When will an individual's circumstances be considered more than their labels? — There are a few things I despise hearing when disclosing I am Autistic. One is, “wow, you don’t look Autistic.” Which is typically followed up with, “you must be high-functioning!” Every time someone says this, I visibly wince. Hard. …

And I didn’t foresee how completely underwhelming it would be. It’s taken me 19 years to graduate from college. I always wanted it and was determined to make it happen even though I dropped out 8 times previously for one life reason or another. I finished my final two classes…

Be smart: keep your personal income and expenses separate from your business. When I first started writing, many years ago, I didn’t make much. At the time, I didn’t think much of keeping a personal and business bank account. First, a lot of banks seemed to want information I didn’t…

Or do. It is your choice, after all. If you read my other writings, you might recall I moved back in August, relocating from my home for two years in northern KY to the area where I lived most of my life in NE Ohio. I don’t like NE Ohio…

Trying to understand the purpose of life and the why of what happens to you? Good luck! Five weeks ago, I unintentionally landed a job. I wasn’t looking for one. A recruiter messaged me on LinkedIn and asked if I might be interested in something in the accounting world. I…

Incredible gatekeeping requirements can prevent some autistics from obtaining education beyond a bachelor degree. Why aren’t brains & determination enough? Excelling at academics has always been the one great thing I’ve had going for me. …

Before clapping yourself on the back for our successes, how about acknowledging all the ways we are being failed? Suffering isn’t a badge of honor. When I see stories or videos online (usually posted by people other than the individual doing the “inspirational thing”) I am bothered by the blatant…

Vaccinated & boosted, yet positive & showing symptoms? WTF? When Covid shut everything down, I did what everyone said was the best at the time — stayed home — which meant I couldn’t do my usual 1099 work, so I received unemployment. Then, for some reason, it was cut off…

Or is the ache from having to ignore dreams to barely survive? A few weeks ago, my partner-turned-housemate, J, asked me if anything would ever be good enough for me. If anyone else asked me this question, I would think it was an ugly question, but he doesn’t mean it…