This year has been quite a ride for Ari Ne’eman. He was nominated late last year to sit on the National Council on Disabilities. His nomination was placed on hold anonymously just before the vote to confirm all the other nominees. He was later appointed to the IACC. Somehow through all of this he earned his Bachelor’s degree.

Now the news today, the anonymous hold on his nomination was removed and unanimously the Senate confirmed him to the National Council on Disabilities. (Read Disability Scoop for full details.) Having worked with Ari and the rest of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network this year to set up the Dallas Chapter of ASAN, not to mention on other projects. I’m very happy to say Congratulations Ari! No one deserves a seat more than you. Even higher congratulations are in order as well, not only was he confirmed, but he is the youngest to ever be confirmed to the Council at the ripe ‘old’ age of 22 and the first Autistic as well!

This is an emotional subject for me. I don’t typically like to think about it as it hurts. In my nearly 28 yrs living, or the 10 years since graduating from high school. I have gone to a community college, a university, and worked a total of 4 jobs. The community college I was at for 3 semesters. The university, 5 semesters, which ended in me dropping out because my anxiety issues became too great. 3 of the 4 jobs lasted no longer than 3 months. Not from my lack of trying, but because the anxiety I experienced from them finally crashed down on me.

After I had my 6 yr old, I finally decided to stop trying to work, so I could devote my time and energy to him. I know it might sound cruel to the outside person, but I’m thankful for their Autism. I have been able to stay at home with them and really nurture them without anyone batting an eye, even as they became school age. I think this is one of the biggest reasons everyone compliments us that we have such happy kids.

This next school year, they will both be at school full time. While other stay at home moms talk about going back to work, finishing their degrees, or some even furthering education, I have felt this weight about the fact that I can’t really do any of these. I’ve spoken about going back to college, but with some recent increases in stress, I’ve realized I can’t handle that. The same can be said about rejoining the work force. That’s without looking at the fact I have no real work experience.

I’m very happy with the progress I have made with regards to this website, the new ASAN chapter I’ve started, and in general promoting the Neurodiversity message. In the coming months, I’ll be unveiling other work that I am doing within the ASAN organization. I work hard at all of this and somehow, I can handle it. One friend of mine suggests it’s because I have passion for it and it’s all telecommuting.

To put it simply, when I need a break, I can take one. I need breaks much more often than the normal person. I’m lucky to have a very understanding husband. He reminds me that people without my issues can’t hold jobs. That I’m still contributing to our household even if it’s not financially. I’m grateful for this. It still leaves me wishing that I could find a real job that could be as understanding.

Another Guest Blog

I’m so thankful to Leigh and all the editors at The Dallas Morning News Moms’ Blog. They really help to get the words of Neurodiversity, understanding and support out to our larger communities. I wanted to give everyone the chance to go over and comment on their blog.

Today’s guest blog is about nonharmful ‘behaviors’. With the work that each of us puts in each day, allowing ASDs the opportunity to stim is the least a family can do. I put it more eloquently than that though. Hope you enjoy.

As you can see, I have once again changed the look of the website. I wanted something that looked at little more clean. As well, rather than a forum, I have switched to Yahoo! Groups. I did this for two reasons; 1, because no one was using the forum, and 2, I have had questions on whether or not we have a listserv. Feel free to go sign up on the Yahoo Groups page. You can set it to checking it on the web, getting a ‘daily digest, or individual emails.

I feel this is a great step for the website to create more of a community. As some may have noticed, I haven’t updated nearly as frequently, which I intend to change over the summer. Most of us as parents have very little time, but we all frequently check our emails, typically. This gives a way for us to have a community without having to daily check a forum.

I will update again very soon, so check back if you don’t get notified of updates.  I have a lot of exciting things coming up, with kids, self, and advocacy!