Hey Counselors and Friends! This month is Autism Awareness Month, and April 2 is the designated day to wear blue in support of autism awareness.
The weather has warmed up, and most of us are now wearing shorts, t-shirts, and our Chacos sandals.
One thing to understand is that autistic individuals often have higher standards for friendships. I tend to have several acquaintances—people I hang out with and socialize with—but they’re not necessarily close friends I can count on. Sometimes these interactions can feel superficial. People may pretend to be friends or socialize for show, without any real depth or meaning. I’m usually around others, as many people thrive on social interaction, but for autistic individuals, friendships are often fewer but deeper. These close friendships are meaningful, and those friends are typically available 24/7 for genuine support.
When I go places, I always bring something I can’t leave behind. If I become overstimulated, I listen to music I enjoy or watch YouTube videos to calm down. I try to keep going even when I get upset—whether at home or at work—because sometimes, life just happens, and you can’t always control it.
The transition from high school to adulthood was especially challenging for me, due to behavioral issues at home and in the workplace. Many individuals with autism face difficulties in this transition, including challenges with independent living, employment, and social relationships. These challenges often require personalized support and resources. I graduated from Baker High School in 1999 with a regular diploma—and I did it without any problems.
When a loved one passes away, autistic individuals may have a hard time expressing their feelings around grief and loss. Some may struggle to understand the concept of death and how they’re expected to behave. The loss of someone—or even something—close can feel overwhelming.
That said, I’m really looking forward to the summer session at Camp ASCCA! They are currently in need of male counselors and program staff—so please consider joining! Be on the lookout for an email soon about when you can log in and complete the medical portion of the application.
Located in Alabama on Lake Martin, Camp ASCCA offers campers a wide variety of traditional recreational and educational activities with a unique design for accessibility.
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