The worst enchilada ever

 

Thick and rubbery Tortilla and not tasty filling. 

The worst ever enchilada ever at Chuy's Tex-Mex

@nashville, TN

Intense World Theory

 

While no single theory fully explains all aspects of autism, each attempts to provide insights into different cognitive and behavioral characteristics.

• This theory posits that the autistic brain is hyper-reactive to sensory stimuli, leading to an "intense world" experience. This hyper-reactivity is thought to result from increased neuronal connectivity and hyper-plasticity.
• Implications: Sensory overload, social withdrawal, heightened anxiety, and a preference for predictable and controlled environments to manage overwhelming stimuli.

Read more on [Intense World Theory]

Posts on other [Theories of Autism]

Trapped in Turmoil

Trapped in Turmoil: SIB and Meltdown

In turmoil deep, the mind doth rage,

A tempest wild, within the cage.

A meltdown fierce, the self doth harm,

A trauma deep, the soul doth alarm.

With autism's veil, the mind doth cope,

But oft it strains, and seeks to elope.

In self-injury, it finds release,

But in the wake, a heart doth cease.

Oh autism, thy ways are hard,

For those who bear thy hidden card.

Urgent call for solutions anon,

And hold us close, with open mind.

#autismsolutions

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A poem on self-injurious behavior which is a reality for many autistics and is terribly traumatizing and battering for both the autistics and others around. We need solutions urgently. 

See this earlier post on SIB & Suicide Ideation in Autistics.

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Joy is the kindness that comes with making a positive impact on others

Contemplation, one line a day. #MentalHealth

 

Be Supported to Joy

Be supported to Joy, is what we need.

Empowerment, Solutions are the seed.

For happiness, our hearts will plead.

True want in life, to live in joy. 

Can we wake up to Joy,

every single day of our lives?

Inspired by Cal Montgomery's FB post. I love your comment Cal. Disabled or not, I think that's all we ever want in life, to live in joy. 

(And thank you Cal, for your kind words about me!!)

Text on Cal's FB post says

I saw this when it came out. It was so beautiful. May we reach a future where every child can be supported to joy. Hari Srinivasan , for one, is working on it.

The link should be open-access.

"“Your kid IS everything!!!!!!” Carey tweeted. “Knox, you made my day. Your JOY gives me and everyone watching JOY. THANK YOU for reminding me why I wake up in the morning and do what I do. I love you.”

“She loves me?” [Knox] asked his mom. “Mariah Carey loves me?”"

Image: Black autistic boy singing with his whole body in front of his classmates.

 

Joy is the generosity that comes with giving from the heart

Contemplation, one line a day. #MentalHealth

 

IACC meeting

 

Joy is the warmth that comes with connections to others

Contemplation, one line a day. #MentalHealth

 

Straddling Two Worlds

Straddling Two Worlds. 

I straddle two worlds, so different it seems,
One of disability, where challenges are extreme,
The other of acceptance, where belonging is key,
But finding a balance, is where I long to be.

Joy is the sense of accomplishment that comes with achieving our goal

Contemplation, one line a day. #MentalHealth

 

A frog hijacked my voice

Been having a sore throat and completely lost my voice for last 2 week now. 

Hope it's not a chronic thing. 

 

Joy is the excitement that comes with new beginning and adventures

Contemplation, one line a day. #MentalHealth

 

Happy Pongal

All set for Pongal this morning, complete with Tiruman and Veshti (traditional attire).

Happy Pongal everyone.  

Ready to make some noise with a plate and spoon along with cries of "Pongal O Pongal" when the clay pot of (newly harvested) cooked rice boils over.

Happy Pongal everyone.

A Pongal lunch spread. While farmers celebrate the rice harvest, we celebrate their hardwork by feasting!! Happy Pongal everyone.

Cal Football

Looking back to to this day

From 3 years back - Basketball Game at Haas Stadium, UC Berkeley

Not gone to any games at new school, but hope to in 2023. 

 

Joy is the serenity that comes from acceptance and letting go

Contemplation, one line a day. #MentalHealth

 

BioMedical Research is IMPORTANT for Autism.

BioMedical Research is IMPORTANT for Autism. 

I wish people stop conflating all Autism Biomedical Research as a cure; cure being something the disability rights movement has been against. Honestly no amount of biomedical research is going to reverse disability but it can go a long way in alleviating some of its more troubling symptoms and health issues. 

Reality is that  a majority of a the moderate-high support autistic individuals do have significant health issues, and other behavioral issues that significantly impact their quality of life. 

WE NEED solutions, including BIOMEDICAL ones and TECH ones in addition to changes in SOCIETAL MINDSET that is the main focus of the neurodiversity movement to address these issues.  

Shutting down all and any biomedical research is a disservice to the autism community. 

SIB's are real. 20% of autistics have SIB. Why are we not looking at SIBs at a physiological level. SIBs leave you battered and traumatized from personal experience. It is something I don't want to live with and I would gladly welcome any research on it. It's not about a CURE, its helping me life a less stressful life - my "pursuit of happiness." 

How can these autistics get to the level of demanding acceptance, inclusion in education and employment that the neurodiversity movement is asking for, if the very same group is denying the very things that gives them to the platform of equity.  

Why can't I have both - the biology to help with my challenges and the accommodations/inclusion of neurodiversity. 

GARS - Gillian Autism Rating Scale

Lexicon [Measures] - GARS 

The GARS (Gillian Autism Rating Scale) is a behavior rating scale that evaluates the presence and severity of autistic symptomatology. GARS assesses various domains related to autism, including social interaction, communication, and stereotyped behaviors. It is administered by a clinician and used for individuals between the ages of 3 and 22 years. 

Limitations

• potential for subjective interpretation
• reliance on observer ratings
• lack of comprehensive assessment of other domains, such as cognitive abilities or co-occurring conditions.

Scoring & Interpretation

The GARS questionnaire consists of 56 items that assess various behaviors and characteristics related to autism. These items are grouped into three main categories: Stereotyped Behaviors, Communication, and Social Interaction. Each item on the GARS is scored on a 4-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (Not Applicable) to 3 (Severe). The total score is derived by summing the individual item scores, providing an overall indication of the severity of autistic symptoms. Higher scores indicate more severe symptomatology.

History: The GARS was developed by James E. Gilliam in 1995. It was designed as a tool to aid in the identification and assessment of individuals with ASD.

Citation:

Gilliam, J. E. (1995). Gilliam Autism Rating Scale. Austin, TX: PRO-ED.

Joy is the happiness that radiates from within and touches others

Contemplation, one line a day. #MentalHealth

 

Light Snowfall

Snowflakes dance in the air,
Falling softly, without a care.

But to college neuroscience I must go
Blood brain barriers and biophysiology today
I did not like walking in that cold

The cold bites, the wind moans.
Goosebumps, hard to withstand.
Though it's harsh, it's also grand.

Snow today

Another round of snow today. Just a light snowfall like a constant drizzle of rain all day. Had to go to college anyway. Had to walk from the parking lot to class and then move from one building to next for the next class.  It was gloomy at 4pm and quite cold at 36 F.