A veil of sorrow surrounds me.
What is the expectation of me?
Disability is a weight indeed.
Uncertain Fate
Will I be allowed to strive and thrive
Or always be left just barely alive?
Staying afloat, with hope so thin,
Struggling each day, just to survive within.
Staying afloat, with hope so thin,
Struggling each day, just to survive within.
Overwhelmed
I feel overwhelmed today
Waves of doubt come crashing in.
Waiting on undefined academic expectations, I'm supposed to meet
Disability adds weight to my limbs,
And anxiety skyrockets within.
Waves of doubt come crashing in.
Waiting on undefined academic expectations, I'm supposed to meet
Disability adds weight to my limbs,
And anxiety skyrockets within.
Resilience Mindset
If you fail, don't give up! Remember..
FAIL means First Attempt In Learning. Each failure is a step towards mastery. Keep trying.
END means Effort Never Dies. Persistence is key to success, so keep working hard.
If someone says NO, think of it as the Next Opportunity. Explore new avenues and ideas.
This way of thinking is called the Resilience Mindset.
We can transform obstacles into opportunities for growth and discovery, highlighting the importance of persistence and determination in forging ahead.
A resilience mindset helps you stay positive and keep going, even when things are tough. Change your mindset and see failure as a chance to learn and grow.
Disheartened
I feel disheartened today
Can the sun's rays chase the gray?
Grad School challenges run deep.
Disability already a minefield
Can the sun's rays chase the gray?
Grad School challenges run deep.
Disability already a minefield
How do I handle this?
Moving forward
Resilience is the ability to keep moving forward, even when the path is difficult.
- Hari Srinivasan
Qualifying Exams
Qual Exams
Testing under a spotlight
Qual committee faculty eyes
A ocean of neuroscience to dissect
Luck of the draw, may their queries be kind
May I excel in the knowledge they seek
Seeking E-I balance in my autism boat
GABA calm, steadying its float
Excitatory neurotransmitters of knowledge shine bright.
Balance, focus, 3 hours in sight.
Sensory systems, keep external distractions beat.
Stimming and anxiety, please take a backseat.
Motor systems must be well-oiled, ready to move.
All systems aligned, in perfect groove.
Internal systems, heed my call.
Cooperate and align, one and all.
On this day, let knowledge and calm prevail.
A positive outcome, I must entail.
Externally, pray
lots of positive energy flows my way.
Diagnostic Overshadowing
In PlainSpeak for the Lay Reader
Diagnostic overshadowing happens when doctors or healthcare workers focus so much on a person's autism that they miss other health problems the person might have. This can mean that other illnesses or conditions are not noticed or treated properly.
Key Points:
Mixing Up Symptoms: Sometimes, signs of other health problems are mistaken as just part of autism. For example, if an autistic person feels very anxious or has stomach pain, it might be seen as just them acting up due to autism instead of a separate issue.
Communication Barriers: Many autistic people find it hard to explain their feelings or symptoms and may have other communication challenges. This can make it harder for doctors to understand what's really going on.
Assumptions: Doctors might assume all problems are because of autism and not look for other causes. This can lead to missed diagnoses. Usually any acting up behaviors is redirected back to behavior therapy, when they actually needed different solutions.
Lack of Training: Not all doctors know how to spot other health problems in autistic people. They might need more training to do this well.
Poor Treatment: If other health issues are not found, the person might not get the right treatment. This can affect their immediate and long term health and well-being.
Examples:
Mental Health: If an autistic person is feeling very sad or has depression, it might be ignored because it's thought to be just part of their autism.
Physical Health: If an autistic person has pain in their stomach, it might be seen as just a behavior issue rather than a real medical problem.
How to Fix This:
Thorough Check-Ups: Doctors should look at the whole person and not just their autism. They should check for other health issues and underlying issues too.
Better Training: Doctors should learn more about how to spot other health problems in autistic people.
Clear Communication: Finding better ways for autistic people to share how they feel can help doctors understand their symptoms better.
Awareness: Helping everyone, including caregivers and educators, and professionals understand that autistic people can have other health problems too.
Versions of this post
ADA is 34 years old
Celebrating the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law, marking a historic milestone for disability rights. The ADA has been instrumental in prohibiting discrimination against the disabled in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and public and private places open to the general public.
The journey to the ADA's signing was fueled by the relentless efforts of dedicated disability rights activists. One pivotal moment in this movement was the televised and widely viewed Capitol Crawl on March 12, 1990. Hundreds of disability rights activists gathered in Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to pass the ADA. As part of the protest, dozens of individuals with disabilities left their wheelchairs and crawled up the 83 stone steps of the U.S. Capitol building, dramatically demonstrating the barriers they faced in everyday life. Among them was an 8-year-old girl named Jennifer Keelan, whose participation powerfully symbolized the need for change. Her determination and courage, along with that of others, highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive legislation to protect the rights of people with disabilities.
Key figures in the disability rights movement played crucial roles in advocating for the ADA. The late Judith Heumann (we miss you Judy), a lifelong advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, was instrumental in the fight for the ADA. Her leadership and tireless advocacy helped bring disability rights to the forefront of national consciousness. Ed Roberts, known as the father of the independent living movement, also significantly influenced the disability rights movement, emphasizing the importance of self-determination and community-based support. There were countless others whose contributions were vital in making the ADA a reality, reflecting a broad and united effort toward equality and inclusion.
The ADA consists of five titles, each addressing different aspects of public life:
- Title I – Employment: Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations.
- Title II – Public Services: Ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to public services, programs, and activities, including public transportation.
- Title III – Public Accommodations: Prohibits discrimination in public accommodations such as restaurants, hotels, and stores, and requires accessible facilities.
- Title IV – Telecommunications: Mandates accessible telecommunications services, including relay services for individuals with hearing and speech impairments.
- Title V – Miscellaneous Provisions: Contains various provisions, including protections against retaliation and coercion, and guidelines for the implementation of the ADA.
It's humbling that laws like the ADA enable disabled individuals like me to avail of opportunities such as getting into college or even embarking on a PhD journey. Such a thing would have been unimaginable earlier. The ADA's passage represents the collective effort and resilience of countless individuals who fought for equality and accessibility. As we commemorate the 34th anniversary of the ADA, we honor the legacy of those activists and reaffirm our commitment to advancing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
Related Posts: [Disability Legislation], [Disability Rights], [Disability History] [Autism Cares], [ADA], [Capitol Crawl] [Olmstead Act], [Section 504],
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)