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In 1994 Asperger’s Syndrome was officially recognized. In 2013, it was no longer an official diagnosis. Today, it all falls under the category of Austism Spectrum Disorder. In my mind I see it as a line, right in the middle is what we label as “Normal”; the far left being severe autism, and the far right being an unlabeled disorder I call highly social with no social skills. I am left of normal. As an introverted, left of normal, entrepreneur and business owner, I have encountered a ton of unique problems in my life that required out-of-the-box solutions. Let’s work together to create a better world, learn how to adapt, and thrive as we live life to the Left of Normal.
Episodes
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Left of Normal Episode 138 - Planning to Make Plans and Planning to Organize
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Some Left of Normals are great planners. Some are terrible planners. I love planning. I love planning to make plans. My plans include planning other plans and organizing and systematizing.
One of the areas where I love plans and organization is in travel. I'll even create mock travel plans for vacations I know I will never take.
Today's episode looks at the link between #autism and making these plans, as well as the hyperfixation that comes with them.
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Friday Feb 09, 2024
Among the neurospicy folks, there are many that struggle with executive functioning skills.
These skills are the decision making processes, the ability to stay on task, remember what needs 'membered, and the ability to be self-driven.
When the skills are lacking, it's called executive dysfunction. This episode looks into what that dysfunction looks like among the #autism community and how to (sort of) overcome it.
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Left of Normal Episode 136 - Burnout of the Gifted Kid
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Thursday Feb 01, 2024
Often those who are Left of Normal are labeled as "gifted." In my case it was the result of just doing the work as told - I was told to get the work done, so I put my head down and got the work done. As a result, I learned a bunch of stuff.
After school, and into adulthood, however, things got less clear. They weren't as easy as "put your head down and get the work done." Struggles ensue, and many of those who kicked ass in their youth, now are burnt out and struggle with anxiety, depression, and more.
Tune in and see how #autism affects burnout and what to do so you don't set your kids up to struggle later in life.
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
Left of Normal Episode 135 - Struggles the LoN Business Owner Encounters
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
Thursday Jan 25, 2024
Running a business can be difficult. But it's considerably easier than working for someone else.
Finding a job as a Left of Normal is excruciating. Landing a job is even harder. Creating your own job has a whole different set of hurdles, but some that can be overcome with the right resources in place.
Today's episode talks about what it takes to run a business as a Left of Normal, and what those hurdles are that we face - and how anyone can help their business owner, professional, and entrepreneur friends with very little effort and time.
Friday Jan 19, 2024
Left of Normal Episode 134 - Well Intentioned Phrases that are Stupid
Friday Jan 19, 2024
Friday Jan 19, 2024
Today's 'cast dives into three phrases that many of us hear quite often. The intention behind them is to help inspire, or to encourage one to do better, but the words given are really not that good.
Many of these are nonsensical to not just those on the Autism Spectrum, or with some other neurospicy divergency, but also to those who are normies. I believe the difference is that the normies somehow know the true meaning behind them - still unclear on that part though.
Leave a comment. Are there any other quips and phrases that you hear often that have minimal meaning behind them?
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Left of Normal Episode 133 - How I am Transitioning to a Cyborg
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
I recently had knee surgery. I don't see it so much as going through surgery, but upgrading from factory defaults.
Today's episode goes through the badassery that led to this current surgery. How the injury started, how it progressed, and where I am today.
Through it all I have maintained my awesomeness - likely even increased awesomeness considerably.
Friday Dec 29, 2023
Friday Dec 29, 2023
Resolutions are whack.
This episode looks at why those resolutions are whack, what you can do to make better resolutions, goals, commitments, etc. etc. and all of that New Year New Me stuff.
We'll also spend some time on New Year's parties. Why those on the Autism spectrum don't care for them, and what some of us Left of Normal's like to do this time of year.
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 131 - Compassion on the Spectrum and Amongst Siblings
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Thursday Dec 14, 2023
Compassion has to be learned. Those on the Autism spectrum, however, have a little harder time learning it. While normies can often just pick things up, it's a conscious effort for those that are Left of Normal.
Does that struggle give the LoN a pass to not have to show as much compassion? If they fail to learn it, do they deserve less compassion coming to them?
How about siblings, should parents favor the Left of Normal child over the normie children? Should siblings be required to show compassion to each other regardless of where they fall on the spectrum?
All these questions and more are discussed in this episode!
Friday Dec 08, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 130 - Childhood ASD Traits that go Unnoticed
Friday Dec 08, 2023
Friday Dec 08, 2023
Let's take a look back and identify some of the spectrum traits that went unnoticed. From lining items up, to uncomfortable clothing, to making and keeping friends, today's episode picks out some things from my childhood that I now see as early identifiers of being Left of Normal.
Recognizing these traits early on can help create a better living environment for your child that may be on the Autism spectrum.
Modern psychology is better at identifying younger kids who happen to have ASD, but it starts with awareness in the home. Notice the traits and support them.
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Friday Dec 01, 2023
Often, those who are Left of Normal prefer to communicate in writing. There are a number of reasons, not the least of which it's easier to know when it's your turn to "talk."
For me, it spills out into other areas of my life in addition to merely communication. I turned my ability to write clearly into a career.
In this episode I give a shout out to my friend Shane Fichter. Shane used journaling to help hone his mindset. He used this to help bring him from a life of addiction, to a life of inspiration. Check him out on social media, or find him at https://havocmindset.com/ to learn more about his journey and how he can teach you to use journaling like this.
We go through a lot more, check it out!