What It's Like to Be Autistic

Have you ever wanted to know what it was like for your autistic child? What causes the behaviours which so disturb people, and isn't there some way to help? Because I've found my own way out of the autistic fog, (mostly by trial and error, partly through fortunate life circumstances, partly through finding relevant research, and partly through investigating numerous complementary therapies), I have a lot to offer in the way of what to try, what to pay attention to, and how to know if any changes are helping. So many parents take the diagnosis of autism as a severe shock, which destroys their hopes for their child. Hardly anyone knows that as the cumulative social, environmental, and health conditions which cause autistic symptoms are improved, autistic behaviours are mitigated or eliminated. In addition, when you create the conditions which allow autistic spectrum individuals to thrive, you have created environments which better support quality of life for all of humanity.  MORE

What is the Autistic Spectrum

There is a whole spectrum of autistic "disorders" which overlap and intertwine, now called the autistic spectrum. These conditions include: ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Aspergers Syndrome, Dyslexia, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), Sensory Integration Challenges, and Tourettes Syndrome. For about 10 years, I've given talks about the autistic spectrum at hospitals, child development centers, educational events, and parent gatherings. It's been so frustrating trying to pack enough information into the few hours available to get people started on the right foot, and not being able to answer all the questions at the event - never mind the ones which arose later!

To address this frustration, I volunteered for several years in a group bridging the gaps between the different interest groups of the spectrum. I've given workshop series on creating food that enables the body to maintain and repair itself. I've given workshop series on creating optimal environments for autistic health recovery. I've learned a variety of teachable social, physiological, and spiritual techniques that support autistics and their families. I've developed a set of tools for assisting families in making the lifestyle changes which will improve their children's prognosis. I've evolved analogies which help neurotypical individuals glimpse what it's like in the autistic fog. And I've created this informational website, so that do-it-yourselfers can get started. Please, join me, and watch your life improve. MORE

 

N.B. Because I myself am in the autistic spectrum, there are days when it’s better that I’m not out in the world, and times when I need to limit my contact with people. This is a necessary – and responsible – way of managing the challenges. While I can usually pace myself such that I can meet all my commitments, there may be times when I need to call and reschedule consultations, check-ins, therapeutic work, and workshops. All talks will be given as arranged.