Blog - Autism Chrysalis

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Autism

Happy Autism Diagnosis Day!

Spectrum identification was absolutely, hands down, no holds barred, the best thing that has happened in my life.

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Education

How to Kill A Growth Mindset

Many schools and teachers try hard to foster in students a growth mindset—the resilience to keep trying—but are we unintentionally undermining our best efforts?

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Adulting

On the Habits of Successful People

A few thoughts on what society tells us about success and successful people, and how the truth may be different when you are neurodivergent.

Personal Growth

There’s a topic I’ve been avoiding. It’s not easy or comfortable to talk about, but I’m increasingly convinced that it is necessary. Will you join me in this difficult, and deeply rewarding, conversation?

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Personal Growth

Try This Secret for Falling Asleep Faster

I’ve had difficulty falling asleep almost my entire life. Turns out that is common for autistic individuals. Lots of sleep tips are great. Here’s one you might not have heard.

A blue ball, a few wooden blocks, a piece of rubber, string, and a folded piece of rough fabric, lying on gray carpet.

Sensory

Sensory Toys Can Be Anything

With more and more sensory specific products on the market, it can feel like you have to shell out money for sensory regulation. Don’t forget what you already have handy.

Close-up on a notebook, with a pencil to the side. There's an alarm clock and a cup of pencils above it.

Society

A Few Thoughts on Labels

There’s a lot of controversy around labels. Some people love them, some hate them. I’m somewhere in the middle.

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Self-Advocacy

This is Why Honesty Really is the Best Policy

We are socialized not to complain, but sometimes that means not telling people what we need. I have been getting better at saying what I need, and finding out that people can help.

A fossil of a long dinosaur, in brown rocks. There's a museum label to the side saying Coelophysis.

Acceptance

A Dentist and A Dinosaur

A recent trip to the dentist was both a harrowing experience and a moment of acceptance.

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Self-Reg

Why Trying Harder Backfires

After trying a range of activities to see how each made your body feel, did you notice anything unexpected? Did some that you associate with relaxing not actually have that relaxing effect? Here’s why.

Person in a grey shirt, sitting on a grey couch, staring forward.

Autism

A Challenging Behavior Vanishes

I have long maintained that behavior is a symptom. A recent revelation in my own life led to my own challenging behavior instantly vanishing, once I got to the root of the issue.