tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84397953673914798892024-03-13T08:44:13.974-07:00Young Autistic FemaleNavigating the waters of adulthood while living on the autistic spectrum. I'm university student in Western Canada, suffering through the sea of challenging social interactions undertaken by us "grown ups" on a regular basis and trying my best to adapt to change. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-59326480704513773532014-10-20T00:06:00.002-07:002014-10-20T00:06:41.367-07:00Life Update & A Small Rant About Things<div class="MsoNormal">
I am living in a beautiful condo with one of my best friends.
I had an incredibly full summer – I worked
every day – but I thrive on being busy, and I really enjoyed myself. Having so many commitments made me really
thankful for quite time with my fiancé, and made me really focus on eating well
and exercise. I took up running in the
summer, and I am still trying to practice, in order to run a half marathon in
May. I haven’t ran a lot recently,
simply because I struggle to motivate myself past the anxiety of it all, but I
have been going to the gym regularly, and hopefully that will help me stay on
top of my cardiovascular health. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s funny – I’m anxious about going out to run, and then I’m
also anxious about being unprepared for the race. I know the easy thing to do is just “get over
it,” but that’s still pretty hard for me.
I’m working on it. I’m taking
baby steps. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, my life is good.
I have concerns, I have fears, I have a lot of things I worry about, but
most of them are about other people. I sometimes
wish I could impose my thoughts and beliefs and values on other people – life would
be so much easier! – but I’m starting to learn that’s not how life works. I hate that.
I hate that people can make terrible choices and smoke and do drugs and
have reckless sex, and I can’t do anything about it! I hate that people lie, cheat, and steal,
even though I know those things are fundamentally wrong. I hate all of that, and I imagine I won’t “get
over it” any time soon. Sometimes I am
frustrated by the world. These past few
weeks, I have been very frustrated by the amount of stupidity in the world, but
I’m trying to look on the bright side. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-68505001743618897842014-06-14T19:25:00.000-07:002014-06-23T14:53:08.378-07:00AnxietyAnxiety is a kind of vogue diagnosis. A lot of people have anxiety, it seems. There is a mental health movement right now, and anxiety has become quite vogue.<br />
<br />
A lot of people have anxiety. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.lanc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Anxiety.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lanc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Anxiety.png" height="371" width="400" /></a></div>
I like this graphic because it illustrates a lot of different people who suffer from anxiety, although, of course, even this is limited in its scope. Everyone experiences periods of anxiety, regardless of their clinical or mental health history. This does not mean that everyone has an anxiety disorder, of course, but stress is a normal part of life and anxiety is simply a heightened form of stress. <br />
<br />
Some people have anxiety disorders. Some people don't. But everyone experiences stress and anxiety at some point, so it really shouldn't be hard for us to all understand each other.<br />
<br />
I have an anxiety disorder. I also have Sensory Processing Disorder, OCD, ASD, and I have experienced periods of clinical depression. My fiance has none of these diagnoses, but he sometimes finds his schoolwork extremely stressful. It is hard for him to understand when I get anxious about little things, like germs and plans and unlikely consequences of my choices, but he kind of understands, because he has experienced minor anxiety about his schoolwork. <br />
<br />
Anxiety is bad for you. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpNjxpwxp4wJ5RGCDiPFoLxlBRxdDKTg1Ceh7PpwuyLu71YhGSKvhoHEMeXH4dDgi_QTRHGgDqoEzYdUVXpfUgbG_1YQoII3cXlu1BTab_OtIK8OvAdnjKOUJ7pESYuAbsjsVTYL3IScL/s1600/Anxiety+disorder.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpNjxpwxp4wJ5RGCDiPFoLxlBRxdDKTg1Ceh7PpwuyLu71YhGSKvhoHEMeXH4dDgi_QTRHGgDqoEzYdUVXpfUgbG_1YQoII3cXlu1BTab_OtIK8OvAdnjKOUJ7pESYuAbsjsVTYL3IScL/s1600/Anxiety+disorder.gif" height="320" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />
I really like that graphic above, because it shows how anxiety can effect all body systems - which it absolutely can. Stress is - to a point - good for you, but anxiety - but when that stress heightens to clinical anxiety, it is bad. It is bad for you mentally, but it is also bad for you physically, which is important to understand. <br />
<br />
I don't have a lot to say on the subject, because I feel like <i>everyone</i> is talking about anxiety nowadays and I don't feel like I have a lot to add to the conversation. I only want to say that I am one of those people with anxiety (as well as other stuff going on). Points to take away:<br />
<br />
1. Everyone experiences stress, but anxiety is not normal, the number of people diagnosed with a true anxiety disorder is quite the minority. <br />
<br />
2. Anxiety is real and those who suffer from anxiety disorders can be quite distressed by anxiety.<br />
<br />
3. Anxiety can occur concurrently with other mental or physical illnesses<br />
<br />
4. Anxiety is bad for your body.<br />
<br />
PS - I jest-fully talked about anxiety a few weeks ago, <a href="http://youngautisticfemale.blogspot.ca/2014/05/i-cant-keep-calm-because-i-have-anxiety.html" target="_blank">here</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-21726332375234449742014-06-13T23:35:00.000-07:002014-06-13T23:35:05.512-07:00Circadian RhythmToday I am so thankful for the Circadian Rhythm. <br />
The Circadian Rhythm is a body response that regulates a series of basal actions, including the sleep cycle. Despite my three years of a science degree, I don't remember a whole lot about the Circadian Rhythm, but I know that part of it is the body's "internal clock." <br />
And I am so thankful.<br />
I've been working a lot of evenings recently, and I had a night shift Wednesday that I haven't fully recovered from. I've also been working every day, many hours a day. Plus I'm entering the last weekend of a course that I'm taking, which is really stressing me out because I haven't had the chance to do all my work yet. I still have a few things to study and <i>15 pages</i> of a paper to write! I am really paranoid about the paper, but I'm also exhausted. <br />
I'm trying to fight the Circadian Rhythm - I have been trying to do so since I got off work at midnight on Tuesday and then when I stayed up all night to work on Wednesday. But I'm so tired. I'm so tired, and I have to work tomorrow morning. <br />
I crave sleep. <br />
Thank you, Circadian Rhythm, for reminding me that sleep is good. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-80662249862240709152014-05-17T13:43:00.006-07:002014-05-17T13:43:58.805-07:00I Can't Keep Calm Because I Have Anxiety<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sd.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/i/i-can-t-keep-calm-because-i-have-anxiety-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://sd.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/i/i-can-t-keep-calm-because-i-have-anxiety-5.png" height="320" width="282" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_995841780"></span><span id="goog_995841781"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">This is one of my favorite things. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">I have been increasingly anxious in the last few weeks and months. I'm not really sure how to deal with it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;">Sometimes, I just have to make fun of myself. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.866666793823242px;"><i>I can't keep calm because I have anxiety.</i></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-9023000117556702532014-04-29T17:22:00.001-07:002014-04-29T17:22:21.294-07:00Frustrated by Ignorance (& Pre-Marital Counselling)Why am I crying right now?<br />
