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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 Sep 14, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 121 - Should you Ask Someone if They’re Autistic?
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Thursday Sep 14, 2023
Many people wonder if it's okay to ask someone if they're autistic. So, I decided to tackle this question and take a look at motives, reasons, and methods of asking.
Today, I'll share some of the tips how you can approach the subject, and some of the reasons why you might not want to go there. I'll lay it all out there on how I would feel if you asked if I was autistic today, 10 years ago, or 20 years ago.
I'll let you in on a secret: there's nothing wrong with wondering if someone is Left of Normal. Often there's nothing wrong with asking. Most people will mess up the approach though.
Friday Sep 08, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 120 - Dealing with Social Expectations for Autistics
Friday Sep 08, 2023
Friday Sep 08, 2023
Social expectations are (largely) unwritten rules created by a society to help keep everything flowing properly and helping everyone get along.
The problem is they assume a specific skill set - a set that the majority of people have.
Most people don't need training for it, they just intuitively know how to navigate following these expectations or norms.
For some, such as those on the autism spectrum, with ADHD, or another neurodivergent way of thinking, those expectations need to be learned. But nobody teaches them, we just have to figure them out on our own.
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 119 - Why Autistcs Suck at Most Jobs Part 2 of 2
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Thursday Aug 31, 2023
Episode 118 talked about why the jobs suck. This episode we get into why entrepreneurship is often a better idea for those who are on the spectrum.
I'll go through the five considerations of what happens at a traditional job, and how being self-employed circumvents those sucky situations.
There are, however, some parts of being entrepreneur that are difficult, and some of those difficulties are compounded by being Left of Normal. We'll talk about that, and another episode in the future will get into how autism plays a deleterious role.
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 118 - Why Autistics Suck at Most Jobs Part 1 of 2
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Friday Aug 25, 2023
This was going to be an episode on how those with autism manage the world of being an entrepreneur, running a business, and lead teams or groups... but setting the stage took a bit longer than expected, so entrepreneurship will come next week.
In this episode we take a gander at a variety of jobs that I had, and why they all sucked. Why I bombed interviews if I could even get an interview, and why I allowed myself to be walked all over when I was in my 20's.
Because jobs are rarely spectrum friendly, and interviews are by nature discriminatory against those on the spectrum, it's estimated that 80% of autistics are unemployed or underemployed.
Next week's episode will discuss how to beat the system, stick it to the man (by becoming the man), and work in a capacity that is in line with the neurodivergent mind.
Friday Aug 18, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 117 - What Causes Autism?
Friday Aug 18, 2023
Friday Aug 18, 2023
There are a ton of myths out there around autism (not dissimilar to most, well, everything in the world). The myths are about what causes the condition, how do you "cure" it, and more.
Why do they persist? Why do people continue to perpetuate them? And better yet, what's the truth?
This episode we talk about vaccines and autism, how to discover if you (or a child) are on the spectrum, as well as diagnoses and more.
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 116 - A Child’sTake on Nature and Adventure
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Nature is a fantastic way to help neurodivergent minds navigate the world. For me, it's because nature is safe, predictable, and exciting.
Studies show that being immersed in nature is great for everyone - it's the Japanese concept of Shinrin Yoku - but especially for those with ASD and ADHD.
Today, we're talking about an upcoming adventure: climbing Granite Peak - Montana's highest point. Holden will be going along and hopefully he will conquer the mountain at just 10 years old.
By the time most listen to this we will have summited, or died trying... okay, maybe we won't die trying, but you get the point.
Friday Jul 21, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 115 - Parenting as a Left of Normal
Friday Jul 21, 2023
Friday Jul 21, 2023
A lot of people love to bemoan how hard parenting is. Yes, it can be difficult at times.
If you're on the Autism Spectrum, and you're a parent, do you feel there are certain challenges to overcome?
As a Left of Normal parent, I found some aspects were quite easy - especially the parts where I just played with a baby all day long. Other aspects are quite difficult - such as where processes and rules are completely ignored.
Today we look at some parenting woes, wins, and what to dos.
Sunday Jul 09, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 114 - You’re So Annoying
Sunday Jul 09, 2023
Sunday Jul 09, 2023
Those on the spectrum can be really annoying sometimes.
And we often know that we're annoying. The problem arises with the fact that we can't really control it - many of those annoying traits and quirks for those on the autism spectrum are largely outside of their control.
So what do you do when a Left of Normal is annoying you? Let's talk about that.
Friday Jun 30, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 113 - Boundaries on the Spectrum
Friday Jun 30, 2023
Friday Jun 30, 2023
A listener chimed in recently and asked about boundaries, especially with children on the spectrum. I pondered it a bit, and realized that for a long time my own boundaries were rubbish.
The problem was that trying to please too many people meant not caring for myself.
Of course, now that I have set those boundaries, I tend to come off as rude, standoffish, and arrogant.
Today we'll look at how Left of Normal folks set boundaries, how we see boundaries in the normies, and some ideas on how to encourage Left of Normal children to understand them, set, and respect them.
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Left of Normal Episode 112 - Why You are a Great Leader with Dave Nordel
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Thursday Jun 22, 2023
Today we have a guest on the podcast who really knows his stuff when it comes to leadership.
Dave Nordel spent 30 years in the Air Force. During that time he learned a ton of valuable lessons on leading others, investing in people, and helping everyone grow and do better. He has a passion for mental health and ensuring that people who need a little boost get the boost they're looking for.
Whether you believe you're a leader or not, the truth is that you have it in you to guide and inspire others. Follow Dave to learn more, buy his first book "Giving Back!" and his upcoming second book "When the Cows Lie Down" You can find Dave via the links below:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-nordel-85265246/
https://maxfabconsulting.com/
https://www.amazon.com/Giving-Back-Leadership-Combat-Beyond-ebook/dp/B0C51SSW2B