Meet Maria and Ryan Box

Having a child on the autism spectrum certainly requires parents to make many adjustments but it is not the end of the world.  One such parent from the UK, Maria Box, started writing monthly columns about her four year old autistic son named Ryan.  Maria writes how Ryan's fourth birthday party, which took place earlier this month, was not a typical party for a four year old.  While little Ryan did not blow out his candles or even eat his birthday cake, the popular "Thomas the Tank Engine" on the surface of his cake certainly brought a priceless wide smile.  Maria actually started a support charity for children on the autism spectrum in the UK, the link to which can be found here: http://autismsupportcrawley.btck.co.uk/.  Even if you don't live within reach of this specific support group, performing an online search might be able to locate a similar group near your community.

To read Maria's column about her autistic son Ryan, click on the following link:

http://www.thisissussex.co.uk/Living-Autism-Ryan-s-fourth-birthday-somewhat/story-17380311-detail/story.html

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 11/26 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  During this broadcast, I will interview John Bowen Brown, a business owner who suspects that he is on the autism spectrum and would like to advocate for autism.

The show will air on Monday, November 26th at 4 pm EST, 1 pm PST, and 9 pm UK time.

Stop by for what will surely be another great broadcast!

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 11/26 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Travolta Family Tragedy

This story is more personal to me now, ever since I met Joey Travolta who is the older brother of celebrity John Travolta.  Joey Travolta runs a number of Inclusion Camps throughout the country that help to give children and teens on the autism spectrum the skills needed to function in society.  It is a cause that Joey is certainly passionate about, considering the misfortune that struck the family a few years ago.

Tragically, Jett Travolta (John Travolta's son, Joey's nephew) passed away at age sixteen after suffering a seizure while in the bathtub.  Jett had autism as well as other complications that his mother, Kelly Preston, attributes to factors in the environment while Jett was growing up.

When I last saw Joey Travolta about a month ago at the OUCARES film premier, he told me that I was a great writer and gave me a hug.  Earlier that week, I wrote a story about the OUCARES film premier that had been published in The Oakland Press.  It should be noted that Joey began raising awareness long before Jett's tragic death.

By continuing to raise autism awareness and especially through self advocacy by individuals who are on the spectrum, hopefully someday there will be enough understanding of autism to avoid tragedies such as the one that struck the Travolta Family.

To read more about Jett Travolta, click on the following link:

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20649517,00.html

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 11/19 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  During this show, I will interview Erin Clemens, published writer and autism advocate, about her experiences living with ASD.

The show will air Monday, November 19 at 4 pm EST, 1 pm PST, and 9 pm UK time.

Remember, you can participate in the chat room by creating an account on Blog Talk Radio and returning to the show screen.  The chat room typically opens about a half hour before the start of the broadcast.  If you would like to speak to Erin or I directly during the show, you can call into the show to participate in the action yourself.  Just call (619) 393-2848 or you can also call in through Skype.  Tune into what will surely be another inspirational and educational broadcast.


Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 11/19 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Meet Hector Mellen

Here is a great story about a boy on the autism spectrum who is getting ready to start college for pre-med.  Hector Mellen didn't used to have the social skills necessary to perform basic communication functions.  The high school senior is from Riverdale California and has expressed a strong desire to help others on the autism spectrum. Just yesterday, Hector spoke to a large group of fellow high school students about raising autism awareness.  He is certainly another example of the hidden potential that can often be found within those on the autism spectrum.

Click on the following link to read more about Hector:

http://www.news-press.com/article/20121117/VOLUNTEERING/311170029/Riverdale-student-raises-money-autism-program?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7C&nclick_check=1

Correction 12/17/12: Hector Mellen is actually from Fort Myer, Florida and attends Riverdale High School.

Sensory Overload Video

This is a great video that shows what can cause sensory overload for someone on the autism spectrum.  I could not watch the whole video, however, because it was starting to give ME a sensory overload.  My thoughts began to get frantic and as I write this I feel the internal pressure in my mind that is caused by the over stimulation of senses, mostly hearing and vision.  That being the case, I do not recommend that individuals on the spectrum watch this video.  I STRONGLY recommend that those who are not on the autism spectrum watch this video and share your thoughts in the comment box below.