<br />
My fiance just called me. He'd been called to "pre-marital counselling detention" (as I called it), but more specifically, our pastor had asked to have a private meeting with him. We've both been speculating for a few days over what would be discussed in this meeting. We had a lot of ideas. But we were totally wrong.<br />
<br />
He wanted to talk about my Asperger's. <br />
<br />
I wasn't even <i>there</i> (he specifically asked my fiance to meet him <i>privately</i>) to discuss <i>my </i>brain. <br />
<br />
I haven't gotten the whole story yet, but I'm upset about that. I'm upset because, frankly, I don't know if he would know that I was Autistic if my fiance and I had not disclosed it to him, a long time ago. He's strangely preoccupied with my brain though and at our other pre-marital counselling meeting, he asked about it a lot. I don't mind when people ask questions about my brain, but I'm not keen on people asking questions about my brain from people who don't know what they're talking about.<br />
<br />
My fiance knows a lot about me and a bit about autism, but he's not the expert. If anyone's the expert, it's ME.<br />
<br />
What did the pastor ask about? Well, he just mentioned to my fiance that marriage spiced with Asperger's will have its own unique challenges and life might be hard for us. <i>But isn't life hard for everybody?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
He said that - since I apparently give less facial information than neurotypical people - I might in some way hinder my children's development. <i>WHAT? </i>My fiance and I really look forward to having kids, so this definitely peeved me. I don't want to hear this man's backward explanation of my brain and how he thinks I'll somehow screw up my children because I apparently don't have an expressive face! That is absurd and judgmental and makes me feel really bad about myself. <br />
<br />
He also suggested that we visit a medical doctor (as a couple) to talk about Asperger's. As if I've never visited a doctor about my brain before. As if I've never seen a neurologist. As if I haven't had years of cognitive behavior therapy. As if I haven't seen all the specialists in pediatric autism Toronto, Ontario (at SickKids, CAMH, Geneva... I've seen them <i>all</i>). As if I haven't read books and befriended other Autistic kids and been in special education and gone to extracurricular programs with other Autistic people. I KNOW HOW AUTISM WORKS. And even more than that, I'd like to say that I'm the <i>most knowledgeable person</i> about my own brain. <br />
<br />
I fully think it would be great if my fiance had a better understanding of autism, but I think it's more important that he understands <i>me</i>, and I'd like to think that when he looks at me he sees more than a diagnosis I received at nine years of age. I can't go back and "fix" my brain or change it in some way so I don't have this condition. This is how I was built and I'm OK with that. I actually like my brain and don't see it as a liability. But when people like this pastor treat it like it's some sort of huge problem and obstacle that we have to overcome, it makes me feel really inadequate, like autism is a bad thing. <br />
<br />
Autism is not a bad thing. <br />
<br />
Autism is not a punishment. Not for me and certainly not for my fiance. Autism is a small portion of my life and an even smaller portion of his life. <br />
<br />
When my fiance mentioned that the pastor said he should find a support group for other people married to Autistic individuals, I thought that was a good idea, but I retorted back that I want a support group for Autistic people married to neurotypicals, because even though I know I can be annoying sometimes, neurotypical people can definitely be an annoyance to me. <br />
<br />
I am smart enough to see ignorance when it is near me, and frankly this small town I currently live in is full of it. I'm really frustrated that this man is so preoccupied with my brain chemistry that he can't see through that and to all of my good qualities. <br />
<br />
All I want to do is be happy in my marriage. <i>Isn't that what everybody wants, whether they're Autistic or neurotypical?</i><br />
<br />
Next time, I really hope he asks <i>me</i> about my brain instead of asking my fiance, and next time I hope he gets to know <i>me</i> before expressing his concerns about how an Autistic person could possibly exist independently in the world.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-42540309387734997422014-04-29T14:44:00.000-07:002014-04-29T14:44:00.256-07:00Me, My Fiance, and My Autism: Part 1My fiance is the love of my life. I adore him for many reasons, and sometimes the cardinal reason I love him is that he puts up with my "crazy."<br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSoMguBnPxf0t6f06b4M6EkLqSyGnWvs2nMvrnAW3hrtfJchuXYCA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSoMguBnPxf0t6f06b4M6EkLqSyGnWvs2nMvrnAW3hrtfJchuXYCA" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Note: I started this post with the intention that it would be a positive picture of my relationship and the small part of it that is my neurochemistry, but every time he and I argue about something, it all seems to come back to the fact that we don't think in the same way, and that is what causes our conflicts. I love my fiance so much and want our relationship to be perfect. I will do anything to make our relationship successful. And yet sometimes I feel so unequipped because my brain doesn't work the same way his does. Sometimes I just need reassurance that we can be happy and successful, fifty years from now, even though our neurons behave in different ways. So this will be "Part 1" in a series about <i>Me, My Fiance, and My Autism</i>. <br />
<br />
I knew that, in order for any romantic relationship to work, I would need to be upfront and honest about my autism. I had been in disastrous relationships before that were unhealthy and unproductive and downright unpleasant, and I knew that for a relationship to work, I would need to be completely honest about who I am and what I need. My first breakup was really hard on me (even though the guy was completely wrong for me, but of course I couldn't see that then) and I definitely didn't want to go through another miserable breakup again. <br />
<br />
When I first met my fiance, we talked a lot. We used to talk on the phone, actually, and I remember telling him in one of our earliest conversations that I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome when I was young. I was surprised when he just sort of brushed over it and didn't make it into a big deal. For so long, I had been ashamed of my autism, so the fact that my partner was okay with it made me feel much more confident to be myself and not to try to hide my real personality from him. <br />
<br />
I think this is going to be a pretty long series about <i>Me, My Fiance, and My Autism. </i>I will try to discuss conflict, how we make our relationship work, how we support each other, how we respond to what is important with the other person... If you're particularly interested in any of the above, please let me know -- I haven't started writing any of them and they're all up in my head somewhere, but that's it for the moment.<br />
