Thursday, October 13, 2016

Between Spectrums

Working Towards What You Want


Have you ever reached a point in your life or two, that you feel like that you're not really getting anywhere? Well, sometimes I feel that way. I make goals in life and yet I feel that I hadn't really accomplished anything. But just because you hadn't done much now, doesn't mean that it'll ever happen. Sometimes things that you want in life can take time and effort on your part. I'm still planning to be a writer, but I have to make the effort to write. I still want to drive, but I have to get over fear and distrust to do so. I also hope to be married, but I also have to gain the courage to ask girls out on dates. Everything I want in life is within my grasp but I have to reach for them.

Even if your autistic, Aspergers, or anywhere in the spectrum, you can reach the goals you have. But you still have to work for it. And there are many resources that can help you do that. Like family, friends, teachers, and mentors. So how do you work toward you goals? Here are some ideas that might give a helping hand.

1. Make a plan: Going through life without some direction, is like going out to sea without a compass or a map. So when you come up with your goals, make a plan on how you can achieve your goal.

2. Find a mentor: In every successful person's life, there is a mentor who guided and trained him. When you figure out your career path, find someone who can give the pointers that help you out. And in the end your mentor can become a college and most trusted friend.

3. Choosing to act: Just because you might be born with autism, doesn't mean that you can't choose to act for yourself and find a career that best suits you. If want to be someone successful, then you have to choose to be so and work for it.

Hopefully these can help you out and if you have any questions or what to what else can help, please comment below.

Thank you for your time
Tay Gallagher

Saturday, September 3, 2016

Between Spectrums

Different Personalities

Hey Readers,

I like to apologize for not posting in a while. I was working as a field staff for the summer and I would work out in the field for two weeks. And when I was on break I would work as a transporter and work for pretty much all day. When I was working as a field staff, I would work with the spectrum group of boys. It was hard working with them because of their constant arguing, fighting, and complaining. That's expected cause they're teenagers, but there was more to that. They each were different from each other. In age, trait, personality, and why they were sent to the program. They do get along with each other, some more than others, but it can be tough to suddenly be put in a group where people have different way of thinking and doing things. But once they start to see the bigger picture they, little by little, started to work better together. I'm grateful to be there and to help these guys as they were making their journey to much better futures.

Each of us has different personalities and ways of thinking. Sometimes we get placed to a situation where we have to work with others and accomplish a task, goal, or build a relationship. People with autism may think and act differently, but they can still work with others in a way that be suits them. It's up to us to see how we can work with that. It might be weird and frustrating at first, but once you get to know them and recognize their strengths you can do wonders with them in almost any given situation.

Thank you for your time 
Tay Gallagher

Feel free to comment below if have any questions or anything you want me to talk about in regards to autism.  

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Between Spectrums

Being An Inspiration


This is David Militello, and he has a talent to share.


Now that was a while ago.  This is him now.

                                         

David is an inspiration to all, both autistic and not. From not talking till he was three to sharing his musical talent. It takes a lot of courage to stand in front of crowds and share a talent. And he, with the help of his loving parents, showed that courage and became a great inspiration to those who heard him. In a few ways I can relate. I didn't talk till I was seven. All that came out of my mouth was just gibberish. But with the help of speech therapy, standing in front of crowds, and talking to people I can talk normally. And as I talk, people for some reason find inspiration through me and the words I say or try to say. Inspiration does come from you. You may not see it now or you do see it, but people do appreciate that you are giving people courage and hope for a brighter future and the determination to keep moving forward. So don't give up on yourself and continue being you. Because you are a walking inspiration.

Thank you for you time
Tay Gallagher

To see more of David, go to Youtube and type in David Militello and it should show videos of his performances.


Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Between Spectrums

An Apple A Day


Have you ever at anytime worried that you might get cancer? Well let me tell you, it's nothing to worry about. In the recent research by the University of Iowa, patients with autism have cancer-related gene mutations but have a low risk of getting cancer. Though not entirely new, Dr. Benjamin Darbro, head of the study, believes that the research team was able to dig deeper and learned more about this unique link between cancer and autism. From looking at other studies about it, they found that autistic people have genes that are rare and rich variants in their genes that can cause cancer. But the intriguing part is that autism was linked to 94 percent lower cancer risk in children. Autistic kids, fourteen and under, seemed to be protected from cancer. Though not protected from other types of medical conditions, they have a genetic architecture that gives them the interesting protection. There may be a possibility to have a way to treat both autism and cancer. It just takes more research and testing.

