Blog — ASDNext.org, an ASERT Website for Teens and Adults with Autism

Banning Plastic Bags, An Accessibility Conundrum

The city that Ziggie lives in has recently banned single-use plastic items. Ziggie's blog describes how this ban impacts the disabled and elderly population by making some products harder to use. This blog also points out how the impacts of this ban aren't as simple as you might think.

Matthew Perry – A Remembrance in Advocacy

Ziggie reflects on how Mathew Perry's life, advocacy, and acting were a major part of his life growing up in the 90's and watching the show "Friends." He focuses on Mathew's struggle with addiction and how it shaped his life up to his recent passing. Ziggie also goes into detail about how addiction has affected members of his family too.

Barefoot Contessa

One of Ziggie's hobbies is cooking and in this blog he writes about Ina Rosenberg Garten, also know as the "Barefoot Contessa." He shares why he finds her inspiring and gives details about her life path. He also invites the reader to respond with their own recipes.

The Return of The Greatest Athlete: Simone Biles

In this blog, Ziggie shares his admiration for Simone Biles one of the greatest active athletes of this generation. He goes into detail about the high point in her life and also the low points in her life. Click below to find out more on Ziggie's viewpoint on this amazing athlete.

Pride For You and Pride for Others

This blog celebrates the small changes that have added up to more acceptance of people who identify as LGBTQ+. Ziggie believes that pride is accepting yourself or others as they are without trying to change them.

New LGBTQ Rights Pride Flag. Progressive pride flag

A Hopeful Diagnosis (Chronic Pain)

Ziggie talks about how hard it can be to get a medical diagnosis for a painful condition. He shares his frustration with only having fifteen minutes to explain his symptoms to the doctor. It takes many visits to different doctors to find a diagnosis and treatment that works. He concludes "You deserve to be listened to, and hopefully whatever ails you can be treated by a doctor."

doctor with tablet computer and patient at clinic

Not Being Believed Due To My Disability

Ziggie find out that self advocacy doesn't always work when his heater where he lives' breaks down. Ziggie feels unheard due to not being believed by his landlord about his broken heater. He learns to be successful in advocating the other person needs to willing to listen and help too.

A Reflection of ASD Years After My Diagnosis.

Ziggie reflects on how he was diagnosis with Autism and how it changed his life for the better. He was able to learn more about himself gowning up and the Autism community.

Female designer using digital graphic tablet while working on computer

The First ASD Diagnosis – Donald Triplett – Beloved Neighbor and Traveler

In this blog, Ziggie shares the story of Donald Triplett, the first person diagnosed with autism and notes how recent this part of history actually is to our current time. Ziggie also reflects on the successes of both Donald and the autistic community since the first diagnosis, and shares his hopes for continued progress.