<br />
Also: I would love to answer questions about my relationship and my autism. If anyone has anything they would like to ask, please go ahead! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-17018644596530795302014-04-22T08:35:00.000-07:002014-04-22T08:35:59.074-07:00Baby Names Based on AstrologyI don't have children yet, and when I do, I will doubt that I will name them based on their astrological sign. <br />
<br />
I don't know much about astrology, but I do know a lot about names. <br />
<br />
Here's a a quick review of the astrological signs and some info about them, if you don't know this stuff. I got this chart from <a href="http://life.familyeducation.com/baby/baby-names/45498.html" target="_blank">this website</a>.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" rules="all" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; vertical-align: top; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><b><span style="color: orange;">Sign</span></b></td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><b><span style="color: orange;">Planet</span></b><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="2" rules="all" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.399999618530273px; vertical-align: top; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><b><span style="color: orange;">Element</span></b></td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><b><span style="color: orange;">Personality Traits</span></b></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><i>Aries</i>: The Ram, Mar. 21-April 19</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Mars</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">fire</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">confident, independent, bold</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><i>Taurus</i>: The Bull, Apr. 20-May 20</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Venus</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">earth</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">stubborn, determined, devoted</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><i>Gemini</i>: The Twins, May 21-June 21</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Mercury</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">air</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">intelligent, ambitious</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><i>Cancer</i>: The Crab, June 22-July 22</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Moon</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">water</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">sensitive, moody, sympathetic</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><i>Leo</i>: The Lion, July 23-Aug. 22</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Sun</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">fire</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">generous, enthusiastic, temperamental</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><i>Virgo</i>: The Virgin, Aug. 23-Sept. 22</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Mercury</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">earth</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">calm, intellectual</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><i>Libra</i>: The Scales, Sept. 23-Oct. 23</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Venus</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">air</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">orderly, just, sympathetic</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><i>Scorpio</i>: The Scorpion, Oct. 24-Nov. 21</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Mars</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">water</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">philosophical, loyal, strong-willed</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><i>Sagittarius</i>: The Archer, Nov. 22-Dec. 21</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Jupiter</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">fire</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">imaginative, practical</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><i>Capricorn</i>: The Goat, Dec. 22-Jan. 19</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Saturn</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">earth</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">loyal, ambitious, blunt</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><i>Aquarius</i>: The Water Carrier, Jan. 20-Feb. 18</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Uranus</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">air</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">giving, idealistic, creative</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;"><i>Pisces</i>: The Fish, Feb. 19-Mar. 20</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">Neptune</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">water</td><td style="font-size: 14px; margin: 0.33em 0px 0.5em; padding: 5px; vertical-align: top;">sensitive, timid, sympathetic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
One of my favorite things about this chart is that it gives you some ideas to consider if you want to choose a name that is significant to the zodiac. For example, you can use a name that reflects the element of the sign (eg. "Terra" is an earth name, so it would be appropriate for an earth sign). You can also use the personality traits or planets to derive names of significance; maybe pick a name with a meaning that reflects the personality traits of specific astrological signs. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This page also offers some suggested beginnings for names that would "bring luck" to kids born during this time. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: orange;">Aries:</span></b> A, L, Ch names</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Taurus</b></span><b><span style="color: orange;">:</span></b> I, U, E, O, Wa, We, Wi, Wo names</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: orange;">Gemini:</span></b> A, H, Gh, Ka, Ke, Ko names</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Cancer:</b></span> Da, De, Do, He, Hi, Ho, Hu names</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: orange;">Leo:</span></b> Ma, Me, Mo, Ta, Te, To names</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: orange;">Virgo:</span></b> Pa, Pe, Po, Sh, Ta, Th names</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Libra:</b></span> Ra, Re, Ro, Ta, Te, To names</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Scorpio:</b></span> Na, Ne, No, To, Ya, Ye, Yu names</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Sagittarius:</b></span> Bh, Dh, Ph, Ta, Ye, Yo names</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: orange;">Capricorn:</span></b> Bh, Ga, Ge, Ja, Je, Kh names</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: orange;"><b>Aquarius:</b></span> Da, Ge, Go, Sa, Se, So names</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: orange;">Pisces:</span></b> Ch, De, Jh, Th, Ya names</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I like names. I like the freedom of names that's reigned in by the pattern of it all. I like name guidelines, but I also like the ability to choose that names allow. This is kind of a useless post. I guess it's just kind of a "for your information" kind of situation. I like names. I guess that's it. I have an obsession with names.