Now this study gives some reassurance, it doesn't give an excuse to risk your health. Eating properly and exercise help prevent diseases and live a much longer life. I've been guilty of not living healthy but I'm striving to. For example, I would normally eat a apple for breakfast. a salad for lunch, and something for dinner and would go work out whenever I get the chance. So I'm literally taking an apple a day to keep the doctor away. But it's always good to go to the doctor to check how healthy you are. Whether autistic or not, make sure you take care of yourself physically and mentally. I suggest you talk to a nutritionalist about what kind of diet you should go for and make the choice whether to follow it or not. Also as you choose to follow the diet, you got a great support system in the form of family and good friends.

Thank you for your time
Tay Gallagher

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Between Spectrums

What People Say About You


Have you ever wondered what people are saying about you without you around? Do they say kind things or do they only point out your flaws? I sometimes felt that way. There was even one time when I was giving a testimony and then I felt that people think I'm a joke. I felt my testimony was poorly executed and it was bad. But after letting myself have a not so great moment of feeling emotion, I came to the conclusion that it's okay. In the church I go to, it doesn't matter how you say your testimony, what matters is that you got up and said it. I also know that the people I know are good and they're friends.

Sometimes autistic people are aware of what people say about them without them knowing. They may have a disability but they're not stupid. They do understand and if they're sensitive or choose to be sensitive they'll have hurt feelings hurt by the words you say. If you don't want to be the jerk that causes them emotional pain, I suggest you get to know them before you make any judgement call. For the autistic, I know it's hard not to think that people are talking about you. But one thing to understand is that people can be jerks but they can also be friends who only think highly of you. If you choose see yourself in a negative way then you'll think that people see you in a negative way. But if you see yourself in a positive way than you'll think that people do think about you in a positive way. So be positive and don't let the words (said and unsaid) of people get you down.

Sincerely
Tay Gallagher  

Monday, April 4, 2016

Between Spectrums

Being Okay with Circumstances and Hope


Hey Readers

Sorry that it took so long to write. I was going through and I was dealing with somethings that caused me to question myself as a person. I have this fear that I might not get married and I might just be alone. I really would like to be married but I sometimes wonder would it ever happen. I talked to my parents about and they helped me with these kinds of thoughts. Opening up to them and talking about calmed my fears and I'm okay with the circumstances. If I do get married it'll be awesome, but if I don't it's okay because maybe I'm not supposed to be at this time. Whether it be now or sometime in the future, all I can do is work to be a good person and hope. I am going on dates but I'm certainly not gonna carry around a ring and propose on the first date (That'll be creepy). Like in any relationship it takes time and getting to know the person before marriage can come to mind. Whatever happens in the future I know I'll be okay with the circumstances that are in my life but I'll also continue to hope.

Have you, or someone you know with autism, ever had a fear that you may not have something that you want in life? All I can say that you should never give up. Never loose hope and continue to be the best person you can be. Sometimes good things do come but sometimes you'll have to be okay with the circumstances you're in. Things are okay as long as you never give up.

Thank you for your time
Tay Gallagher
   

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Between Spectrums

Love Is Available


Last night I watched a documentary called "Autism in Love" on YouTube. Appropriate, considering the mouth this is. The documentary tells three separate stories about people with autism as they go through the ups and downs in relationships. Each giving a unique perspective on how love works for people with autism. 

Lenny - He has autism but he doesn't want to accept it cause he feels that mentioning it would ruin his chances for a decent relationship with a girl. He had a girlfriend in the past but it wasn't good for him. Through out the documentary, he couldn't find a girl but there is always hope. 

Stephan - He's the type of person that doesn't express himself as much. But even with that struggle, he was still able to find love and was married to his wife, Gita, for seventeen years and had an apartment together. They were quite a couple together, till Gita had cancer. Since Stephan couldn't take care of her, Gita had to go to the hospital and he had to live with his parents. But he would still visit her and talk to her. Later on in the documentary, Stephan was told that Gita passed away. He didn't verbally express it but it really devastated him. He later got over it and continued on with his life. He still misses her but he doesn't let his loss take over him. While Gita was still alive she was asked how does she know if Stephan loves her without expressing it through words. Her answer was by the way he looks at her. By looking at her in a loving way, it gave her an assurance that he loves her.

Lindsey and Dave - Now that was an interesting thing to see. Both have autism but Lindsey's more artistic and Dave's more scientific. They've been together since 2005 and both have talked about the possibility of marriage. Through the documentary Lindsey had a concern that Dave wasn't really thinking about being with her. But that changed when they went to the spot where they took their first picture as a couple and he proposed to her.

