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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
7 days ago
7 days ago
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:
Facebook: Your Speaking Voice
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Parenting as a Left of Normal - Episode 145
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Friday Apr 19, 2024
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.
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Understanding Girls with Autism with Amy Taylor - 144
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
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.
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Stay Feral My Friends - 143
Friday Apr 05, 2024
Friday Apr 05, 2024
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.
Thursday Mar 21, 2024
Positivity Matters with Kadin McElwain - 142
Thursday Mar 21, 2024
Thursday Mar 21, 2024
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.
You can find Kadin and read his writing in these places:
Facebook
Instagram
The Sports Column
Home School Counseling Network
The Everyday Fan
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
Solitude on the Spectrum - 141
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
Thursday Mar 14, 2024
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.
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Understanding the Rage Fest - Left of Normal Episode 140
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
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.
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.