So, we'll take a look at what this month means to actually autistic people, and we'll challenge, head on, the "symbol" of autism - the puzzle piece.

In this episode I look at where it came from, what it means, and why a lot of people in the autism community don't really like it.  We'll look at the good aspects, the negative, and why the latest iteration, developed by Autism Speaks, is, essentially, rubbish.

We look at what a better representation actually is, and then conclude with what autism awareness month should be about, but isn't.

I relay some quotes I read earlier this week, tell a couple of stories about what my brain has come up with recently (including a shout out to my Turo account - if you need a nice truck to drive around in while you're in Billings, please let me know so I can rent you my vehicle).

We'll conclude with some tips on how to reduce the stress, anxiety, and catastrophizing in your life.

Dr. Cravens has a PhD with an autism focus.  Her training has allowed her to help with those all across the spectrum.  Today, she has a therapy practice where she, and other neurodivergent therapists, help people no matter what they're struggling with.

Through the years she has found that one thing stands out: increased compassion and empathy for others makes the world a whole lot better.

Tune in and hear her take, what she knows about the #autism spectrum, and find out why it's so hard for people to get a diagnosis these days.

Pick up her recently released book, Positive Parenting Strategies Workbook and you can follow her on her social media and websites: Instagram Facebook Website

We'll get into a little bit on what it's like to feel emotions but not understand, or be able to describe, what's being felt.  It gives a bit of an insight into what those on the autism spectrum go through internally.

Wrapping up, we look at the two acceptable sleep positions.

#autism #asd #alexithymia

Whatever happens in life, no matter if you feel down or up, keep learning, keep reading, and keep moving forward.  Joshua Smith grew up on the spectrum, but didn't know he was on the spectrum.  Looking back he no sees all of the different aspects that were thought to be impairments as signs that he is Left of Normal.

Today, he's helping others with Autism overcome their self-limiting beliefs and to move forward.

You can find him online: Facebook: Your Speaking Voice

LinkedIn: Your Speaking Voice

Your Speaking Voice Website

Even when you try to find information about parenting while autistic, you come across parents of autistic children.

Today, we look at what it's like to be a parent while on the spectrum. The Left of Normal parent has a number of other hurdles and obstacles to overcome, but there are also strengths that come with being on the spectrum and having kids.

I feel like I made a lot of good jokes in here too, so there's that.

Amy's daughter was diagnosed with autism, but not until many years after she was suspected.  The reason is, in my opinion, rather ridiculous.

But it brings up a bigger issue: why are girls less likely to be diagnosed?

Tune in and let's ponder it.

You can follow Amy on her social media accounts, or check out her website and podcast.

Facebook

LinkedIn

Advancing with Amy

Today we look at the unmasked college years.  Times when I could just be weird, and be me, and not worry about trying to fit into what the world thought I should be like.  It was an era of painted fingernails, different hair colors, strange clothing, no shoes, and more.

So, let's take a look back at the college days, and reminisce about Power Puff Girls.

Kadin was diagnosed as autistic when he was 2 years old.  Throughout his life he was told his "disability" was going to set him back and he would never amount to much.  Time and again, he was able to prove everyone wrong.

Today he shares insights on how he has found success, the challenges he sees, and tells us all about how the power of positivity is the only way we can all succeed as humans. You can find Kadin and read his writing in these places: Facebook Instagram The Sports Column Home School Counseling Network The Everyday Fan

While we wrap things up with the benefits of intentional solitude, the opposite is true too.  If isolation and being alone comes easy, then shake things up with intentional socialization.

Parents of autistic children, discover how to make room time an opportunity instead of a punishment.

But that's not always how reactions to being overstimulated occur.  Some meltdowns are quiet, some are passive, and some come across as a lot of anger.

The difference is that the rage from a tantrum is targeted and manipulative; the rage from a meltdown is (to an extent) uncontrollable and the brain reverting to a more base nature as it resets.

Get in on the rage fest with this episode about meltdowns and anger.  PS I'm trying something different, by moving the title to the front and the episode number to the end, perhaps more people will be able to see this.

