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<p>Hello friends. Here's my story of attempting to get various Master's Degrees over the last 10 years. Although I was an honor roll student, all through high school and multiple college programs, I have not been able to handle the social pressure and masking involved in Master's programs in any of these different areas. - Creative Writing - Peace Studies - Nursing Informatics - Social Work Click to hear more of my story. Please, share your own journeys with higher education in the comments. Keep working to find the places where you feel like you are wanted and you fit. They're out there.</p><figure id="figure-44be53uifalrz456bh"><iframe id="44be53uifalrz456bh" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K73bBe8KvNw" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K73bBe8KvNw" data-corners="default"></iframe></figure><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p>

My Journey with Autism and Higher Education

<h2>Autistic and Seeking Mental Health Care?</h2><p><br></p><p><a title="Why I'm Uniquely Qualified to Work with Autistic People and Their Families" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odu_ro-UlcQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odu_ro-UlcQ">Here's why the services I provide are different from the general services provided<span style="text-decoration: underline;" data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span>by non-nurse, non-autistic providers.</a></p><figure id="figure-hkn1kxypyjlrz3lnwe"><iframe id="hkn1kxypyjlrz3lnwe" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/odu_ro-UlcQ" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odu_ro-UlcQ" data-corners="default"></iframe></figure><p><br></p>

Why Work With An Autistic Provider?

<p><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color">To some people, tantrums and meltdowns seem like one and the same. The reality is that they are very different. A tantrum is a behavior that a child has when they want something, but lack the resources to get it. aka They want a sweet treat at the grocery store, but have been told they cannot have it and in protest start to cry. A meltdown is a communication that a child (or adult) has that expresses that they are in a place of overwhelm and no longer in control of themselves. It's a communication that says, I can't do this (whatever "this" is) anymore, please help me. An adult "giving in to a tantrum and giving the child what they want can lead to more tantrums. Conversely, an adult comforting a child and helping them regulate themselves when they are in meltdown will not lead to the child having more meltdowns. Tantrums are about an external want not getting met. Meltdowns are about an internal need not getting met. That in mind, children with autism can definitely have tantrums, as well as meltdowns. It's important to try and assess the environment and situation around the behavior to see if it's about a child wanting something or having lost their ability to regulate themselves due to overwhelm.</span><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color"></span></p><figure id="figure-4tduumvy6slrz35jcn"><iframe id="4tduumvy6slrz35jcn" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cv-uduOre90" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowFullScreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cv-uduOre90" data-corners="default"></iframe></figure><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p>

Tantrum vs Meltdown: How Your Response Affects Behaviors

<h3>Sensory Dens Can Shorten or Stop Autistic Meltdowns</h3><p><br></p><p>When used appropriately sensory dens can be a helpful intervention tool for children and adults alike. Take a short tour of my personal sensory den and some of the things that I have found help with my own self regulation.&nbsp;</p><figure id="figure-8x7t289vwlrz2sf32"><iframe id="8x7t289vwlrz2sf32" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tTHzO5dp9VA" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTHzO5dp9VA" data-corners="default" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tTHzO5dp9VA" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure><p><br></p>

