We're about in the middle of Autism Awareness Month, and there's a bit more of a buzz this year than I've seen in years past.  Perhaps more people are vocal online.

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 don't always overthink things, but when I do, I catastrophize.

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.

Today we get to hear from an expert in the field of Autism.

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:

Today we're diving into the world of emotions.  We'll take a look at why Left of Normal people tend to come across as having no empathy.  We'll also take a peek at the difference between the two different kinds of empathy.

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

Our guest today has one simple message: don't be stagnant.

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:

LinkedIn: Your Speaking Voice

Your Speaking Voice Website

There's a whole lot of information out there about how to parent an autistic child. There's not a lot of information out there about parenting as someone on the autism spectrum.

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.

Today's 'cast has a guest: Amy Taylor.

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.

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Advancing with Amy

After a couple of busy weeks, this episode wasn't going to happen... but then it did.

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.

Today's episode has a guest joining us.

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.

Many Left of Normal individuals prefer to be alone the majority of the time.  There are some obvious reasons, and some others that we'll explore in this episode.

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.