Taking A Break

02/13/2013

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My prescription to myself:
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click on image for larger view
Health issues are a strenuous part of life for me, and many others with autism. I am currently dealing with more health issues than I can handle with my current schedule. It is not easy for me understand what is happening with my body, nor is it easy to take the proper time to heal and recover.

Regardless of how this upsets many of my predictable and favored routines, I have come to the conclusion that I need to take a break from blogging, among other things, for a few weeks (I hope that is all), due to needing more healing and time than I am currently giving myself. 

It takes my brain so much longer to process and adapt to anything different or new, that I constantly feel "behind" in life. 

Transitions are one of the most difficult, demanding, and laborious things in this world for me.

I hope the transition to come back to my blog is as smooth as it can be.

April 11th, 2013, Updated to say:

I am feeling much better, but I am still not ready to come back to blogging, quite yet. Mostly due to some website changes I am having to figure out, and it's going to involve possible losing my old blog posts (and then having to repost each one over time, and it also means many of the links I, and others, have shared will be broken.)


Thank you to all of you who have given me kind, encouraging, comments and messages. My apologizes to anyone I have not responded to. I dearly want to, but have had to put my word priorities elsewhere.
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Acknowledging Growth

09/30/2012

2 Comments

 
It's really. . . mind-boggling when I think about how much I have mentally and emotionally grown in the past few years.

I have gained more than a few strong friendships of incredibly kind, understanding, caring, and intelligent individuals.

Because of them, I have:
  • interacted with others more comfortably, as myself
  • found better ways to self-regulate in order to get through a day
  • been able to change plans on shorter notice, without losing all functionality
  • been able to request more of what I need
  • attended a desired comic convention (GeekGirlCon) 2 years in a row
  • been able to sing in front of a few people
  • been able to listen to the sound of my voice on a recording
  • played video games, with other people in the same room
  • danced with others without shutting down
  • been able to better advocate for myself, and for others
  • become more confident as a photographer and an artist
  • played an instrument in front of someone 1 on 1
  • expanded what type of books I read
  • been more myself with others
  • learned when to push an issue and when to stop, and let it go
  • been able to realize what I believe in, and stand by it

. . .and most importantly:

  • I have learned my limits and boundaries, so that I know when I need to stop and take care of myself.


What's one way that you have grown?


-Anabelle

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The Communication Process

09/07/2012

1 Comment

 
To any new readers to my blog, I invite you to click on the link below to view one of my favorite blog posts that I have written, with one of my favorite visuals:

The communication process

Or if you prefer an image only, click on the illustration below to see a bigger version.
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My thought process.

-Anabelle

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We rule at processing!

04/26/2012

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I read an article recently stating how autistic individuals can actually process MORE information than other people. But, our mind and bodies are taking in SO much information that we are unable to block out what is irrelevant to process. And we appear not able to handle as much as a typical person. I have had a similar theory for a long time and it was inspiring to read this article!

To read the article, click below:

People With Autism Possess Greater Ability to Process Information, Study Suggests

-Anabelle

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Proloquo2go + iPad = a voice without talking!

04/10/2012

6 Comments

 
Because I recently sold one of my photographs, I was able to purchase a used iPad so I can better use my Proloquo2go program that talks for me! 

Being able to type instead of verbally talking makes SO much difference in my life!

Thanks to glyde.com for offering really cheap, good deals!

-Anabelle

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Zac Picto!

04/03/2012

2 Comments

 
A new, great tool came out yesterday for parents, professionals and caretaers to kids on the autism spectrum. It's called Zac Picto. 


"Zac Picto is an all-in-one solution based on a pictogram system. The software has been created in a way that helps parents, professionals and caregivers working around a child with autism by giving them a more manageable way to track progress. Additionally, the system brings a visual organizer and serves as a teaching assistant; all of which is built around an important social network."



I signed up prior to it's release to get a preview of the software. The Zac Picto online community is very active and helpful! I think it's a great tool and I recommend checking it out! 


Thank you PeopleCD for coming out with a wonderful and free tool to that will help people to help autistic people!

-Anabelle

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One young woman's view as a female with autism

04/01/2012

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I read an article today about an autistic female. It made me smile. She said things that I can really relate to and she gave a very interesting explanation of what it's like to be autistic.

"The best way to explain it so that other people can relate, is to put it in a frame of reference. It almost like a person who has diabetes, they have to manage their blood sugar levels. They however use insulin or diet to control their body. Think of autism as ebbing and flowing like blood sugar levels. Some days my autism is much stronger than others. I have to control the level of stimulation that is having an effect on my body and mind. The things that are stimulating can be anything."

You can read the article here: 
Young Woman Showcases her History and World View as a Female with Autism

-Anabelle

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Life is hard work.

03/31/2012

2 Comments

 
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Note: NT=neurotypical • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurotypical

I read the above post on Facebook from Rethinking Autism yesterday and it reminded me...of how much I and others on the autism spectrum work to get through day-to-day life.  

The autistic individuals that I have met/know/am friends with are some of the most determined people I know, even when they don't appear like it on the exterior.

I am proud of every autistic individual.

-Anabelle

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Ugh. Autism Awareness Month

03/30/2012

3 Comments

 
I am not ready for April, Autism Awareness Month.

There is a lot of news out there regarding autism. Some I agree with and some I don't agree with.

It's just too much to take in.

Note: Sam Noble: Will you be my advocate for April? I need you to decode my thoughts and feelings and to use your great words and ability to communicate with others for me.

-Anabelle

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Sensory toys, yes!

03/29/2012

6 Comments

 
I am a huge fan of deep pressure and weight. Often times, I will carry around a solid copper ball by the name of Quincy.


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Quincy!
I have had Quincy for a very long time. I love having weight in one, or both, of my hands. It meets a sensory need for me which I still don't quite understand. He (yes, I have assigned Quincy a gender) is also a great defense if I am walking home alone at night. You do not want to be on the other side of a punch with Quincy in my hand! Luckily, I have never had to use Quincy for that!


Yesterday, I FINALLY was able to make it to the gentle yoga class at the YMCA. I have been trying for over 5 weeks...going downtown, taking the elevator upstairs, getting used to the locker room, looking in the window at the yoga class...and then going home...again and again.

But I FINALLY did it! And, lol, they were randomly filming the class! So, at some point there will be a clip of me in a YMCA "video looping" thingy at their gym.


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Ear protectors are a great tool.

I am glad I finally went to the yoga class esterday, but the rest of the day was a HUGE struggle. I almost screamed at several different groups of people in public, because they were making very unpleasant sounds!! 

I also attracted a lot of attention to myself with my vocal stimming.



I had to wear my ear protectors to keep myself under control.


Because I did something SO big and new (at least it is for me!) I got a reward! A new sensory toy to carry around!

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Tiny Anabelle!



She's heavy, like Quincy, and very pleasing to carry around. I named her Anabelle, because she looks somewhat like me!

Also, I can hide tiny notes or written wishes inside of her!

-Anabelle

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