One of the areas where I love plans and organization is in travel.  I'll even create mock travel plans for vacations I know I will never take.

Today's episode looks at the link between #autism and making these plans, as well as the hyperfixation that comes with them.

These skills are the decision making processes, the ability to stay on task, remember what needs 'membered, and the ability to be self-driven.

When the skills are lacking, it's called executive dysfunction.  This episode looks into what that dysfunction looks like among the #autism community and how to (sort of) overcome it.

After school, and into adulthood, however, things got less clear.  They weren't as easy as "put your head down and get the work done."  Struggles ensue, and many of those who kicked ass in their youth, now are burnt out and struggle with anxiety, depression, and more.

Tune in and see how #autism affects burnout and what to do so you don't set your kids up to struggle later in life.

Finding a job as a Left of Normal is excruciating.  Landing a job is even harder.  Creating your own job has a whole different set of hurdles, but some that can be overcome with the right resources in place.

Today's episode talks about what it takes to run a business as a Left of Normal, and what those hurdles are that we face - and how anyone can help their business owner, professional, and entrepreneur friends with very little effort and time.

Many of these are nonsensical to not just those on the Autism Spectrum, or with some other neurospicy divergency, but also to those who are normies.  I believe the difference is that the normies somehow know the true meaning behind them - still unclear on that part though.

Leave a comment.  Are there any other quips and phrases that you hear often that have minimal meaning behind them?

Today's episode goes through the badassery that led to this current surgery.  How the injury started, how it progressed, and where I am today.

Through it all I have maintained my awesomeness - likely even increased awesomeness considerably.

This episode looks at why those resolutions are whack, what you can do to make better resolutions, goals, commitments, etc. etc. and all of that New Year New Me stuff.

We'll also spend some time on New Year's parties.  Why those on the Autism spectrum don't care for them, and what some of us Left of Normal's like to do this time of year.

Does that struggle give the LoN a pass to not have to show as much compassion?  If they fail to learn it, do they deserve less compassion coming to them?

How about siblings, should parents favor the Left of Normal child over the normie children?  Should siblings be required to show compassion to each other regardless of where they fall on the spectrum?

All these questions and more are discussed in this episode!

Recognizing these traits early on can help create a better living environment for your child that may be on the Autism spectrum.

Modern psychology is better at identifying younger kids who happen to have ASD, but it starts with awareness in the home.  Notice the traits and support them.

For me, it spills out into other areas of my life in addition to merely communication.  I turned my ability to write clearly into a career.

In this episode I give a shout out to my friend Shane Fichter.  Shane used journaling to help hone his mindset.  He used this to help bring him from a life of addiction, to a life of inspiration.  Check him out on social media, or find him at https://havocmindset.com/ to learn more about his journey and how he can teach you to use journaling like this.

We go through a lot more, check it out!

But the concepts are still there, the stories still applicable, and the ideas can flow from Thanksgiving into Christmas.

These times can be stressful on a lot of people, whether they are on the Autism spectrum or not.  For those who do live with ASD, they can be especially stressful as routines are changed, mushy food is served, and expectations vary.

For those who are Left of Normal, or those who have a Left of Normal family member, check out some of the holiday tips to get through with your sanity intact.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to write her family story in a magazine that I was helping with run by Aubrey Kincaid - whom I call "obnoxious" in this episode.

Today, Suzie has shifted her focus to NLP coaching.  Where she helps people break down the mental barriers that are keeping them from their goals.  It's fascinating and could very much benefit the autistic and ADHD community.

Along with NLP we discuss her experiences with people on the spectrum, we have a couple stories about people on the autism spectrum who were training clients and how she noticed a specific way to to train them that created instant engagement. Find Suzie on Facebook, or check out her website: https://www.dbcoachandtrain.com/ to learn more about her and what she does.

Then, there's the idea of sympathy.  Where often sympathy is shown, when empathy is needed.

Wrap those up together with an action plan, and you get compassion.

Now, how does self-compassion play into this empathy, sympathy, compassion conundrum?  Today's 'cast dives into how it all should look and how those on the spectrum can get stuck in a self-pity loop when they need to bust free with self-compassion.

