Dating Q&A with Dr. Melissa Brown
Q: I’m really nervous about dating, especially approaching someone for the first time. I have a hard time reading other people’s body language. Do other people not on the Autism Spectrum have similar experiences? A: Absolutely. Most people are quite nervous to introduce themselves to someone they are interested in. It is a natural human need […]
Read moreSuper Bowl
A big social event is happening in February: the Super Bowl. While I’m not a football fan, I really enjoy watching the Super Bowl commercials. I never really understood what the big deal was for many years but I think I understand now. This annual game is important because it’s the culmination of many games […]
Read moreTime to Change
I need to change things in my life so I waited to New Years to say “Yes, I’m going to change this year!” I feel a bit silly waiting til’ the start of a new year to think about making important changes in my life, but I wasn’t ready to admit that I need to […]
Read moreSaying No
I found that speaking up for yourself is difficult and that saying “no” is not a popular response. Sometimes others encourage me to do something that I don’t feel comfortable doing. Sometimes when I say “yes”, there is a high price I pay for being so agreeable. I used to say “yes” even when it […]
Read moreHanging Back
I have never been a “get in the middle” type of person. As far back as I can remember, I have been more of the “hanging back, watching” type, only coming closer if I feel comfortable. Being around groups of people is draining even if I know them well. Family holidays would be tiring since […]
Read moreFemale Expectations: Musings on What I’m “Supposed To Be”
As a woman, I feel I’m supposed to be: A natural babysitter. Good with children. A counselor. A nurse. A taxi driver. A house cleaner. Empathetic. Dressed properly for every occasion. A good hostess. A good cook. A caretaker of others. Pretty. Always smiling. Fit and thin. Problem-free/carefree. A planner and organizer. Agreeable. Not “too […]
Read moreSeeing Red
I often feel overwhelmed, like my problems and limitations are more difficult than other people. I get angry and frustrated that life isn’t easier for me. I feel like other people don’t understand why I’m so angry and because of this, I usually try not to express those emotions unless I’m with someone I trust. […]
Read moreFuture Planning
Planning for the future is neither easy or simple for anyone. I’ve been thinking a lot about the future lately. As we get older and our parents do too of course, it’s natural to start thinking about planning for the future because parents won’t always be around. Young adults need to be informed and think […]
Read morePutting It All Out There
Have you ever had the experience of telling someone that you have Autism? The reaction I sometimes get is that of “So you’re like Temple Grandin or Rain Man?” Often the conversation ends right there but sometimes they want to know what it is like to have Autism. I find myself trying to explain how […]
Read moreOut of Sync Woman’s Beach Vacation Journal
Day 3 Before Vacation: It’s a few days before I head out on a trip with friends to the beach. I’m almost done getting everything ready for my vacation. I figured out my budget for the trip, breaking it into categories like food, gas, entertainment and extras. Next up is organizing what I need and […]
Read moreFamily Love
You probably don’t know this but I have several nieces and nephews, and I’m incredibly proud of them. When they were babies, I wondered if any of them would have similar struggles to me as they got older. Not that this would change how I felt about them, but I know how much harder it […]
Read moreCommunity Connection
April is Autism Awareness/Acceptance Month. Connecting people with Autism to the community is an important part of having a meaningful life. Being human, I need to belong to a community. Community for me is a combination of physical location, people who are close to me, and people who share some common beliefs. Having Autism, anxiety […]
Read moreQuestion and Uncertainty
I was never very close to my grandparents either physically or emotionally. In fact I have never been close to someone who is old and sick. I knew my parents were both saddened and stressed out by their parents which left me with the impression that their parents caused more unhappiness then happiness. Due to […]
Read moreSolo Mission: February the Final Frontier
There are many things I’ve learned over the years and that I need to keep in mind. I’m focusing in a more inward direction this February. I find the below thoughts helpful and I hope that you find them helpful too. • Everyone has their own unique experiences. Others will try to give you advice […]
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