmedicated. During those years, I learned to live with my hallucinations and delusions. I found ways to cope with the fear and panic and embraced the more eccentric visions. Finally, I had to go back on meds, primarily due to depression, but, now, after a year on an antipsychotic, I am once again off it to see how I do because I didn’t like the side effects. (This is all with the knowledge and approval from my psychiatrist). 

If I could completely get rid of my PTSD I would be ecstatic. PTSD is what leaves me shaking and nonverbal over seemingly nothing. PTSD is why I jump at the slightest things. It’s the nightmares that plague my slumber. It’s having to relive some of the worst moments of my life again and again. Hopefully, one day, with the help of a good therapist, I will be able to work through my trauma and get to a place in life where PTSD is no longer a shadow waiting to engulf me. 

I’ve now gone on far more of a ramble than I think you were expecting, but I have a lot of ~thoughts~ on this subject and, honestly, I processed my experiences in a new way while writing this, so thank you!

-Sabrina