Left of Normal with Scott Sery

Understanding the Rage Fest - Left of Normal Episode 140

Autistic meltdowns, as portrayed by Hollywood, involve what look like toddler temper-tantrums.

But that's not always how reactions to being overstimulated occur.  Some meltdowns are quiet, some are passive, and some come across as a lot of anger.

The difference is that the rage from a tantrum is targeted and manipulative; the rage from a meltdown is (to an extent) uncontrollable and the brain reverting to a more base nature as it resets.

Get in on the rage fest with this episode about meltdowns and anger.  PS I'm trying something different, by moving the title to the front and the episode number to the end, perhaps more people will be able to see this.

Left of Normal Episode 138 - Planning to Make Plans and Planning to Organize

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.

Left of Normal Episode 137 - Functionally Frustrated with Executive Dysfunction

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.

Left of Normal Episode 136 - Burnout of the Gifted Kid

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.

Left of Normal Episode 135 - Struggles the LoN Business Owner Encounters

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.

Left of Normal Episode 134 - Well Intentioned Phrases that are Stupid

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?

Left of Normal Episode 133 - How I am Transitioning to a Cyborg

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.

Left of Normal Episode 132 - Your Resolutions are Terrible and Set you up to Fail

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.

Left of Normal Episode 131 - Compassion on the Spectrum and Amongst Siblings

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!

Left of Normal Episode 130 - Childhood ASD Traits that go Unnoticed

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.