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 ..read more

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. Facebook LinkedIn Advancing with Amy ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ep ..read more

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 ..read more

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 ..read more

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 do ..read more

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 ..read more