Sensory Dens Can Shorten or Stop Autistic Meltdowns

<p><br></p><figure id="figure-tn1a4t0ic9lrp6l9ig"><img id="tn1a4t0ic9lrp6l9ig" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/139Ghb4VPj1a83LcqQG7c6rmuioboZuQfrmuolQyspN2LYNFWv6FjybdYS3IUCVa.png" alt="medication induced constipation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 55% 55%;" data-corners="small" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="for gentle overnight relief of constipation" data-positionx="55%" data-positiony="55%" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/139Ghb4VPj1a83LcqQG7c6rmuioboZuQfrmuolQyspN2LYNFWv6FjybdYS3IUCVa.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 55% 55%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">for gentle overnight relief of constipation</figcaption></figure><h2 class="co8aDb" role="heading" aria-level="3"><strong>Symptoms of constipation include:</strong></h2><div class="RqBzHd"><ul class="i8Z77e"><li class="TrT0Xe">Fewer than three stools a week.</li><li class="TrT0Xe">Hard, dry or lumpy stools.</li><li class="TrT0Xe">Straining or pain when passing stools.</li><li class="TrT0Xe">A feeling that not all stool has passed.</li><li class="TrT0Xe">A feeling that the rectum is blocked.</li><li class="TrT0Xe">Bloating</li></ul></div><p><br></p><p>Constipation is the most common gut symptom for people on the autism spectrum. It's often caused by a limited diet low on fiber and fluids, along with the medications that we take to stabilize our mental and physical health symptoms (antidepressants, blood pressure medications, anxiety medications, etc)</p><p>Long-term constipation can cause big problems, including Encopresis, which has symptoms like stool leakage and an enlarged colon.&nbsp;</p><p>I've personally been taking various sorts of magnesium for years to try and help with this issue, as the medications I take are very drying.&nbsp;</p><p>About a month ago, I discovered 3A Magnesia and it's been a complete game changer for me.</p><p>This supplement is soy, dairy, egg, and gluten-free and works so much better than anything else that I've tried.&nbsp;</p><p>In my experience, I only need to take 3 tablets before bedtime and the problem resolves itself the next morning. I feel like I've lost pounds and the bloating and pressure in my gut are completely gone. Also, it doesn't have me in the bathroom all day, just once or twice within 30 minutes of waking up and then I'm good to go.</p><p>Description from the FullScripts website:</p><h3><strong>3A Magnesia</strong></h3><p>The bloating‚ cramping‚ and the generally sick feelings that come from constipation can make you miserable. The longer you’re constipated‚ the worse your symptoms may become. In addition to being uncomfortable‚ it’s also not good for you: one of the ways your body eliminates toxins is through stool; if stool remains in your intestines for an excessively long period of time—as it does with constipation—your body may start to absorb those toxins.</p><p>Constipation can be caused by a low-fiber diet‚ low fluid intake‚ certain medications‚ an inactive lifestyle‚ or holding your bowel movements for long periods of time. Changing these factors may help relieve and prevent your constipation. However‚ some people are especially prone to constipation‚ and may need a little extra help to stimulate bowel movements. Stimulant laxatives can cause you to have a bowel movement‚ but they can also cause severe cramping and aren’t intended for long-term use because your body can become dependent on them.<br><br></p><p><strong>Suggested Use:</strong><br>Take 5 tablets with water before bed for the first 3 days. Reduce dosage by 1 (one) tablet each day, until you reach your personal comfort level.</p><p><strong>Serving Size:</strong>&nbsp;5 Tablets</p><p><strong>Amount Per Serving</strong><br><strong>Magnesium ...</strong>&nbsp;1010mg<br><em>(as Magnesium Oxide)</em><br><br></p><p>See a physician first if you are pregnant, have kidney problems or before administering to children.</p><p>If you have difficulty finding the supplement or would like to get it at a discounted price, please contact me at <a href="mailto:theautismconsultant@icloud.com" data-mce-href="mailto:theautismconsultant@icloud.com">theautismconsultant@icloud.com</a></p><p>This is not a paid endorsement, just based on research and my personal experience.</p><h2 class="text-gray-800 my-rem16px text-rem19px leading-rem34px" data-identity="paragraph-element">Common lifestyle causes of constipation include:</h2><ul class="my-rem16px mx-0 pl-[1.25rem] list-disc marker:text-brandBlue-500 marker:pl-rem24px" data-identity="unordered-list"><li class="mb-rem12px pl-rem12px text-gray-800 text-rem19px leading-rem34px">Not eating enough fiber.</li><li class="mb-rem12px pl-rem12px text-gray-800 text-rem19px leading-rem34px">Not drinking enough water (<a class="text-brandBlue-500 underline underline-offset-[5px] decoration-1 break-words hover:text-blue-800 transition" href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9013-dehydration" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-identity="link" data-mce-href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9013-dehydration">dehydration</a>).</li><li class="mb-rem12px pl-rem12px text-gray-800 text-rem19px leading-rem34px">Not getting enough exercise.</li><li class="mb-rem12px pl-rem12px text-gray-800 text-rem19px leading-rem34px">Changes in your regular routine, such as traveling or eating, or going to bed at different times.</li><li class="mb-rem12px pl-rem12px text-gray-800 text-rem19px leading-rem34px">Consuming large amounts of milk or cheese.</li><li class="mb-rem12px pl-rem12px text-gray-800 text-rem19px leading-rem34px"><a class="text-brandBlue-500 underline underline-offset-[5px] decoration-1 break-words hover:text-blue-800 transition" href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-identity="link" data-mce-href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11874-stress">Stress</a>.</li><li class="mb-rem12px pl-rem12px text-gray-800 text-rem19px leading-rem34px">Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement.</li></ul>

3A Magnesia for Constipation

The Autistic Autism Consultant

Blogs and Vlogs

My Journey with Autism and Higher Education

Why Work With An Autistic Provider?

Tantrum vs Meltdown: How Your Response Affects Behaviors

Sensory Dens Can Shorten or Stop Autistic Meltdowns

3A Magnesia for Constipation

Stop Doing the to Autistic Kids