Today's episode gets into Mitch's positive view on life, how he ended up in the broadcast/podcast world, where he hopes to go in life, and why he's into sports.  We talk about his interactions with those on the spectrum and some of the insights he has learned over the years.

In the episode we talk about his podcasts.  You can check out Wide Left Sports (by clicking the name, it's hyperlinked), or Chin Music with Mitch and Tony (again, clicky clicky, that one is actually on YouTube).

Follow Kickin' It with Leif on Facebook as well as Adventures in Heels with Leah - or check out www.985wolf.com between 7am and 9am to hear Leif's show and 11 - 1 for Leah's.

Recently the idea of AuDHD started to pop up more and more.  While ADHD and Autism comorbidity aren't new concepts, they're being understood more and more.  And from what I've found out, ADHD doesn't necessarily manifest as hyper and out of control.

Let's take a look at how these two play together, and how they show up in real life.

Over the years it has been a learning curve to understand different communication styles.  But as we all grow together we learn what we are trying to say and how to say it.

Jessica and Holden come on as guests in this family episode of Left of Normal.

Hyperfixations are short-term dives into topics, activities, or something that can completely distract us from real life.  Fixating on them allows the body and mind to reset and calm down.

Today's episode looks at what they are, how the present themselves, the end result and goal, and how you can encourage those around you who have ASD to use their fixations in a healthy manner.

Today, I'll share some of the tips how you can approach the subject, and some of the reasons why you might not want to go there.  I'll lay it all out there on how I would feel if you asked if I was autistic today, 10 years ago, or 20 years ago.

I'll let you in on a secret: there's nothing wrong with wondering if someone is Left of Normal.  Often there's nothing wrong with asking.  Most people will mess up the approach though.

The problem is they assume a specific skill set - a set that the majority of people have.

Most people don't need training for it, they just intuitively know how to navigate following these expectations or norms.

For some, such as those on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, or another neurodivergent way of thinking, those expectations need to be learned.  But nobody teaches them, we just have to figure them out on our own.

I'll go through the five considerations of what happens at a traditional job, and how being self-employed circumvents those sucky situations.

There are, however, some parts of being entrepreneur that are difficult, and some of those difficulties are compounded by being Left of Normal.  We'll talk about that, and another episode in the future will get into how autism plays a deleterious role.

In this episode we take a gander at a variety of jobs that I had, and why they all sucked.  Why I bombed interviews if I could even get an interview, and why I allowed myself to be walked all over when I was in my 20's.

Because jobs are rarely spectrum friendly, and interviews are by nature discriminatory against those on the spectrum, it's estimated that 80% of autistics are unemployed or underemployed.

Next week's episode will discuss how to beat the system, stick it to the man (by becoming the man), and work in a capacity that is in line with the neurodivergent mind.

Why do they persist?  Why do people continue to perpetuate them?  And better yet, what's the truth?

This episode we talk about vaccines and autism, how to discover if you (or a child) are on the spectrum, as well as diagnoses and more.

Studies show that being immersed in nature is great for everyone - it's the Japanese concept of Shinrin Yoku - but especially for those with ASD and ADHD.

Today, we're talking about an upcoming adventure: climbing Granite Peak - Montana's highest point.  Holden will be going along and hopefully he will conquer the mountain at just 10 years old.

By the time most listen to this we will have summited, or died trying... okay, maybe we won't die trying, but you get the point.

If you're on the Autism Spectrum, and you're a parent, do you feel there are certain challenges to overcome?

As a Left of Normal parent, I found some aspects were quite easy - especially the parts where I just played with a baby all day long.  Other aspects are quite difficult - such as where processes and rules are completely ignored.

Today we look at some parenting woes, wins, and what to dos.

And we often know that we're annoying.  The problem arises with the fact that we can't really control it - many of those annoying traits and quirks for those on the autism spectrum are largely outside of their control.

So what do you do when a Left of Normal is annoying you?  Let's talk about that.

The problem was that trying to please too many people meant not caring for myself.