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-87576890534842839532014-04-15T12:40:00.000-07:002014-04-15T12:40:35.185-07:00The Significance of MeI am very happy. I have a lot to be thankful for, and I do feel like I have been blessed in so many ways.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPeLL_Hqw1zVtMH7lBT-_9_nVt4rN6boK8HCNa236gcGQK73NQU8NC4rqg06H_HFyW1FFoniejqRkGzrLgJuoMBtlmtIT8J4OuQjkJLAVu2yd05qfjYlGGSZlYvAdNhATXHchPEhhtZw9/s1600/insignificant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPeLL_Hqw1zVtMH7lBT-_9_nVt4rN6boK8HCNa236gcGQK73NQU8NC4rqg06H_HFyW1FFoniejqRkGzrLgJuoMBtlmtIT8J4OuQjkJLAVu2yd05qfjYlGGSZlYvAdNhATXHchPEhhtZw9/s1600/insignificant.jpg" height="343" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Images like this make me remember how insignificant I am, but then I think that, out of all the people in all the places, out of all the lifeforms wherever they are, isn't is pretty remarkable that I am <i>me</i>?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Now. Here. This.</i> is an amazing musical that played at the Vineyard Theatre in New York. If you like musical theatre - which I do, and many of my friends do - this is one you need to check out. Heck, if you like musical theatre, you've already heard the whole OCR for this a thousand times. But if you want to contemplate your existence through the magic of song, you need to listen to this. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
There is a song in <i>Now. Here. This. </i>that discusses how incredibly lucky we are, to be who we are, where we are, and how so many things had to go right in the universe in order for us to be here today. That makes me feel enormously significant. That makes me feel like I need to do more with the life I've been given.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I guess what I'm getting at is that I have a personal belief I am here for a reason. It's hard to remember that sometimes. I get frustrated a lot. I have to do a lot of things that I don't like to do. There are many things that are difficult for me, and there are many times when I need to begrudgingly ask for help. But at the end of the day, I've been giving this remarkable chance at this amazing thing called life. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And for that I am grateful. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-40777388091105513102014-04-14T17:33:00.000-07:002014-04-14T17:33:15.529-07:00I'm Not Always CluelessThis is kind of an important post. <br />
<br />
Well, for <i>me </i>it's an important post. <br />
<br />
For me, it's an important <i>concept</i>. <br />
<br />
I was diagnosed with autism when I was 9 years old. I have been Autistic my whole life. I was Autistic yesterday, I am Autistic today, and I will be Autistic tomorrow. That is not a difficult thing for most people to understand. <br />
<br />
Being Autistic has challenges. People understand that. <br />
<br />
Sometimes, I don't understand everything that's said to me, or everything that happens around me. Sometimes I need a bit of extra help. <i>People understand this. </i><br />
<br />
And that's lovely<i>. Most of the time.</i><br />
<br />
There are a lot of people who know I am Autistic and then think I need everything to be explained to me. I get really upset because of this, sometimes. Especially when I <i>know </i>what has happened, and then someone tries to explain it to me, and explains it <i>completely differently</i> than the way I see it in my head. Especially when they tell me I'm <i>wrong </i>and they're <i>right</i> because my brain works differently, so obviously<br />
<br />
I'm not saying I'm always right. I know I make mistakes. And I know I sometimes do need help. <br />
<br />
But when I need help, I will ask. Please understand this. Please know that I will ask for help when I need it.<br />
<br />
I don't like it when people treat me like I am oblivious to everything around me. I fully admit that I miss a lot of things and sometimes need things explained to me further, but I don't like it when people treat me like I don't know anything about what is going on around me. <br />
<br />
It's a difficult balance and it's something I still don't know how to articulate, but I don't like it when people assume they know more than me, just because I'm Autistic. Even if it's about a social situation and even though we all know I'm not the best at social situations, I still don't want other people to assume they know better or need to teach me. <br />
<br />
*end of rant*Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-76384025577745481782014-04-13T09:17:00.002-07:002014-04-13T09:23:47.531-07:00100 Unique NamesI recently posted <a href="http://youngautisticfemale.blogspot.ca/2014/04/recent-name-list-with-some-new.html" target="_blank">this</a> about my name obsession. I love names. I have Asperger's Syndrome and, characteristic of Asperger's Syndrome, I make lists and I have <i>strange </i>passions. My first passion was names. Making lists of names has been my passion since before kindergarten. <br />
<br />
I collected a bunch of "new" names recently into a list of over a thousand names, and thought I'd pick out 50 of the top female and male names that really stand out to me from that list. I posted a handful of each <a href="http://youngautisticfemale.blogspot.ca/2014/04/recent-name-list-with-some-new.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but of course a handful of names is never enough for me. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><b>FEMININE</b></span><br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 80px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 2925; mso-width-source: userset; width: 60pt;" width="80"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 60pt;" width="80">Aeris</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Anahid</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Anaiah</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Apphia</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Atia</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Azadeh</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Berrie</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Betty</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Blythe</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Chavielle</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Egypt</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Emmarie</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Exa</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Florence</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Gentry</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Hester</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Immalia</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Jessa</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Jorja</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">July</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Kaci</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Kaiyah</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Kalare</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Kyersten</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Kyzmia</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Laurellynne</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Lave</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Leta</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Liberty</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Lorca</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Macie</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Maela</