Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health and Safety Guide
ASERT has compiled resources for those with autism and those who care for people with autism relating to the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Blogs
Ziggie
A Wonderful Summer
Ziggie reflects on the wonderful summer he had seeing his family and attending fun parties.
Read more
The Great Distraction: Our Phones
In this blog, Ziggie talks about smartphones and how they can become a distraction from the world around us.
Read more
Please Stand By – Movie Review
Films surrounding the subject of autism can be very hit or miss. Sometimes a movie will treat a person with ASD like furniture or an immeasurable burden upon their family. Other times, you can get an endearing depiction of autism, and you wish more narratives were like this. Recently I had the opportunity to watch […]
Read moreSpoon Theory
Spoon Theory. You may have heard of it or you might have not. Either way, I’ll be providing a brief overview of what it is and it’s significance in explaining to those who lack a bit of understanding, that those with mental illnesses, physical impairments or those with executive dysfunction have to put forth a […]
Read moreHarry Belafonte
Many, I am sure are familiar with Harry Belafonte’s illustrious career but I’ll highlight a few notable achievements. In his early life, he sang in jazz clubs in midtown New York in order to pay for his acting classes. At those clubs, he was backed by legends; Lester Young, Charlie Parker (band), Miles Davis and […]
Read moreHalloween Town
October is my favorite month of the year. It’s a turning point. The air cools, it becomes crisp and clear, humidity leaves and taking walks outside is refreshing and restoring. It’s also the last month before we turn our clock’s forward and it gets darker a lot sooner. So, while I do enjoy longer evenings […]
Read moreBecoming a Certified Peer Specialist
Years ago, when I was at my lowest dealing with anxiety and depression, I couldn’t imagine doing the things I am now. An autism diagnosis came later in life as well after a doctor noticed that the current medication regimen wasn’t panning out and referred me to get tested for ASD, rather than just try […]
Read moreInsincere Reconciliation
The word forgiveness can instill a lot of emotions. From pain and trauma to perhaps a reconciliation with one who has hurt you or a quiet forgiveness that you only offer to yourself. Apologies can meld a wound closed if a person is truly sorry and pledges not repeat a harmful action. On the other […]
Read moreInfo Inspecting
A situation I’m going to outline is something that more often than not is all too common. You log on to your favorite social media site and are greeted with a news story that sounds incredulous or presents information that you know is fabricated as truth. We’ve all seen circumstances like this, but it’s also […]
Read moreNature’s Bounty
My father taught me a lot of things growing up. What he instilled in me was valuing and appreciating nature. An interest in wildlife. Knowledge of plants, including being able to identify common poisonous ones. Marine life as well, even though I don’t share his love of fishing, we bonded over films like Free Willy […]
Read moreWork Balance
I’m not really the type to give myself a pat on the back. I’m always trying and pushing forward because I sometimes think my only value is what I can contribute. That isn’t a great mindset to have because it puts an undue mental and physical strain on a person. Being able to take a […]
Read moreLooking Forward
Autism Awareness Month is a time when a necessary spotlight is shown on a particular but wide-ranging spectrum of neurodivergence. The narrative regarding autism has come a long way. I can recall my first instance hearing about autism in mainstream media and it was from a celebrity mom who partnered with a now disgraced and […]
Read moreA Value to Video Games
Video games were a big part of my childhood growing up. My interest in gaming started when my Father brought out his old Atari console and even though I was a little too young to fully understand the game, I was fixated on trying to play. The game that I played was called ‘Freeway’ but […]
Read moreBlack History and Disability – Roland Johnson
February is Black History Month. It’s the time of year when the United States of America remembers the plight of enslaved Africans and their African American descendants. Historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Rosetta Tharpe, George Washington Carver, Madam C. J. Walker and Harriet Tubman are all notable for their robust accomplishments […]
Read moreCommunications
When it comes to understanding means of communication, I think autistics like myself are more likely to be empathic towards others. We are more likely to be empathetic because our means of communicating are not always respected. So we put forth an effort to understand others who have similar or different communication difficulties and needs. […]
Read more