Of course, now that I have set those boundaries, I tend to come off as rude, standoffish, and arrogant.

Today we'll look at how Left of Normal folks set boundaries, how we see boundaries in the normies, and some ideas on how to encourage Left of Normal children to understand them, set, and respect them.

Dave Nordel spent 30 years in the Air Force.  During that time he learned a ton of valuable lessons on leading others, investing in people, and helping everyone grow and do better.  He has a passion for mental health and ensuring that people who need a little boost get the boost they're looking for.

Whether you believe you're a leader or not, the truth is that you have it in you to guide and inspire others.  Follow Dave to learn more, buy his first book "Giving Back!" and his upcoming second book "When the Cows Lie Down"  You can find Dave via the links below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-nordel-85265246/ https://maxfabconsulting.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Giving-Back-Leadership-Combat-Beyond-ebook/dp/B0C51SSW2B

Left of Normal people are prone to impulses as well.  Often our impulses are less manic and crazy outbursts, and more stim activities.

Today, we're looking at impulsivity, impulse control, and how to help our impulsive children on the autism spectrum to rein themselves in as they feel the impulses but can control them.

She talks about how she works with people, what to look for, and how to make your workplace more accommodating to everyone regardless of where they fall on the autism spectrum, or if they have other neurodivergencies like ADHD.

To learn more about her, hit up her website: www.genielove.coach

You can also find her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/genie-love-beyond-coaching/

Or send an email to genie@genielove.coach

We'll talk about friendships, some of the struggles to make friends, what happens when friends aren't around.

We don't get into too much of the psychology behind having friends, why everyone needs some, and the benefits of it all, that's certainly something worth pursuing in a later episode that talks about autism and friendships.  Today, we'll just cover how a Left of Normal child, and a Left of Normal adult make friends, how we feel when friends are lost, and why they're important to us.

This episode is a bit discombobulated.  Please don't downvote it even though it might be the worst episode I've uploaded yet.

Love you, mean it.

Today we'll go through how my brain processes money decisions, and how a recent money event tried to disrupt that.

Fortunately, I overpowered my emotional brain with logic, beating it back into submission in the deep recesses of my mind where it belongs.

So I dug a little deeper to find out why Left of Normal folks walk on tippy toes.  And why I do it.

Let's take a look at toe walking as someone on the spectrum, and what it's all about, as well as some other stims.

There are new studies showing strong correlations between our mindsets and why these issues have become so prevalent (our terrible diet isn't helping either).

Today we are looking at some of the ways our bodies and minds are not separate, but part of one overall organism, and why those on the spectrum can suffer from stress, worry, and anxiety a bit more than the normies out there.

This episode is all about reviewing excerpts from official diagnoses for those on the Autism Spectrum.  I give my insights into why they happen, and share stories on how they have affected me throughout my life.

Plus a mini book review.

Today we look at why, some annoying things normies say, and a little bit more.

There's also a story in there that includes 7 slugs.

Those who are on the autism spectrum can, however, find benefit in it since there is less pressure than in-person socializing.

Today's episode goes through the handful of social accounts I maintain, what I like and dislike about them.  Toward the end I get into my theory on why we feel like crud after we spend time online.

After listening, check his podcast Xander Speaks, and make sure to check out his radio show that launches on April 10th.

While I did try to steer the conversation to have him talk more about emotions, feelings, and what goes on in his mind, I don't think he's quite there to recognize those things... or maybe it's the ADHD that hides it all, who knows!

If you need help mapping out your next big adventure, I'm open to working with you on it.

Over the years, of course, I have become well adept at sarcasm and incorporate it into my every day life.  But I can still be confused at times.

We talk about that, and other funny word usage in today's 'cast.

Today we look at why it's hard to share toys, and what the expectations are for sharing about emotions, experiences, and the like... and what the barriers are when it comes to conversations and maintaining them.

Today, we're looking at what that even means, a talking about a handful of my own, poking the Hans Asperger topic, and looking at whether or not this is something unique to the autism community, or if it's more studied and researched as it pertains to Left of Normals.

Sometimes it's not knowing what to say or how to respond.

