Between Spectrums

Occupying the Mind

Hey Readers

So yesterday I got back from the field. For the past week I worked with a group of kids who each have tough times in there lives. One of them happens to have autism. When we go hike to our next site he seemed to have a tough time getting his stuff packed and ready to go. It's not that he is incapable he's a very intelligent kid it's the manner of him having a lot on his mind. We would always tell him to get his stuff together but he just occupies his mind with his thoughts to keep him from packing his backpack. Sometime during the week the other staff member and I told him that he can occupy his mind by doing other things like hanging out with the other kids of his group, doing skills like making his fire starter kit, and especially pack his backpack. I'm sure that as he puts the effort into it he can do he lacks in doing and he can help his group and himself.

Those with autism have a lot that go through their thoughts like memories, TV shows, books, or their imagination. So if it looks like that they're not listening to you, it's not that their deaf or incompetent. Because they do hear and understand you. It's just they are in their own worlds thinking of many things. If you're curious as to what they're thinking you can ask them and some do tell you. But some don't tell you because of the fear of  being judged or mistaken for something else. You can tell them that if it's not anything bad they can tell you. And to help them occupy their minds on other things then sitting around and not doing anything you can have them do things like chores around the house or if they're writers to work on their projects. You can also encourage them to express their thoughts through whatever their hobbies are.

Now it's not a bad thing to have thoughts to go through your head. But sometimes your focus should be on things that need to be accomplished. Because if you have goals and want to accomplish them you need to put the effort into it. So I encourage you help those with autism to occupy their minds on things that matter to them as well as things to be done.

Feel free to comment here or on the Facebook page.

Thank you for your time
Tay Gallagher   

Between Spectrums

Living Instead of Watching

"Quasi take it from an old spectator. Life's not a spectators sport. If watching is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without you."

Laverne

(Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame)

It's true. If you just sit around and let the important things in life past you by, you just wasted the time you been given. Those with autism and autistic traits sometimes lack the motivation to do things they would love to do. Like getting a job, learning how to drive to go to the places they would like to go to, or going on dates that can lead to "the one". Some may just be lazy but others do want these things but just don't know where to start. We can help them out and show them how to do some of the things they find difficult. The rest is up to them with an occasional reminder. 

I defiantly appreciate those who help me as I work as a field staff and transporter for WinGate Wilderness Therapy as I continue to help the kids and young adults that go through the program as they deal their struggles. And also giving me a job that I'm good at and enjoy doing. I also appreciate the friends I made and my family who help me continue trying to be a good person and a better writer. 

Autism may cause some limitations but it shouldn't limit you to have good clean fun with you friends and family. As well as finding a job that they can enjoy and love. The time that we have is precious so spend it wisely and with fun.

Thank you for your time

Tay Gallagher