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Makerra</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Maragwyn</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Marigold</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Marlowe</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Matisyn</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Meris</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Merit</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Mileah</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Millay</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Mykinli</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Nyx</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Odessa</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Olive</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Phynna</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Saylor</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Selah</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Shirley</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl63" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Waverly</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: blue;"><b>MASCULINE</b></span><br />
<div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 68px;">
<colgroup><col style="mso-width-alt: 2486; mso-width-source: userset; width: 51pt;" width="68"></col>
</colgroup><tbody>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 51pt;" width="68">Arland</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Artem</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Atticus</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Barnabus</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Booker</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Braxton</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Brecken</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Cael</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Calan</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Canaan</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Cash</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Clement</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Clinton</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Dallas</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Dante</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Darcy</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Dashlan</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Decker</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Dixon</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Elmer</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Glendon</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Gunnar</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Hezekiah</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Holden</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Howard</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Jacobus</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Jett</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Justice</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Kaelo</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Kyrem</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Linwood</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Malacai</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Mathieu</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Memphis</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Nelwyn</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Oak</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Porter</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Ramsey</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Rigby</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Roarke</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Rocco</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Roscoe</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Silas</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Tanner</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Thane</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Trace</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Tripp</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Warden</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Woodrow</td>
</tr>
<tr height="20" style="height: 15.0pt;">
<td class="xl65" height="20" style="border-top: none; height: 15.0pt;">Zev</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div>
If you like this list, there are a thousand others where this one came from. I think in this one, I'm trying to hilight "weird" names, names that are different from my traditional style. In this list, I've included names that are abnormal to me. In this list, I've included names I rarely hear. I've included surnames. I've included unique spellings that I like. I've included a lot of one-syllable names. I've included a lot of Biblical and historically-inspired names. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Does anyone know of a good site where I can have access to loads of unique names -- names like these -- so that I can further broaden my knowledge?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What are your favorite names from this list?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-22492674244002823812014-04-12T21:12:00.002-07:002014-04-12T23:10:44.754-07:00Recent Name List With Some New Interesting NamesThis is ten pages of a name list I started a few days ago. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEn5DDwbZCvR1X_LifY37qXU5uoGlEQsyS0YqiinI2u231Mym-_1ThP2vOx_HrHybAexqkeyHGNc_Th3Yq83j91R90BImpciHKmK2pY9ikPeHowDGuYsRQ8TmR4RO0fGWhrsAL7Plq7DDa/s1600/namepage.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEn5DDwbZCvR1X_LifY37qXU5uoGlEQsyS0YqiinI2u231Mym-_1ThP2vOx_HrHybAexqkeyHGNc_Th3Yq83j91R90BImpciHKmK2pY9ikPeHowDGuYsRQ8TmR4RO0fGWhrsAL7Plq7DDa/s1600/namepage.PNG" height="278" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is the Microsoft Word transcription of the list. On Excel, it's 214 columns with rows filled out to L. Does that mean anything to you? Probably not. But to me, that's something. To me, that's kind of important. <br />
<br />
I really like name lists. From this list, a selection of some of my favorite names are:<br />
<br />
For girls: Grejsa, Cerelia, Clarity, Phillida, Ellenore, Thandie, Bijou, Tonli, Hestia, Ceridwen, Maevis, Jerusalem, Aurora, Keturah, Keziah, Merrilla, Sonet, Linnea, Lyneth, Delynne, Modest, Honor, Kindell, Catteryn, Halo, Mabry, Ebba, Matielen, Dagny, Evoleth, Tashlyn, Zamyrah, Isis, Clover, and Ambriel<br />
<br />
For boys: Adeben, Norrick, Jethrowe, Bowie, Cai, Draco, Helio, Beacon, Aldo, Hirem, Chadwick, Reeser, Garvin, Finnegan, Piers, Gilbert, Cannon, Devyros, Gabor, Kendrew, Vanden, Reiller, Farrow, Truman, Mathan, Tannyn, Courage, Jethrow, Zyaire, Brecken, Kable, Traegar, and Clifton<br />
<br />
Of course, those are some kind of random names - some weird ones, some wonderful ones, some made-up ones, and some very old ones. I love each one of those names for very different reasons, but I adore them all because of the way they sound. I don't think I, myself, would use any of these names for a child, but they're nice to think about. They're nice-sounding names. <br />
<br />
I like names. <br />
<br />
Have I mentioned that yet?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-49045203666060019752014-04-11T19:21:00.000-07:002014-04-11T19:21:18.862-07:00How To Study For ExamsI actually enjoy tests. Sure, I find them stressful -- sometimes <i>really</i> stressful -- but I usually do well and I do enjoy how satisfying it feels to show my knowledge and succeed in something. It feels really good to get a good mark -- even a decent mark -- and be proud of something I've accomplished. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Read the textbook.</b></span><br />
