Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 09/26 by Positively Autistic | Lifestyle Podcasts

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  This show will take place Thursday, September 6th at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 11 pm UK time.
This show will feature an interview with Paul Gomez, who has mild autism.  Paul operates a camera for Joey Travolta's Inclusion Film Camps.  Last summer, Paul traveled with Travolta to Inclusion Film Camps all over the United States.
Tune into what will surely be another great show!

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 09/26 by Positively Autistic | Lifestyle Podcasts

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Higher Functioning Versus Lower Functioning

When I attended a social event recently with some friends who are familiar with the work I do to raise autism awareness, someone brought up the topic of autism and mentioned at some point during the conversation that I "don't seem autistic."  I've been hearing that same phrase for years and I think it's because when many people think of autism, the first thing that comes to mind is classic autism.

This article brings up the point of high function autism and low functioning autism from a parent's perspective, stating that those with higher functioning autism face their own challenges as well.  The writer says this is because society has higher expectations for those with higher functioning autism.  Individuals on this end of the spectrum are expected to suppress any autistic behaviors that does not comply with expected behavior in society.  I'm not saying whether this is right or wrong.  What I'm saying is that those with higher functioning autism face challenges that are often understated, even by those who are familiar with autism.

I have seen high functioning autism advocates that receive negative feedback from parents or classically autistic children.  I have been told before that I don't really understand what autism is really like because I am high functioning.   Either autism is too broadly defined or people still don't understand the spectrum, I don't know.  When a group of people with varying symptoms are classified as autistic, there is going to be many differences in perspective.  Hopefully my words lead some people to think about this subject a little more.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 09/19 by Positively Autistic | Life Podcasts

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  During this show, I am going to interview Matt Page, an adult with autism who runs the Facebook group Aspergers and Business.
This show will air September 19th at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 11 pm UK time.
If you would like to join the discussion, you can do so by calling (619) 393-2848 or you can call in through Skype.
Tune into what will surely be another great show!
Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 09/19 by Positively Autistic | Life Podcasts

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 09/12 by Positively Autistic | Life Podcasts

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  During this show, host Ryan Comins will interview Kevin Mackie, who is the producer of the anti bullying CD "All About Bullies Big And Small." This CD features various artists addressing both people who have been bullies and bullies themselves. This CD actually won a Grammy in 2012.
This show will take place Thursday, September 12th at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 11 pm UK time.
Stop by for what will surely be another great show!

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 09/12 by Positively Autistic | Life Podcasts

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Autism Did Not Cause Attack in Best Buy

A 29 year old man is facing charges for attempted murder in an incident that took place at a Best Buy in Florida.  The article states that this man was on the autism spectrum and strongly implies that autism was the reason behind the attack.

I strongly disagree with this article.  This is enough confusion circulating around about autism for reporters to associate autism with violent acts.  It's just like the aftermath of the Newtown Connecticut shooting where speculation emerged that the shooter was on the autism spectrum.

While the man was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, there had to have been more issues involved that would prompt this violent attack.  I hope that this message reaches the right people and that the publication of this story does not result in further confusion about autism.

To read more about this incident, click here:

http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2013-08-29/story/accused-best-buy-attacker-diagnosed-autism

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 09/05 by Positively Autistic | Life Podcasts

Tune into the next broadcast of Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk.  During this broadcast, I will interview Jake McCorry, an adult on the autism spectrum, as we discuss his interests, his challanges, and the day Jake and I spent hanging out with Dani Bowman a few weeks ago.
This show will take place Thursday, September 5th at 6 pm EST, 3 pm PST, and 11 pm UK time.
If you would like to join the discussion, you can do so by calling 619-393-2848 or you can call in through Skype by clicking on the Skype icon anytime during the broadcast.
Tune into what will surely be another great show!

Junior Positively Autistic: Ryan's Spectrum Talk 09/05 by Positively Autistic | Life Podcasts