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   

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

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

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