Sometimes we just don't want to talk but other people think that everyone wants to talk to them. All this and more on how having a conversation with someone with Asperger's might not go smoothly.

While it can be used for better, to really hone in on a particular topic or task, it often makes things harder as small interruptions can cause major setbacks or delays.

Giving praise shouldn't be about the outcome, it should be about the process.

Today we look at some of the ways that those on the autism spectrum see praise, interpret it, and try to apply it.  We look at better ways to encourage our kids, and how many compliments don't really spur us toward greatness, but rather hold us back.

It goes hand in hand with procrastination.

We'll look into that, and I give a tip on how you can be more persuasive with anyone using this one simple trick (scientists hate it... or maybe they love it and doctors hate it).

That's only part true.  We do experience the emotions, and understand what is going on, but the outward display is often lost somewhere between our brains and our appearance.

Today we look at what these words mean, and those with ASD process these emotions.

Why though?  Everyone has likes and dislikes, so what makes the LoN unique?

That and a handful of my likes and dislikes (and why I like and dislike them) in today's episode.

Along come celebrities that spout pseudo-science, and people that refuse to pursue education go ahead and repeat them.

Today we're looking at those myths, discovering why they persist, and laying down the facts around this condition.

Today's 'cast dips into why I have shunned resolutions, and how the changes I want to make in my life have evolved over the years.

It's something I recognized a long time ago, but didn't know what it was until recently.

Most of the time, we don't even realize that people think we're snobbish or rude.  We're just minding our business, and pissing people off along the way.

Today we look at a few times when I was regarded as such, explore a little why I feel it happened, and offer some insight to the normies out there that don't quite get it.

Left of Normal children, however, only know that something doesn't feel right.  There are a few ways to help keep them going, and keep them from slipping deep into depressive thoughts.

Over the years I have learned to expect the unexpected, and expect the routine disruption.  It's still not comfortable, but I know it will begin, and I know it will end, and we just have to make it through.

Often, however, the toys weren't played with in a traditional manner.  And much of what I spent my time with wasn't even toys to begin with, but rather household goods and outdated technology.

Smiling is one of them.  Today I tell you the story of how I terrified half the student body at MSU-B because I tried smiling.

That, and more quirks of being Left of Normal.

For the Left of Normal, however, they can tend to be even more tedious to the point where a short call can derail an entire day.

I lay it all out there as to why in the latest episode about living life on the autism spectrum.

For the Left of Normal, some of that doesn't come naturally; some feels really weird and is hard to do.

Over time we learn how to mimic what other people do.  Today we look at a handful of these quirks that normies do and why they are the weirdos.

We'll look at how it better defines who people are, how they think, and dip into a little story on when I used to have perceived anger issues.

Let's see how a child views the world and some of the things those on the spectrum struggle with.

This week we have reversed the roles, and Holden gets to bet he host as I answer the questions he has for me.

We talk about being Left of Normal as a child and an adult, and what difficulties were present as a child versus as an adult.

Holden Sery joins us and talks about how he learned about Aspergers, what it has taught him about himself, and what everyone should know when dealing with an elementary aged Left of Normal.

About the 6 minute mark he talks about his special interests, notice how his tone changes and the excitement in his voice picks up.

Many of us are curious on what's out there, so I developed some systems on how to make travel enjoyable without the overwhelm.

I have five tips on how to travel as a Left of Normal (something you can use with your LoN children as well).

If all those letters don't make sense, especially if you're wondering how ED plays into all this, I highly recommend tuning it.  I make an appeal at the end for some resources.

If you have any feedback on the podcast, please send it my way.  I'm always trying to make this thing better for you guys, so I'd love to hear from you.

What do you think?  Should medical advancements be used for profit?

Sometimes it's made known in the dialogue, other times it's just kind of implied.

Today's 'cast goes through a handful of examples, and breaks down the good, the bad, and the beneficial.

In today's 'cast we look at a few of them I remember from when I grew up.  And how you can spot, and support, your Left of Normal kids.

Take a look, let me know if you recognize anything in your own kids' lives.