This is a hard one for a lot of people, including me, but it's really important to read the textbook for your course if you're going to do ensure your success on the exam. Here's the thing: someone decided that the textbook would be a good idea. While it's clearly important to focus on what's been said during the class and going over your notes is absolutely effective, the textbook will give you more insight and it will probably help you. Seriously. Try it. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Do practice questions.</b></span><br />
You don't even need to "do" them. Just look at them. Think about them. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Write it out.</b></span><br />
Making notes is really effective when you want to get the information to stick in your head. One of my favorite studying techniques is to write out all the pertinent information that I really want to make sure I remember when test time comes around. Writing things out helps you have everything in your own words and makes you think about what you're learning so it's more apt to stay with you. Also, it's a lot more effective to physically write things out than to type, since your brain responds well to the motor memory of having physically used your hands to write. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Flashcards.</b></span><br />
Flashcards are really usefully memory aids, if you like quizzing yourself and have to memorize a lot for your test. I love cue cards personally, but there are also a lot of great online flashcards that you can customize to your course material.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Talk it out with a friend.</b></span><br />
This is one of my favorite techniques when I'm feeling like I know the material but need help to solidify it. Talking with a friend not only helps you because you get time to practice explaining the concepts, but also exposes you to new ideas that might enhance your knowledge.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Look back at old tests.</b></span><br />
Don't underestimate this one. Seriously. No matter how well you did on your previous tests, it's been a while, and it's a good idea to look at them and make sure you remember how to answer those types of question.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-16740555879406316492014-04-11T15:32:00.002-07:002014-04-11T15:32:59.167-07:00An Influx of SpiritualityLately, I have found myself getting more spiritual. I "converted" to Christianity when I was a teenager; I was raised in a rather atheistic home and found the church when I was at an age and stage in my life where I really struggled to belong. Living for God made me less lonely in a lonely world, I suppose. That's how I see it, at least, when I look back on those times. I had few friends and little want for friends, but I needed a purpose, and God's love was that purpose. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It still is, today. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My religious convictions come in waves. One day, I am full of love for Jesus and thankful for the life He has constructed for me. Other days, I have more questions. Still other days, I have more earthly things to think about, and those immediate issues always seem so pressing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think I know the kind of person I want to be, and I think my religion is going to be an important part of that. </div>
<div>
It's funny - there are so many Autistic individuals I know who absolutely reject religion, and honestly I feel like one of the few who is drawn to it. Weird. That's a deep and complicated idea that we won't delve into now, but I assume there is a reason for it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I like having a plan and it's comforting to think that God has a plan for me, even when the rest of the world seems completely opposed to giving me firm details. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm still trying to figure myself out, obviously. More on that later. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-31773761914988982812014-03-07T11:11:00.003-08:002014-03-07T11:11:36.497-08:00Productivity Has Taken A Back SeatI have a paper due next Friday, an assignment due Thursday, plus I've been sick (and lazy) this week so I have a lot of schoolwork to catch up on. <br />
<br />
I'd like to think I'm being productive, but that's absolutely not true. <br />
<br />
I've got some stuff to write about (as always) but I'm trying to hold off on that until I can feel comfortable with my school situation. <br />
<br />
Will be back!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-5496377675076306142014-03-03T12:18:00.000-08:002014-03-03T12:18:06.331-08:00I Don't Like Whiney PeopleI have a roommate who is constantly complaining. <br />
<br />
I do love her, but in recent months she has really started to bother me, to the point that I often hide in my room when she's in the living room, and I really have a hard time focusing when she talks to me.<br />
<br />
I've always had anxiety about social interaction, and it wasn't until high school that I felt comfortable interacting with people at all. I had a few friends in high school and in university made a few more. This roommate is one of the first true friends I made in university and she knows I have this difficulty with social interaction, so we used to seem like the perfect pair. <br />
<br />
I used to have to debrief a lot after socializing. This was the friend who helped me through my first relationship with a boy and who helped me understand how to be an Autistic creature in this neurotypical world. She was so supportive of me when I stressed about having few friends and being confused by relationships in general. She was the one I turned to when I had troubles (and I had a lot) with my ex-boyfriend. <br />
<br />
But now, I've noticed that she's been complaining. Constantly. She complains about being busy. She complains that her bedroom is too small. She complains about her family. She complains about her boyfriend. She complains about her other friends. She complains about her schoolwork. She complains about her skin. She complains about her hair. She complains about her body. She complains about how she's tired, or hungry, or full, or cold... whatever feeling she is having, she talks about it continuously. <br />
<br />
I feel like she's become really negative and it's hard to stay positive around her. In fact, being around her just brings me really "down." <br />
<br />
I have a hard time relating to people to begin with, and when you add that whiney quality to every interaction with a person, it makes it really hard for me to <i>want</i> to socialize, let alone to actually <i>do </i>it. <br />
<br />
I want to make this friendship work. I want this friend to be in my life for a long time. <br />
<br />
But I don't like whiney people, and it's really hard to be her friend right now. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-76354177137449259092014-02-24T16:33:00.002-08:002014-02-24T16:33:55.081-08:00A Good UpdateI am in a "good" place right now. <br />
<br />
I have a lot of schoolwork to do, as well as work and personal commitments. I miss my friends from back home and kind of want some social time, but I'm also really comfortable, just sitting here in my pajamas in my bedroom, drinking my soda and eating peanut butter cups. I went to the doctor today, went to class, and also went to the gym. I am feeling really relaxed and I'm pretty happy. I want to go to the gym more because I'm trying to train for an 8K run and I'm so far unable to run that distance without stopping, but for now, I've been to the gym and now I'm feeling good. <br />
