Updating some notes on my life, for both personal reasons and to reconsider the aborted autobiography on life without knowing you are autistic, is depressing. A long list of personal and professional failings. Writing is my refuge, even though I haven’t made a career of it. When I get paid…
Category: Employment
Posts on the employment challenges faced by autistics.
While many people seem eager for a “return to normal” as we shelter-at-home during the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m not ready for normal. The coronavirus situation only reinforces how comfortable my wife and I are not running around town or dashing about just to be doing something different. This isn’t to…
And so the “Coronavirus Disease 2019” (COVID-19) has led to the cancellation of my medical appointments (including a minor surgery) , the closure of our YMCA, an extended spring break for our daughters, runs on basic grocery items, a national toilet paper shortage (that isn’t real, but caused by panic),…
We are all more than what observers believe us to be. It’s been brought to my attention that The Autistic Me blog and podcast have been located and read by potential employers. I am not The Autistic Me, and anyone assuming to know me from this blog alone — or…
Exercise is a matter of staying alive and healthy for me. When I don’t exercise every two to four hours, I get a headache and chest pains. The palsy increases, as do my autistic sensory issues. Add to this the inevitable anxiety (panic), I know exactly what I need to…
The year 2020 needs to be more relaxed, and that means adjusting my plans and goals. Now that I’m in my 50s, it doesn’t make much sense to keep chasing some goals that are unlikely. They might happen, but chasing them would be too emotionally and physically draining. Parenting Responsibility…
Welcome to 2020. The year 2019 wasn’t too bad and I have to assume 2020 will be better. Yes, there were disappointments and struggles in 2019, but overall it was a good year. My wife and I officially became the adoptive parents of our two daughters. We love them and…
Q: I read your blog and listen to the podcast, but you don’t mention any of the positives of being autistic? Where is your autistic pride? I don’t have any autistic pride. That should be evident, as I replied to the parent asking me the question. It isn’t that I…
Podcast Episode 0032; Season 03, Episode 04; October 29, 2019 Driving isn’t easy for me and many autistics avoid driving. Some of the challenges are the same ones I experience as a passenger on public transit, especially the sounds and vibrations. I don’t like to feel crowded, either. Heavy traffic…
When I went off to graduate school in 2004, it was because I couldn’t stop chasing the dream of teaching. After the master’s degree, I chased the doctorate, trying to improve my chances at that elusive higher-education job. And then, the master of fine arts in 2017, capping a 13-year…