After watching it I scrolled down the comments and found a comment that said "I will be alone forever because of my autism". I disagree with that idea. Autism doesn't make you impossible to love or be loved. Some might call it a good quality about you. The only thing that would make you alone forever is if you choose to have the mind set that no one wants to be with an autistic person. If you want to have a meaningful relationship then you shouldn't be afraid to ask people out. I go on a few dates myself. If I find the girl cute and fun to be around with, whats to stop me from asking her out. Autism isn't a road block nor should it be an excuse not to go on dates. Like Lenny, everyone's got a somebody waiting for them. Not necessarily soul mates just someone who can eventually love you. Love takes time to grow to the point where you want to be with that person forever, just like Lindsey and Dave. And like Stephan, even after death love can last a lifetime. So my suggestion is this, don't ever think that autism will never bring you love. Everyone can love and be loved. Including you

Thank you for you time 
Tay Gallagher

To see "Autism in Love" click the link below


Thursday, January 28, 2016

Between Spectrums

A. U. T. I. S. M.


People have different definitions to what autism really is. For scientists who study it, it's a learning disability. For teachers, it's something that most special kids have. For bullies, it's retards who are easy targets, For parents, it's blessings in disguise. For others who don't quite understand, it's an easy way to avoid work or trouble. There's no definite answer to it, but it's how we each view it as. For me it's something that can be appreciated but doesn't have to define me as an individual. Autism may have flaws to it but it has great traits too. There are plenty of reasons of why autism is awesome. But just to name a few, I would like to put it like this.

A - Adventure: Being autistic or being someone with autism can be an adventure itself. Those who are outgoing can be pretty fun people to be around as they make things cool. Some may be introverted at first but once they get to know you and consider you a friend they can be some of the most coolest people to be around with. One of the ways to describe autism is saying that it's like having adventures in your mind. When it comes to imagination, they are kings and queens of it. Some even become writers.

U - Unique: There's just something about autistic people and their unique personality that makes you to want to wonder and want to ask questions. And the only to do that is to ask them. Some may be nervous to talk about themselves cause they fear that some of their interests may not be appealing. But if you really show interest in getting to know them, then they shouldn't have anything to worry about. 

T - Talent: Whether it be in arts, science, history, math, or anything that interests them. They show great talent that is incredible. Some might be prodigies or might have learned it from an early age. Either way they are extremely talented people.

I - Intelligence: Despite being called a learning disability, people with autism are pretty intelligent. Some even smarter than regular people. The movie "Rain Man" is about an autistic person who may not considered normal but is very smart, Ask him what happened on any date or any math problem and he was able to answer it. Having a learning disability does not mean that you can't learn. One doesn't know the limits to his intelligence till he tries to expand his views and mind.

S - Smiles: Sometimes a smile from anyone can brighten up a day. An autistic person who doesn't get angry a lot and sees things in a positive way can have a smile that lasts for a while.

M - Mystery: Autism is one of the many thing that we don't quite understand. Some can be autistic, some can be aspergers, or somewhere in the spectrum. And if are curious to know how it all works, I suggest you study it to uncover the mystery.

So when ever you wonder about autism, think about A. U. T. I. S. M. or where ever you can find out more.

Thank you for your time
Tay Gallagher   

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Between Spectrums

Up On The Roof


Have you ever got so stressed, angry, upset, etc, that you want to go somewhere so you can just let it fade away? If so you're not alone. People with autism, or somewhere in the spectrum can get stressed out. Some more than others. But they do manage their stress by having coping mechanisms or doing things that they know can calm them down. For example, when I was a kid I would sometimes run back and forth because it was a coping mechanism for me whenever something instance comes up in a movie. As an adult I don't run back and forth but I usually go on a walk or run to either avoid stressful situations or relieve stress. Today I was getting stressed cause I wasn't getting some math questions right. So I stopped and took a walk while listening to some music. There was one song in particular that was really good. Cause it got me thinking about how sometimes we need to go to a quiet place and just let our troubles fade for a bit.

The song's called "Up On The Roof". There are many versions to it, but it's the James Taylor version that really impressed me. In the beginning he talks about how when life gets too much he would go up to the roof. While on the roof, he doesn't let the world bother him but enjoys the peace that comes from lying on a roof and looking up to the stars. Each of us can go to our own roofs to find peace from stress. Not going to a literal roof, but finding something or somewhere that helps you when you're stressed. Sometimes a walk around the park or campus can help a lot. Or listening to positive music with soothing sounds might be better for most people. Whatever it may be, may you roof be a place of peace and stress free.