<br />
I haven't "blogged" about either my own life or anything autism-related recently, so I felt the need to post a quick update. <br />
<br />
I'm planning some posts about<br />
- my autism and my relationship with my fiance<br />
- an autism-related school debacle with a professor last semester (that caused me a lot of stress)<br />
- my recent sensory struggles<br />
- what I'm eating (trying to eat healthy but food stresses me out <i>a lot</i>)<br />
- my medication changes<br />
- autism in the media<br />
- autistic parents<br />
<br />
But for now, I'm going to "sign off" and go work on writing a paper for school. <br />
<br />
I hope everyone is doing well. <br />
<br />
You are all amazing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-30944979124341648862014-01-13T18:13:00.001-08:002014-01-13T18:13:10.326-08:00AngerSometimes, I have a hard time controlling my anger. And oftentimes, when I get really stressed, my brain converts my stress into anger instead of something more productive.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't like this about myself. And I know the people I love don't like this about me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't know how to change that, but I'd like to learn.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-23260091745229015982014-01-09T18:32:00.004-08:002014-01-09T18:32:41.432-08:00"Unique Baby Names"I love names and I'm always looking to learn more about them. <br />
<br />
My quandary is this: I cannot find a good, recent source of "new" names. <br />
<br />
I tend to enjoy "baby name" sites because they usually include long lists of names that I can scan through and pick the ones I like the most. <br />
<br />
But right now, it looks like I've already heard all of the names. <br />
<br />
I'm really craving new names for my brain. <br />
<br />
My mission right now is to find a new website that lists unique baby names, a website that I haven't already analyzed. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-217957221099622102014-01-03T13:56:00.000-08:002014-01-03T13:56:03.613-08:00Resolutions for 2014I hate goals, but for some reason, I have always been fascinated by the "fresh slate" offered by the turn of a new calendar year. I am usually not keen on changing myself or my behaviors, but I decided this year to give it a try. Minimally. I won't be doing anything too impressive, but I thought a few simple resolutions would be worthwhile. If I don't achieve them, I won't be upset, but these are some things I would like to do:<br />
<br />
I am going to try not to fight with the people I love.<br />
<br />
I am going to try not to hold grudges.<br />
<br />
I am going to try to always use kind words.<br />
<br />
I am going to try to be polite to everybody.<br />
<br />
I am going to try to work hard and make sufficient money. <br />
<br />
I am going to try to get an average of over 85% in all my courses.<br />
<br />
I am going to try to learn how to comfortably run 5 km by my birthday.<br />
<br />
I am going to try to keep being organized with my schedule.<br />
<br />
I am going to try to finish at least one extracurricular course of interest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSBlVAEaygkFdCqi9Q9Ca3QUoHKy0Cd4VRZp7fBUOe2MCD07mop" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSBlVAEaygkFdCqi9Q9Ca3QUoHKy0Cd4VRZp7fBUOe2MCD07mop" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Happy New Year!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-24013615386111882962013-12-12T23:17:00.001-08:002013-12-12T23:17:14.718-08:00Fall Semester is Almost Over!In thirteen hours, I will be done my fall semester. I have one last exam tomorrow morning, and after that, I'll be done! I'm really excited. <br />
<br />I'm thankful for good friends who study with me and for the peacefulness of the library. I'm thankful for my ability to learn and remember things and I hope I keep doing well on my exams. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mindmapart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Get-ready-for-exams-Mind-Map-by-Jane-Genovese.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://www.mindmapart.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Get-ready-for-exams-Mind-Map-by-Jane-Genovese.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm feeling good. And I'm almost there.<br />
<br />
Thirteen hours til I'm able to really relax. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-43460289779850133772013-12-10T20:03:00.000-08:002013-12-10T20:03:05.168-08:00Happy Tuesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.db18.com/d/tuesday/tuesday_045.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.db18.com/d/tuesday/tuesday_045.gif" width="294" /></a></div>
<br />
It's Tuesday. <br />
<br />
I have a pretty major exam for school tomorrow, which is causing me less stress than it should. I have another exam on Friday -- which is probably a bigger deal -- that I legitimately have not studied for at all, so that's kind of frightening. <br />
<br />
I had a crappy week last week, but now I'm feeling a bit better. I just need to keep myself awake and focused tonight, tomorrow, and Thursday in preparation for my exams, and then I'll be done with school this semester. My first exam -- two Fridays ago -- went really well, so I'm 1/3 of the way done!<br />
<br />
There is a lot of stuff I should be writing about, but I'm just too exhausted right now to do any of that. I will try to get to it within the next few days. <br />
<br />
For now, life is beautiful and I am thankful.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-52640524510641075922013-11-28T17:44:00.000-08:002013-11-28T17:44:09.319-08:00Tumblr & Happiness & The West Wing & De-StressingThis weekend, I will explain the many ways autism has effected this week of my life and the discrimination I've had to deal with in the last few days. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But for now, I'm trying to be calm and happy. I have an exam tomorrow that I am trying my best to study for. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I love <a href="http://littlewwthings.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">this</a> tumblr site and it was recently updated! It is called "Little West Wing Things" and it is for fans of the amazing show <i>The West Wing </i>and basically posts little quotations or concepts from the show that make me (and other <i>West Wing </i>lovers) happy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img height="200" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/38d6fb75cd526b7893171d919bfc7760/tumblr_mukn6gLeE41qji6fio1_500.png" width="200" /> <img alt="Submitted by fangirl-squee" height="200" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/38716d321471b3e7a0ff00fd47f75a83/tumblr_mukmyeBsY01qji6fio1_500.png" width="200" /> <img alt="Submitted by mbaldi" height="200" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/56e128ed86b31080989a72be705ed298/tumblr_mukmw3igip1qji6fio1_500.png" width="200" /></div>
<div>
<img height="200" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/0b87cb237eab4cb914e61366c92197b8/tumblr_mukk1oGzHu1qji6fio1_500.png" width="200" /> <img alt="Submitted by minalover" height="200" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/df97ae36c6649ce018222a9bac4ee640/tumblr_mukjpxskmZ1qji6fio1_500.png" width="200" /> <img height="200" src="http://31.media.tumblr.com/0167104b43271d9db5f55d2d07067451/tumblr_mukjj2KPZO1qji6fio1_500.png" width="200" /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Those were some recent additions to the site that made me smile. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you're a <i>West Wing</i> fan, you'll probably like this tumblr. </div>
