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Showing posts from April, 2025

Autism and Schooling: Are We Giving Our Kids PTSD?

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Hey everyone, welcome back to The Aspie World! I'm Dan, and on this channel, I tackle topics related to autism, ADHD, OCD, and dyslexia to educate and empower individuals on the spectrum. If you're new here and eager to join the conversation, hit that subscribe button and click the notification bell so you never miss a video. Today, I want to dive into a topic that's close to my heart—autism and schooling. It's a discussion that needs to be had because, like many of you, my own experiences in school were distressing. In fact, they left me with what I can only describe as PTSD, particularly from my high school years. I share a lot more about this in my book "Autism for Adults," which you can find [here](link to your book). Before we delve deeper into this topic, I want to thank today's sponsor, Brilia. Brilia offers a non-prescription, homeopathic, non-addictive medicine designed to enhance clarity, reduce stress, anxiety, and impulsivity, and impro...

Understanding High Functioning Autism: What You Need to Know

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Hey everyone, welcome back to The Aspy World! I'm Dan, and today we're diving into a topic that's often misunderstood: high functioning autism. But before we get into it, let's clear up a few things. If you're interested in autism life hacks and tips, be sure to grab my free Autism Life Hacks PDF book at autismlifehacks.net. The link is in the description below. Alright, let's get started! What is High Functioning Autism? High functioning autism is a term that has been widely used in the past to describe individuals on the autism spectrum who exhibit strong verbal skills, cognitive abilities, and the ability to function relatively independently in daily life. However, it's important to note that this term has fallen out of favor in recent years due to its potential to oversimplify and misrepresent the diverse experiences and needs within the autism community. Why the Term "High Functioning Autism" is Problematic The term "hig...

Navigating Success: My Journey as an Autistic Individual

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For many years, I wandered in the fog of uncertainty, grappling with an identity shaped by autism—a diagnosis I received at 26. It was a pivotal moment that shed light on my existential struggles. Amidst the chaos, I discovered ten essential strategies that have not only supported my personal and professional growth but have allowed me to embrace my uniqueness and redefine what success means to me. The Transformative Power of Journaling Journaling has been a pivotal part of my life. It’s not just about writing; it’s about understanding myself. Keeping a detailed journal is more than a habit; it’s a lifeline. Here’s why it matters: 1. Importance of Keeping a Detailed Journal When I first started journaling, I didn’t realize how much it would change my life. I carry a small notebook everywhere. In it, I jot down every emotion, thought, goal, and worry. This practice helps...

The Importance of Physical Exercise for Girls on the Autism Spectrum

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Hey guys, welcome back to The Aspie World! My name is Dan, and I have autism and ADHD. My mission is to make weekly videos to educate both you and myself about autism. If you want to join me on this journey and help build a future together, hit that subscribe button and click the notification bell. You can also follow me on Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms where I upload four videos a day, every day. Why Exercise Matters for Girls on the Autism Spectrum I've talked a lot about the benefits of exercise and autism in general, but I haven’t specifically addressed why physical activity is particularly important for girls on the autism spectrum. Let’s dive into that. Dopamine Chasing and Gender Differences When we think about autism and physical exercise, dopamine chasing comes to mind. Everyone, autistic or not, seeks dopamine hits. Boys often gravitate toward extreme sports and high-intensity activities, which provide substantial dopamine boosts. T...

What Is Asperger's Syndrome?

Asperger's Syndrome: Understanding, Diagnosis, and Support What Is Asperger's Syndrome? Asperger’s Syndrome, historically recognized as a distinct neurodevelopmental condition, is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. Although it is no longer diagnosed as a separate condition — having been absorbed into the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the DSM-5 — many individuals and clinicians continue to use the term due to its specific cultural and historical significance. Individuals with Asperger’s typically demonstrate average to above-average intelligence and do not have significant delays in language development. However, they may experience challenges in understanding social cues, engaging in reciprocal conversation, and adapting to changes in routine. Symptoms and Characteristics of Asperger's Syndrome Recognizing the hallmark features of Asperge...

5 Surprising Physical Signs of Autism You Never Knew About

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Have you ever stopped to think about the physical traits linked to autism? Most discussions revolve around behaviors or social challenges, but there are distinctive physical signs that can provide insights into how autism manifests in different individuals. In this post, I’m excited to share five surprising physical signs of autism that might just open your eyes to this often misunderstood condition and enhance your empathy towards those on the spectrum. 1. The Mystery of Eye Contact Eye contact is often seen as a key part of communication . But for many autistic individuals , it can be a source of discomfort. This isn't just about being shy. It's a physical trait that can show up in conversations. So, what does this mean for understanding autism? Understanding Eye Contact Avoidance Autistic individuals often avoid direct eye contact. This behavior can be...

Understanding the Differences Between Autism and Social Anxiety

As someone who has personally navigated the complex worlds of autism and social anxiety, I often find myself pondering the nuances that set these two experiences apart. It can be baffling for both those experiencing these challenges and those trying to support them. In this post, I'll share five key distinctions that can help demystify the journey of understanding autism compared to social anxiety, sparking a conversation about how we can better support individuals in both communities. 1. Root Causes of Social Struggles Understanding the root causes of social struggles is essential. It helps us diagnose conditions accurately and tailor support effectively. Two conditions often confused are autism and social anxiety. They manifest in social scenarios, but their origins are quite different. Autism: A Neurological Communication Disorder Autism is primarily a neurologic...

Embracing Autism: A Personal Journey Towards Acceptance and Confidence

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When I first received my autism diagnosis, it felt like an overwhelming weight had been placed on my shoulders. I struggled to see my neurodiversity as anything but a hindrance to my everyday life. However, through my journey of self-acceptance and understanding, I’ve come to realize that embracing autism has unlocked a path towards growth, confidence , and deep personal insights. In this post, I’ll share my reflections on this transformative process and how you, too, can rethink your perception of autism. Rethinking the Narrative Around Autism When we talk about autism, we often find ourselves surrounded by misconceptions. These misunderstandings can lead to negative self-perceptions. It's crucial to address these myths and reshape how we view autism. After all, autism is not a flaw; it's a different way of processing the world. The Common Misconceptions About...

Asperger's Syndrome | Men vs Autism in Women (Do You Know The Difference?)

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10 Hidden Traits of Autism in Adults: Understanding the Spectrum

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https://youtu.be/uzxlTJs5isE?si=5F1komX8qIbO2hCy I remember the first time I realized there were traits of autism I hadn’t noticed before. Sitting at a coffee shop, I watched a friend methodically arrange their drink before taking a single sip, and it struck me how some habits run much deeper than we think. In this post, I’ll explore 10 hidden traits of autism in adults that many might overlook, including their connection to emotional regulation and social interactions. Understanding these can foster acceptance and support for those on the spectrum. So grab a cup of coffee (if that’s your routine) and let’s dive in! Understanding Emotional Regulation and Internal States Emotional regulation is a complex topic, especially for those on the autism spectrum. Many individuals face a significant challenge when it comes to acknowledging their feelings in the moment. Have you ever felt something but couldn’t quite put it into words? This experience is common for many peo...