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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
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!
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 128 - Turkey Day Shenanigans
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
It's Thanksgiving-ish time! This 'cast was posted the day after Turkey Day, so it's a little untimely.
But the concepts are still there, the stories still applicable, and the ideas can flow from Thanksgiving into Christmas.
These times can be stressful on a lot of people, whether they are on the Autism spectrum or not. For those who do live with ASD, they can be especially stressful as routines are changed, mushy food is served, and expectations vary.
For those who are Left of Normal, or those who have a Left of Normal family member, check out some of the holiday tips to get through with your sanity intact.
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 127 - Neuro Linguistic Programming with Suzie DeBar
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Today we have a guest on the 'cast. I met Suzie DeBar a number of years ago through a networking group I was part of. She was starting a new business around the same time I started mine, and we were able to support each others' growth.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to write her family story in a magazine that I was helping with run by Aubrey Kincaid - whom I call "obnoxious" in this episode.
Today, Suzie has shifted her focus to NLP coaching. Where she helps people break down the mental barriers that are keeping them from their goals. It's fascinating and could very much benefit the autistic and ADHD community.
Along with NLP we discuss her experiences with people on the spectrum, we have a couple stories about people on the autism spectrum who were training clients and how she noticed a specific way to to train them that created instant engagement.
Find Suzie on Facebook, or check out her website: https://www.dbcoachandtrain.com/ to learn more about her and what she does.
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 126 - How to Practice Self-Compassion
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
There's a myth out there that autistic people don't feel empathy. That's not quite true, it's really that most Left of Normal folks don't know how to express empathy.
Then, there's the idea of sympathy. Where often sympathy is shown, when empathy is needed.
Wrap those up together with an action plan, and you get compassion.
Now, how does self-compassion play into this empathy, sympathy, compassion conundrum? Today's 'cast dives into how it all should look and how those on the spectrum can get stuck in a self-pity loop when they need to bust free with self-compassion.
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 125 - Sports Talk with Mitch Bohn
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
Thursday Nov 02, 2023
I have never been hugely into sports - not organized stuff anyway. But today's guest is all about them. Possibly the sportsiest nut I know. Mitch Bohn, however, has a unique perspective due to his situation.
Today's episode gets into Mitch's positive view on life, how he ended up in the broadcast/podcast world, where he hopes to go in life, and why he's into sports. We talk about his interactions with those on the spectrum and some of the insights he has learned over the years.
In the episode we talk about his podcasts. You can check out Wide Left Sports (by clicking the name, it's hyperlinked), or Chin Music with Mitch and Tony (again, clicky clicky, that one is actually on YouTube).
Follow Kickin' It with Leif on Facebook as well as Adventures in Heels with Leah - or check out www.985wolf.com between 7am and 9am to hear Leif's show and 11 - 1 for Leah's.