Thank you for your time
Tay Gallagher

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Between Spectrums

Traits to Work On


Remember when I told you that you can choose from your autistic traits to work on? Well I was thinking about that and I decided to find some of the traits and show them to you so you can see if that sounds like you. Some are similar to me, but I either still work on them or it doesn't bother me as much. 

1. Food Problems - That's pretty common among children but as they grow older they start to try new things and find that they like certain foods. Even autistic children do that, but sometimes when they get older they still eat the same thing without changing. So this could be something to start with. I would recommend starting small like certain vegetables that you don't like. For example I didn't like carrots but after trying one I like it as one of the ways to be healthy. I also didn't like lasagna but after trying some at my mission I really like it. Also figure out why you don't like certain foods. Could it be the texture? taste? smell? color? Whatever the reason, see if you can get past it and try something new.

2. Unusual Responses to Other People - Some people may not like other people touching them, hugging them, or any for of physical contact towards them. They sometimes prefer people who are familiar to them such as family or good friends but even they don't want to be touched by them. This is something that you don't have to do if you're not comfortable with yet. But if you want the comfort of a friend or family you should let them show they care. True they can say they care but just a hug or a simple hand on the shoulder can go a long way.

3. Eye Contact - To show that your listening or your talking to someone, eye contact is important. Also having good eye contact is one of the things in the body language that you're interested in what people have to say. It may be tough to do at first but once you start practicing it gets better.

4. Repetitive Behavior - People with autism tend to do things that may be considered weird. Such as hand flapping, hand shaking, or rocking or spinning of objects. This can be something you can start with. People can control themselves if they choose to do so. But if whatever the reason you can seem to stop you can occupy you hands with something that you can do. Like fixing something or doing a chore that requires you hands. 

There's more traits of autism that you can choose to work on but we'll start with those. If you have any questions just comment below and I'll be happy to answer.

Thank you for your time
Tay Gallagher

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Between Spectrums

Not a Fool in School


Have you ever at some point had a tough time at school? Socially or academically? A few years ago that was the case for Kevin Sergeant. When he was still in elementary school he was antisocial, unhappy, and not doing well at school. People weren't sure that he can go to college or find a job. He would have his hood up, be rude, and have fits of anger, cause he didn't understand people. It wasn't till six years later that his life started to make changes for the better. He was more sociable, more of a good student, and he worked as an intern at the IT department at the Parks and People Foundation. It was there that he started to get into computers. He later chose to do information technology and prepared for it. Learning about computers was easy for Kevin but it was learning to accept directions, working with other people, being on time, and dressing appropriately that was tough for him. But even with his struggles he was a hard worker and was happy doing so. How was this possible? It was from the help he got from his parents, teachers, and programs that helped with the autistic.

Of course that was when Kevin was in high school. I, on the other hand, am at college. It's not as easy as you think. In college you're expected to remind yourself of the due dates of assignments, projects, and papers. You have to work hard if you want the degree that you're going for. For me, I don't need to go to college to be a writer but I choose to because I believe having an education is important and I can't slack off like last time. I'm planning to be better as a student by doing the following things and hopefully as I list them, it can help a bit.

Schedule - Sometimes people with autism need a schedule so they can have a better focus and something to do for a amount of time. I did have a schedule before but I filled it out with the hours of classes of school and had plenty of free time. So I decide to make my schedule more fill out with the things I need to do, not only for school but other things as well. So before you, or someone you know with autism, can sit down and go over a schedule and see what you need to put down so you can fill out the time. 

Tutors - Subjects can be easy for one and hard for the other. If anytime a subject gets tough, Then it's best that you ask where you can find a tutor to help you. You may have to set appointment to do so when you go to college but it can be worth it. Tutors are there to help whenever you need help.

Counselors - When you find a degree that you want to go for, there is a counselor who is there to help with class choices and how many credits you need to graduate. 

Disability Center - If it gets to hard for you to take tests or understanding the subject, then you can go to the disability center and see if you apply for it. Now it's not a sign of weakness if you go there nor does it make you disabled. Just means that you need help and asking for help is okay. Some people who go there don't even have autism or any disability. They go there so they can get the help they need in some way or another.

Just like how Kevin got the help he needs, there are many ways and people who can help you. If you feel that you can do this without help that's fine just don't be a fool in school by slacking off and expecting good grades to be hand delivered to you on a silver platter. And if it gets to a point where you need help, allow yourself to ask and it can get easier.  

Thank for your time
Tay Gallagher