Funkonovo/Allison's autism Blog

I'm not waiting for Christmas. I compiled a wish list regarding housing that takes into account the special need of the ASD individual with life-limiting sensory processing disorder (SPD). First, I state why living in an "anything goes" neighborhood (where most people live) is unhealthy and unsafe.     -Randomness; lack of routine and predictability as faced in most typical living environments. -          Chance for harm: victimization due to natural gullibility (lack of “street smarts”). -          Lack of adequate transportation due to not being able to drive a car or tolerate the sensory overload of public transportation. -          Staying inside, isolated from the community due to auditory and visual sensory overload. -          High blood pressure due to pervasive environmenta...

I call this "Dancing with herselves" Being lonely is different from being alone. Being alone, for me, is when I have had enough sensory input from a person and/or environment. It is a choice. Being lonely is something I have little choice over. Due to the severe limitations of my autism spectrum disorder, I don’t have the simple luxury of calling up a friend to see if they are free for coffee or a walk in the park.  My only friend lives 45 minutes away and due to age, can’t drive long distances on a constant basis. I cannot drive. What support and socialization that does exist is for disabled people who can go anywhere and be exposed to everything as long as it is ADA compliant. I am alone in my home without human contact 6 days a week for 90% of my day. My sister does her best, but she, like my aunt, has a life that includes shared experiences with other people. Mine doesn’t. Nobody else in my family or community is interested in relating to me. I notice ...

  Disconnected  I am a typewriter that cannot write I am a radio that cannot play music I am a phone that cannot ring. I am a lamp that cannot throw any light I am a doorbell that cannot chime I am a car that cannot drive I am a television that cannot give you a picture But if you plug me into help and services For an adult with Asperger’s Syndrome and sensory processing disorder I can thrive and contribute  The question is, will you? A poem for politicians, social service agencies and those generally interested in my general welfare.

  In 2007, my mom, aunt and I went to an autism "support" group. I don't remember how I found out about the group, but I had asked via e-mail if there was anything for adults. The group leader said no (of course), but that they might consider starting an adult group. This was a group run by parents of autistic kids. Pro Autism Speaks. They were the main ones present at the meetings. There was only 1 other autistic adult who had mild intellectual disability and didn't come very often. Not long after my query, I was contacted to say that they would put one on the schedule and was e-mailed a copy. I was excited. An outlet for me. Resources and sympathy available for my 67-year-old mom. My mom said she had a bad vibe from the first meeting. I didn't see it, but by the 4th time it became clear: they were a clique, and if you thought thoughts apart from the clique then they hurt you. When my mother voiced her opposing opinion of Autism Speaks a...