Here is the link to the sensory overload video:
http://vimeo.com/52193530

Lower Functioning Dreams

Over the years, I have noticed that I have strange dreams sometimes.  Most likely it is a side effect of the medications I take to help me function.  Some of them are interesting to consider.  I find myself in a familiar environment, such as my old high school, where I need to get somewhere for class.  Instead of being the punctual person that I am in reality, I never seem to find my way all by myself.  I feel like I am trying to force myself to act, but my body resists me.  Recently, I came to the conclusion that I might have lower functioning autism in my dreams.  I wonder if those dreams are in fact powerful insight into the autism spectrum through my own subconscious.  All I know for certain is that I am relieved when I wake up.

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 11/12 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  During this broadcast, I will interview Erika Schron about the advantages of homeschooling a child on the autism spectrum.  Ericka is also the host of  The Autism and Homeschooling Journey, which is another show that is sponsored by Positively Autistic.

This next broadcast of Ryan's Spectrum Talk will air Monday, November 12th at 4 pm EST, 1 pm PST, and 9 pm UK time.

Remember, you can participate in the chat room by creating an account on Blog Talk Radio and returning to the show screen.  The chat room typically opens about a half hour before the start of the broadcast.  If you would like to speak to Erika or I directly during the show, you can call into the show to participate in the action yourself.  Just call (619) 393-2848 or you can also call in through Skype.  Tune into what will surely be another inspirational and educational broadcast.

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 11/12 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Meet Nick Guzman!

Creative talent is often found among individuals who are on the autism spectrum.  Another such example of this talent is Nick Guzman.   Nick is on the autism spectrum and plays guitar.  He also sings.  Nick's talent was discovered during a film camp in San Jose California that was held by Joey Travolta.  Travolta recognized Nick's talent and helped him start a career as a musician.  Nick is currently taking music courses in college.  A creative outlet is often needed to make a vital connection within the mind of an individual with autism.  Nick was able to find his connection through music.

For more information about Nick Guzman, click on the following link:

http://www.nguzman.com/

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 11/05 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  During this broadcast, host Ryan Comins will talk about how personality might be related to autism using the Meyer-Briggs personality types.  Ryan's specific personality type  is INFP.  We might also hear from Colin and Gordon Brennan about the Genius of Autism in New York City.

Stress is very difficult for individuals with INFP to handle.  In tough situations, people with this personality type can get really worked up to the point where they have an identity crises.  This might interact with sensory overload, for more info, tune into the show.

This broadcast will air on Monday, November 5th at 4 pm EST, 1 pm PST, and 9 pm UK time (PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE UK LISTENERS.  THE UNITED STATES MOVES OUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH)

Tune into what will surely be a great broadcast!

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 11/05 by Positively Autistic | Blog Talk Radio

Things to Keep in Mind for this Election

There has been a lot of media hype preceding this election next week.  There has also been a fair amount of mudslinging between both sides.  I'm not going to get into the details concerning individual issues.  This is not a blog about politics, this is a blog about autism awareness.  I invite comments and feedback about autism awareness, not political agendas.  I don't want to see that on this blog.

My point in all of this is to allow those high functioning individuals on the spectrum who are over eighteen the opportunity to vote based on how they believe.  Instead of trying to influence an individual on the spectrum to vote a certain way, try to use this as an opportunity to educate those on the spectrum about making choices and the effect those choices may have.  Maybe the best thing to do is to simplify things as much as possible.  There is a lot of grey area painting the issues in this election.  People on the spectrum think in black and white terms.  Many of the issues in this election may only confuse ASD adults or even agitate them.  It is confusing because there is no clear-cut right or wrong answer to the issues at stake.

If an adult on the spectrum has no interest in politics just let it go.  Voting is a fundamental right in the United States but it is only a right.  Not a requirement.  I plan on voting but personally I will be glad when it is all over. I get agitated when exposed to all the negativity in political ads and otherwise.  I know of people on the spectrum who feel otherwise.  There is just too much noise. Too many people who want to influence the thinking/voting of others and this means sensory overload for those on the spectrum.  Sensory overload means meltdowns and shutdowns due to excess stress that cannot be processed properly in the minds of ASD individuals.  We may choose to block it all out because it's just too overwhelming.