Mental Health
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Finding Peace in Nature: A Personal Journey
I grew up in northeast Georgia, where climbing a tree in our yard revealed the foothills of the mountains. Digging in the yard turned up Georgia red clay that made gardening tough and stained clothes. My mom would joke that we lived within a few hours’ drive of both the beach and the mountains. I…
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Understanding Autism and Disability Support Services
In early 2019, shortly after my diagnosis, I first utilized vocational rehabilitation services. My mother played a key role; she was convinced they could find me a job with a supportive environment for my disability. After a lengthy intake process, I was assigned to a wonderful caseworker who greatly helped me with workplace social skills.…
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Life Lessons from Assisted Living Visits
I was often told growing up that people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When a member of the book club I used to attend mentioned that her mother had recently transitioned from independent living to assisted living and could use visitors to cheer her up, I planned the…
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The Importance of Legacy
This past year, I’ve been giving more thought to legacy and how we are remembered after we’re gone. It might be because I turned thirty this year, or it might be because I’ve attended more funerals this year than I have in my entire life. My grandmother didn’t want to have a service, and we…
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Public Speaking Growth: My Journey at the Autism Symposium
I recently presented for the third time at the adult autism symposium in Chattanooga. The first time I explained, I got very nervous. I started volunteering for public speaking opportunities at church, which helped me feel more comfortable in front of groups of people. It did feel better the second time, and I wasn’t nervous…
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Memories from Clemson: A Journey of Family and Loss
Going to my grandmother’s house in Clemson was a staple in my life until the end of last year. My first memory of Clemson does not include being in the house. I remember sitting in my car seat. I must have been seated on the right side because I could see through the door that…
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Unraveling the Mystery of Roanoke’s Lost Colony
I was not older than 9 when I went to Roanoke, North Carolina, for the first time. Part of our homeschool history curriculum was traveling to places where history happened, and one of the first trips we took as a family was to Roanoke, North Carolina. I remember going to the museum, where they had…
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Celebrating Life: The Importance of Community Support
I was fortunate enough to grow up in a neighborhood where people supported one another. This is all being brought to mind as one of my former neighbors passed away recently. He had dealt with a multitude of degenerative diseases for years, supported by his loving family. I was fortunate enough to attend his celebration…
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To the Newly Diagnosed Child
Hello, My Dear Child, You’ve officially been diagnosed with autism. I want this letter to read like a welcome to Hogwarts Letter. So I got diagnosed at the age of 23, and that was after many, many mental health struggles that I couldn’t understand. For me, my diagnosis was a relief, a source of empowerment.…
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Emotional Bonds: My Journey with Grandma’s Cat Willow
When people die, loved ones and family have to figure out what to do with their possessions and pets. My grandma’s cat has come to stay with me. Willow does best when she has lots of attention and loves being around people. After Grandma’s stroke, she spent a lot more time at home, and it…
Living on the Spectrum 