But the very term that's used to describe the way they think is designed to create division and label them as less great as those who are not on the spectrum.

More on that, plus some stories on how the sunshine constantly steals the souls from gingers.

Today's 'cast we talk to Shane Fichter.  Shane has trusted me to write his book for him, and it's an amazing ride with story after story.

But his big story is that he's all about discovering your mindset, and then tweaking it so that who you are works for you, instead of against you.

For me, I find that one area of interest changes regularly, but then I'll come back to it again and again.

Try as I might, I can't force myself to become interested in it again until the inspiration hits and suddenly I'm all in.

In this 'cast, I lay out why we love that organization, and a couple anecdotes on how I'm a pretty badass planner.  There's a quick question in there on what you think of my new business idea; feedback appreciated.

That predictability, combined with a few other things, draws in the Left of Normal personality.

Today's 'cast talks about why nature is great, and how it can be used to soothe and calm the soul.

Kyle Stricklin owns a handful of companies.  Every project he tackles, he looks into doing it himself so he can learn more about it.  He's a tech nerd and a crypto bro.  He's someone that I've enjoyed getting to know over the years, and he helped me in the early stages of my business.

There area  variety of factors that make them suck.  From the application, to the interview, to the actual job itself.

When employers don't even know the first thing about ASD, it makes them even harder.

That raised some questions.

So today, we get back into it with the small talk, the questions asked, and clarify some of the terms that I use throughout the this episode and in several other episodes as well.

But they don't make any sense as to why the occur... or why they're done in that manner instead of a more efficient or beneficial manner.

One of those is our fascination with asking pointless questions during a conversation.

Life can get a little bit overwhelming at times.  When the physical body is functioning optimally, the mind can overcome those overwhelming times more quickly and efficiently.

Today's guest, Dr. Shayla talks about chiropractic care and how joint adjustments can lead to big benefits.

Some studies suggest it has to do with echolalia.

Today's episode gets into that, and gives you a great analogy of what it's like to be on the spectrum.

Sometimes, however, there is no observable interaction to base our behavior off of.

This can be good, leading to a new and un-thought of perspective.  But often it leads to being more or less ostracized even further.

Here I talk about how the spectrum should actually look.  Where myself, and many other people, fall on that spectrum.

And I dispel some myths about the spectrum, and being Left of Normal.

For example, I learned that I'm supposed to be uncoordinated, clumsy, and not very good at sports.

I must have missed the memo, because while I'm not great at team sports, I'm definitely great at individualized sports.

We get into that, and more, in today's episode that's all about sportsing.

Fortunately, he was able to tone it down a bit and we were able to have a shorter and good conversation about talking.

Aubrey Kincaid has a lot of great information on how to figure out what you love, and when you can do that you can focus on the activities that bring you the green.  Green as in cash money.

Today we look at where the Left of Normal stands on knowing about themselves and other people.  And how we're constantly checking in to see if things are going the right way.

In part because body language is often misinterpreted, but also because as humans we give subtle hints instead of saying what we mean.

These hints are missed or misconstrued by the Left of Normal mind.  Pandemonium ensues.

As an adult, I'm still weird and quiet (unless you get a couple beers in me).

There are many reasons on why the Left of Normal person prefers to stay a little quieter (one big one is so we don't make social blunders due to obnoxious social norms), and why we prefer to write things instead of say them. Check it out.

I met Gary Carson through some networking events.  We just kept bumping into each other often, so we got to know each other.

Now, a few years later, we've transitioned from the bumping into each other at networking events, to being friends.

Gary is amazing with his tech savviness, and has a great heart for helping people no matter what they need.

Today's 'cast looks at on the job situations, interviews, and applications.  We talk about why arbitrary rules set people up for failure, and how those conducting interviews look at personality far more than qualifications.

When given instructions that are loaded with subtle hints, or even just interactions that contain subtle hints, the resulting performance misses the mark.  If you say one thing, then it is interpreted as that thing.

The result is that it's the fault of the Left of Normal person, not the person giving poor directions.

Today's episode talks about why Left of Normals like routines, and what happens when the routine is destroyed.