Taking Comfort in Science and Nature
As far back as I can remember I have had two things that I take comfort in, nature and science. For me they were a constant source of awe, joy and wonder in my life. I’m not sure I have the words to fully describe how I feel but I it’s like the world makes […]
Read moreSmall Walks, Open Evenings
This is just a random thought I had when I was walking a few times recently after work; I get the feeling that I enjoy taking pictures of very bright things. I believe that my love for lights and good music is just one of the few things I enjoy to do outside and I […]
Read moreChristmas Remembrance
wDecember marks the end of the year and during this month, one of the most well-known of holidays, Christmas takes place. For those who observe this event, it’s usually a time to meet with family and friends, exchanging gifts, enjoying a meal with one another and taking in each others company. It’s a recipe for […]
Read moreProper Planning
I swear that organization is a weakness for me! It is not like me to do one thing without feeling like I left something behind! This isn’t anything unusual though as it becomes a more repetitive phase of certain events. For instance, last week consisted of me studying for two different exams, being best man […]
Read moreHidden Pressures, Visible Explosions
I think that everyone I have ever met is under some sort of pressure. I think being under pressure for lengthy intense periods of time is not good for anyone. Speaking for myself, I find that I don’t handle pressure well. I personally think my difficulties are magnified by my experience with Autism. Autism colors […]
Read moreBeneath the Surface
“You look fine, so you must be okay and doing well for yourself.” I’ve dealt with comments like that, for a big portion of my life even though depression and anxiety have been factors since I was a teen. An analysis, a judgment just from outward appearances is not something I particularly enjoy. You can […]
Read moreThe Wedding
Last fall I went to what could be called the wedding from hell. I didn’t have much interest in going to begin with, which probably should’ve been an indicator to my parents that I shouldn’t have gone with them. My mom insisted (demanded) that I go because the wedding was for the daughter of her […]
Read morePerfectly Imperfect Families
It would be wonderful if there was such a thing as the perfect family. The myth is that somebody, somewhere, has a perfect family and that person has no problems or, very simple, easily solvable problems. We see this myth in advertisements, television shows and magazines because it’s a common wish that everyone has for […]
Read moreOVR and Early Reach
The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is a state agency that assists Pennsylvanians with disabilities secure competitive, community integrated employment and independence. You must be referred to OVR, and determined eligible to receive services. Being referred is as simple as calling your local OVR District Office. Being “determined eligible” means that: you have a diagnosed […]
Read moreIsolation
During my summer, I was back after a refreshing trip from Baltimore where I had a wonderful time with friends enjoying the most, really cool comic based themes for the closing of the 2016 “OTAKON!! At the Baltimore convention.” Now that I was home, I had wonder how to feel after going from meeting and […]
Read moreFurry Friends
Pets can play an important role in a person’s life, perhaps even more so for individuals who are neurodivergent, have autism or even a combination of both. Animals of all kinds: dogs, cats, birds and others are able to provide a non-judgmental level of support, just through their interactions with us. With this blog post, […]
Read moreGet out of the house! No.
For most of my life my parents have been trying to get me out of the house and socialize with my friends. For my part I’ve resisted their efforts most of the time. It’s the deeply held belief that a “normal” kid should spend a lot of time with their friends that makes my parents […]
Read moreBudget Basics
I think that budgeting is a cornerstone skill to living as independently as possible. It’s one of the first skills I put into practice before I moved away from home. Budgeting consists of two parts, the first part is getting the “big picture” of what your fixed expenses and priorities are. The second part encompasses the skills […]
Read moreMeet the Newest ASDNext Blogger, Ziggy!
Hi everyone, I’m Ziggy. I was recently chosen as a ASDNext blogger, and my first entry is going to serve as an introduction. I was born and grew up in Pittsburgh. My parents who did foster care for many years had the opportunity to adopt, and I was fostered by them when I was only […]
Read moreBalancing Act
I like to think of myself as a thoughtful person but I struggle every day with how to use the money I have to live on. Like everyone, I have fixed expenses that I must pay every month like rent, car insurance, and food, plus unexpected costs. If I don’t pay my fixed expenses, there […]
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