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Picky Eating
I used to eat the same meal for lunch every day. My parents would make me the same meal until I asked for something different. This normally lasted a month or two before I switched to something new. I would then get out of my routine and visit my grandparents. At 11:30 AM when I was supposed to have lunch, I would walk into the kitchen and sit down at the table and wait. My
Transitions
Having autism, transitions have always been difficult. Especially going from a preferred activity to a non preferred activity or even just leaving a preferred activity can be difficult. Especially when I was younger, having something really enjoyable take place was a rarity and I wanted to hold onto it as long as I could. I just didn’t understand clinging too long would turn into a sensory overload or a melt down. I didn’t have the
Why Are We So Quick To Villainies The Label Of Autism?
Why are we so quick to villainies the label of autism? When someone achieves something, we say they overcame their autism. All my achievements have come from my strengths due to having autism. My achievements in life have happened due to having autism. Yes parts of my autism get in my way at times and I have to overcome those parts of autism, but I also have strengths that give me the ability to do
OurTism Has A Home With The Friendship Foundation
OurTism, partnering with the Friendship Foundation, is offering an exciting new program empowering adults with an Asperger’s syndrome or similar autism spectrum profiles. We incorporate various evidence based, personalized strategies to help individuals and the people who love them lead a more purposeful and satisfactory life. We are excited to be launching an individualized coaching program called LifeMap with 10 years of proven successes. LifeMap is a person-centered plan which determines appropriate goals and strategies;
The Violence Of Happiness
This is a guest post by Charlie Zuker. Happiness is a violent emotion in me. It’s a stewing feeling, ready to burst at any moment. But it can’t. Humans are social creatures. We long to share our emotions with others. But happiness is a violent emotion in me, so I can’t share it. I lock it in a jar and put it inside me, but it slips out into a sudden jog as I begin
The World Is Loud Sometimes
The world is very loud sometimes. It’s always telling me things. It thinks everything it has to say is so important. Like that fan over there, it’s spinning and buzzing. I heard it the first time the universe let me know it was there and what it was doing, but it has to keep informing me. So I am having a hard time listening to this very important conversation. The world doesn’t think this conversation
LifeMap
We are so excited to be launching LifeMap: Life~Management~Assistance~Program LifeMap is intensive, individualized coaching for high school and post-high school adults who have Asperger syndrome or a related profile. Our coaches work with clients to identify appropriate goals and then develop strategies that build upon existing strengths and skills to meet those goals. For example, we have helped clients with everything from basic life skills (such as proper hygiene), transitioning to college, searching for a
Autism Anthem
Chloe Estelle is a 21 yr old film student with Autism. Here is a beautiful video she made showing Asperger’s/Autism in film and television.

Chloe Estelle Shares Some Insights On Why She Had Tantrums.
Tantrums Its been a long time since I had a meltdown like this. I remember that feeling though. Of not wanting to do something so bad that I would just repeat “no” over and over if not out loud then in my head. “No, I don’t want to go. Don’t make me go. I can’t go.” over and over and over. There was this fear that was so massive, I can’t even explain. And it
What an amazing day participating in the Skechers Pier to Pier Walk!
I want to thank Lillian for signing up 20 students from CIP, Long Beach (College Internship Program) to walk with team OurTism. Check out some fun photos from todays event.
“I’m Sorry You Have Autism”
So my life revolves around autism or maybe autism revolves around me. Whichever it is, autism is a huge part of my life. I can’t escape it and I have accepted that. So as it goes, I was at he Walking Dead premiere and the man who sat in front of me had an eye patch on. At first I thought it might be a Woodbury reference, but he wasn’t in costume. Either way, he
Moving in to College
Last year was my first of college (or university for those outside the USA.) I normally do everything with my twin sister. We lost out first tooth together. We went from pre-school to elementary school together and then from elementary to middle school together, and finally to high school. This was the first time I was doing something without her. She took a gap year and I attended college. I remember calling her and she
Schools Back in Session – Lets Talk Accommodations
WHAT ARE CLASS ROOM ACCOMMODATIONS? Accommodations are changes that make it easier for your child to learn. They don’t change what your child is learning accommodations are designed to give students different ways to learn and demonstrate knowledge of the same material as other students their age. For example, my daughter, Chloe is a slow processor and was failing written tests but when given the same test verbally, she knew everything. Modifying the presentation of
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