Routines & Me

 Get up for the day, stretch, get dressed, eat breakfast, walk the dog, go to work, come home, make dinner, watch some TV. read a book, go to bed.  That's a routine, right!?  Routine.  A word that is common for many autistics of any part of the spectrum.  The word, routine is defined as a regular series of events/activities that one has in their schedule.

Routine can look different for an individual on the autism spectrum.  For me, my schedule depends on what I have going on that day/week.   I try my best to be productive given the circumstances with how my brain operates.  I've come a long way with myself.  Sometimes it can be hard to motivate myself, but if I let the part of my brain that wants motivation to win, I will never succeed.  Yes, motivation isn't bad, but if it's the only way you are able to get out of bed or be productive, it isn't the best mindset. 

Autism Acceptance Day

It's April 2nd, 2024!

You can say it is important or unimportant to celebrate something as momentous as having a disability!  For people on the autism spectrum, it can be hard to learn how to cope with their autism.  Having a day to say, "I have a day where I can celebrate me as well as people like me!"   

Here's the thing! Some people on the spectrum aren't really comfortable with sharing their diagnosis with others.  Some are!  It depends on where you are at.  Another thing too, is many times when you have someone with autism, there tends to be people who are unaware of their autism or unaware of how they can help accommodate for their needs with being on the spectrum.

Okay, okay!  You might be reading this and asking or wondering this, "well, what if I don't necessarily know all about autism?"  I will tell you this, informing yourself about what autism is and the history behind the diagnosis can help a lot.

What you need to know is that in 1943, Austrian-American psychologist, Leo Kanner did a study on 11 children who showed unique behavioral patterns.  One of them being none other than Donald Triplett (1933-2023).  Donald Triplett was the FIRST PERSON DIAGNOSED ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM IN 1943.  You can say, "Alyssa, autism has been around longer than 1943".  While you're right about that, the first DIAGNOSIS was in 1943.  While there's most likely been people in the past history of the world who have had autism, we were able to "categorize" and kind of label these kinds of behaviors in individuals.  This can be like diagnosing someone with ADHD or someone who has problems with hearing or walking.  In my experience, labeling yourself in a healthy way can help you learn more about yourself and become self-aware.  Learning about autism and how BROAD and diverse it is and can be, has helped me to be able to learn about myself as well as learning about how I can see some of my behavioral and social patterns in others on the spectrum that I communicate with.

Since autism is fairly new, there tends to be a challenge in diagnosing females. The first female who received a diagnosis (and someone whom I would LOVE to meet one day) is Temple Grandin (b. 1947).  She was first diagnosed at the age of 4 after receiving word that she had "brain damage" at the age of 2.  Temple is a living legend for people on the autism spectrum. She still advocates today for autism rights.