<div>
<br />If you're not a <i>West Wing</i> fan, you probably should be. The show celebrates smart individuals and smart dialogue. The show tackles complicated and multi-faceted issues. I love it. When I'm having a bad day, <i>The West Wing </i>is often my solace, and since I can't spare 44 minutes to watch an episode tonight, this tumblr is giving me a good few minutes of joy. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-70738162619010683162013-11-25T19:25:00.000-08:002013-11-25T19:25:19.386-08:00I Hate Sad PeopleSometimes people are sad. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT0r48KQrvMg-tCbAvwDYwLHfheSzWayfIFdMdynJgAN8-Nhdb-" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT0r48KQrvMg-tCbAvwDYwLHfheSzWayfIFdMdynJgAN8-Nhdb-" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I have never been comfortable around sad people because I don't know how to respond to them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRBo2DStCTl0LpfjIrQe-LbGXM07cfkWSzWllsWzCW23dRIsEkr" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRBo2DStCTl0LpfjIrQe-LbGXM07cfkWSzWllsWzCW23dRIsEkr" /></a></div>
<br />
Sad people make me uncomfortable and anxious. <span style="text-align: center;">I just don't know how to react around them. I shut down. And there are people who turn to me for comfort, but I just don't know *how* to comfort them. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQd3zhIHWGs_GQza3cfEX0CCdS9lfiC-fT0uPpdIVXw2HmMY97UAw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQd3zhIHWGs_GQza3cfEX0CCdS9lfiC-fT0uPpdIVXw2HmMY97UAw" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I fully recognize that I am "bad at sad." But I really stress when I'm expected to be comforting and I am simply incapable of it. These are the moments I feel the most Autistic (in a bad way). These are the moments I struggle the most to feel comfortable with myself and feel like an adequate person to those who love me. I sometimes feel so incompetent in relationships. And when people are sad, I tend to feel worse about myself.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-79839424531268706252013-11-24T19:47:00.001-08:002013-11-24T19:47:52.535-08:00What Are "Meltdowns"?The best answer I've ever heard to this question is from autisticdrift on tumblr (their tumblr is linked <a href="http://autisticdrift.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">here</a>). Autisticdrift responded:<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px; outline: none 0px;">
<i><span style="color: purple;">It’s different for everyone. Some people withdraw and get very quiet. Others appear to be really angry (throwing or hitting things, yelling, cursing). Others seem very sad/distressed (crying, sobbing, not talking or seeming inconsolable). Some people try to “disappear” by making themselves small, covering themselves with blankets or wedging themselves into a small hiding place. </span></i></div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: none 0px;">
<i><span style="color: purple;">I don’t think there is a typical response across all people but I do think that each person has a response that is typical of them, if that makes sense.</span></i></div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; outline: none 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none 0px;">
For me, meltdowns start LOUD and ANGRY, with crying, yelling, throwing, and hitting. Meltdowns are an out-of-body experience and I honestly don't comprehend myself or the situation when I'm having one. I know I scream and cry and wail because I've seen it on video tape (my parents used to tape them when I was a kid because they didn't understand them and wanted to show my doctors) but I honestly have little recollection afterward. I cry and I scream and I throw and then I shrink down into a tiny little quiet shell of myself. I try to hide and make myself invisible. </div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none 0px;">
That is the progression of <i>every</i> meltdown I have ever had from early childhood until now. </div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none 0px;">
Meltdowns are a really unique experience and something that neurotypical individuals cannot usually understand. </div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none 0px;">
The most important thing I want to get across, though, is that meltdowns are <i>not</i> temper-tantrums. Meltdowns are different. Meltdowns are a response instigated by our unique neurochemistry. They are not voluntary. </div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; outline: none 0px;">
When I am having a meltdown, <i>I </i>am not really there. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8439795367391479889.post-13229386100644357492013-11-22T11:06:00.000-08:002013-11-22T11:06:37.307-08:00Can Autistic Parents Be Good Parents?An Autistic woman not much older than me is in the process of losing custody of her second child. There are a lot of factors behind the fight, but the one that everyone seems to be focusing on is the fact that she has autism. People have decided, apparently, that individuals with autism can't be good parents. I've heard that so much recently and I'm very upset about it. I've been struggling with how to discuss this concept in a blog post, but here goes: <br />
<br />
Autistics are people. <br />
<br />
It is true that our brains are different than neurotypical brains. It is true that we often do things differently than neurotypical people. It is true that we might be quirky or need more help with certain tasks than others. But it does not make us less than human. <br />
<br />
There are lots of Autistics who don't want kids. There are lots of Autistics who don't like kids. But there are lots of <i>people</i> in those categories too. It is true that some Autistics may need more support and teaching when it comes to parenting, but it is not true or right or even remotely okay to blanket that in the completely untrue fact that "All Autistics would make / do make bad parents."<br />
<br />
There are lots of neurotypical individuals out there who are bad parents too, but we don't hear about them, or when we do, we don't focus on their labels. When it is an Autistic individual (who does anything!), the first thing people report is that that person is Autistic. And that's where the focus remains. Autism has all sorts of negative connotations because anything an Autistic individual does presented as something they did <i>because of</i> their neurochemistry. <br />
<br />
I do not have any children yet. <br />
<br />
Yet.<br />
<br />
I want children. I have always wanted children. For a long time I didn't think I'd be able to have children because I struggle so much in relationships (with anyone) that I never expected to have a romantic partner or a support system in place, but I've miraculously been blessed with both. Everyone close to me knows that I'm Autistic. And sure, I do some weird things and they "blame it on the autism," but we all do weird things, mine just be a bit more noticeable at times. <br />
<br />
That doesn't mean I'll be a bad parent. <br />
<br />
I can't wait to be a parent and I have felt that way since I was a child myself. I've always loved kids and am excited to one day have my own. <br />
<br />
I think I'll be an excellent parent. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14719399456379044941noreply@blogger.com0