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<h2> </h2> <h2>The Truth About Melatonin</h2>Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and is widely used as a supplement to aid sleep. Speaking only for myself, I'm not a huge fan of melatonin for sleep issues in those of us on the spectrum. For me, it causes vivid nightmares, daytime drowsiness, and irritability.While short-term melatonin use is generally considered safe for most people, the long-term use of melatonin has some implications and potential considerations:&nbsp; 1. Safety and Efficacy<ul><li>Limited Long-Term Research: Studies on the long-term effects of melatonin are relatively sparse, but existing research suggests it is generally safe for up to 6-12 months of use in adults. </li><li>Dependence: Melatonin is not physically addictive, but psychological dependence can develop if a person feels they cannot sleep without it. &nbsp; 2. Impact on Natural Melatonin Production</li><li>Potential Suppression: Prolonged use may signal the brain that external melatonin is sufficient, potentially reducing the body’s natural production. This effect seems to be minimal based on current studies, but more research is needed. &nbsp; 3. Side Effects</li><li>Common: Drowsiness, headache, dizziness, or nausea.</li><li>Rare/Long-Term:Disruption of circadian rhythms if taken incorrectly. Hormonal effects, particularly in children and adolescents, since melatonin influences reproductive hormones. &nbsp; 4. Hormonal Effects</li><li>In Adults: Long-term use may influence reproductive hormones like estrogen and testosterone, though the evidence is limited.</li><li>In Children: As melatonin plays a role in puberty-related hormone regulation, long-term use may theoretically affect development. This is particularly relevant since it's often prescribed for children with autism or ADHD to address sleep difficulties. &nbsp; 5. Interaction with Other Medications or Conditions </li><li>Drug Interactions: Melatonin can interact with blood thinners, immunosuppressants, diabetes medications, and birth control pills. Health Conditions: Individuals with autoimmune disorders, epilepsy, or depression should use melatonin cautiously, as it may exacerbate symptoms. &nbsp; 6. Tolerance </li><li>Most studies indicate melatonin does not cause tolerance (requiring higher doses over time), but some users report diminished effectiveness with prolonged use. &nbsp; 7. Sleep Masking vs. Resolving Root Causes </li><li>Melatonin is effective for issues like jet lag or circadian rhythm disorders, but long-term use may mask underlying issues (e.g., anxiety, insomnia, poor sleep hygiene) rather than resolving them. &nbsp; Guidelines for Long-Term Use </li><li>Consult a Doctor: Especially for children, pregnant individuals, or those with chronic health conditions. </li><li>Dosage: Use the lowest effective dose, typically 1-5 mg for adults and 0.5mg - 2mg for children. </li><li>Timing: Take melatonin 30-60 minutes before bedtime for best results. </li><li>Monitor Side Effects: Track any changes in mood, energy, or sleep patterns over time. To summarize: melatonin can potentially affect hormone levels, which might impact menstrual cycles in women or cause changes in libido.</li></ul>Melatonin can also interfere with blood pressure medication, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medication, diabetes medications, and blood thinners. All of that said, different things work for different people and sometimes melatonin is the right fit for the time. Do be aware that with long-term use of melatonin, there is tolerance (the body builds a tolerance to reducing its effectiveness) and psychological dependency where the person feels like they can't fall asleep without melatonin. Due to the tolerance property, dosage should be adjusted when it stops working or if you are giving it to a child who has just had a growth spurt.<figure id="figure-e5ns5811ylzk0zlnk"><img id="e5ns5811ylzk0zlnk" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33rrH574nNMmgfstVK5sTVsldLtrg02g2gAkOCPteM1VRFI4bMem4MkNQohzGlKR.jpg" alt="brown sand with water droplets" title="brown sand with water droplets" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 75% 70%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="75%" data-positiony="70%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/33rrH574nNMmgfstVK5sTVsldLtrg02g2gAkOCPteM1VRFI4bMem4MkNQohzGlKR.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 75% 70%;"></figure><h3>Natural Alternatives to Melatonin for Sleep</h3>While melatonin is a popular choice for those seeking to improve their sleep, it's not the only option. Several other supplements can help promote restful sleep. Here’s a look at some effective alternatives to melatonin:Valerian RootWhat it is: Valerian root is an herb used since ancient times for its calming effects.How it works: It is believed to increase levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation. Benefits: Can improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Considerations: May cause mild side effects like dizziness or digestive issues. Not recommended for long-term use without medical supervision. Magnesium What it is: A mineral essential for many bodily functions, including sleep regulation. How it works: Helps calm the nervous system by binding to GABA receptors and regulating melatonin production. Benefits: Can alleviate insomnia, improve sleep quality, and reduce symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Considerations: Excessive intake can cause digestive upset. Choose a form like magnesium glycinate for better absorption. L-Theanine What it is: An amino acid found in green tea. How it works: Promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness by increasing GABA, serotonin, and dopamine levels. Benefits: Can enhance sleep quality, improve relaxation, and reduce stress. Considerations: Generally considered safe with few side effects, but high doses can cause headaches or dizziness. PassionflowerWhat it is: An herb traditionally used to treat anxiety and insomnia. How it works: Increases GABA levels in the brain, promoting relaxation and sleep. Benefits: Can help with falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer. Considerations: May cause dizziness or confusion in high doses. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) What it is: A neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve transmission in the brain, promoting calmness. How it works: Supplements increase GABA levels in the brain, aiding relaxation and sleep. Benefits: Can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. Considerations: The effectiveness of GABA supplements can vary, as GABA might not cross the blood-brain barrier easily. Glycine What it is: An amino acid that plays a role in various bodily functions. How it works: Lowers body temperature and increases serotonin levels, which helps initiate sleep. Benefits: Can improve sleep quality and reduce sleep onset time. Considerations: Generally safe, but excessive intake can cause digestive discomfort. CBD (Cannabidiol) What it is: A compound found in cannabis that doesn’t have psychoactive effects. How it works: Interacts with the endocannabinoid system to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Benefits: Can improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and alleviate pain. Considerations: The legality varies by location. Potential side effects include dry mouth, diarrhea, and changes in appetite. 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) What it is: A naturally occurring amino acid and chemical precursor to serotonin. How it works: Increases serotonin levels, which can be converted into melatonin. Benefits: Can improve sleep quality and duration, and help with mood regulation. Considerations: May cause gastrointestinal issues. Should not be taken with antidepressants without medical supervision due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. Chamomile What it is: An herb often consumed as a tea. How it works: Contains antioxidants like apigenin that bind to certain receptors in the brain, promoting sleepiness. Benefits: Can reduce insomnia and promote relaxation. Considerations: Generally safe, but some individuals may have allergic reactions. Conclusion While melatonin is a well-known sleep aid, there are several alternative supplements that can also promote restful sleep. Each of these supplements has unique properties and benefits, so it's important to choose one that aligns with your specific needs and consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen. With the right approach, you can find a natural solution that helps you achieve better sleep and improved overall well-being.&nbsp;I am available for consults about supplements and their interplay with medications.

Melatonin, ASD, and Sleep or Is Melatonin a Risky Choice

<a title="ASD and Video Games to Medicate or Not to Medicate" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXSCYZN9WG0" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXSCYZN9WG0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXSCYZN9WG0</a>Click on the link above to watch my short video about video gaming and the autistic brain. The information below will give you more information about if video game addiction may signal that your child or you could benefit from dopamine-boosting activities or medication<h3>Understanding the Connection Between Dopamine, Autism, and Video Game Addiction</h3> Dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure, reward, and motivation, plays a crucial role in how we experience enjoyment and reinforcement. This article explores how dopamine interacts with video game addiction and its nuanced relationship with autism.<h3>Dopamine and Video Game Addiction Dopamine and Reward Pathways</h3>Dopamine is essential for our brain’s reward system. Engaging in enjoyable activities, such as playing video games, triggers dopamine release, which contributes to feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Video games are designed to be highly engaging, providing frequent rewards like achieving goals or leveling up, which can lead to increased dopamine release.<h3>Potential for Addiction</h3>When gaming becomes excessive, the brain can become conditioned to expect constant dopamine spikes. This can result in a dependency on gaming for pleasure, leading to a decrease in the ability to find joy in other activities, a condition known as anhedonia. Over time, the brain adapts to the intense stimulation, causing tolerance. This means that the same level of gaming may no longer be as satisfying, requiring even more intense or prolonged gaming to achieve similar pleasure.<h3>Impact on Dopamine Levels</h3>Initial Boost: New gamers often experience a strong sense of reward as their dopamine system becomes highly activated. Potential Dysregulation: Chronic gaming can disrupt dopamine regulation. The brain’s reward pathways might become less sensitive, overly reliant on gaming for dopamine release, and struggle to find satisfaction in other activities. Withdrawal and Cravings: Reducing or stopping gaming can lead to withdrawal symptoms similar to other addictions, including cravings, irritability, and difficulty enjoying other activities. <h3>Balance and Moderation</h3>Maintaining balance and moderation in gaming habits is vital for healthy dopamine regulation. Engaging in a variety of activities and leading a well-rounded lifestyle can help prevent the negative effects associated with gaming addiction.<h3>Dopamine and Autism </h3>The relationship between dopamine and autism is complex and not fully understood. Research indicates that while individuals with autism might not necessarily have lower overall dopamine levels, their dopamine systems may function differently compared to neurotypical individuals. Variations in dopamine receptor densities and transporter levels in autism can affect how dopamine is processed and utilized.<h3>Neurological Differences</h3>Dopamine Receptors: Studies suggest that dopamine receptors, particularly D2 receptors, might be altered in individuals with autism. This can impact how dopamine signals are transmitted and how rewarding experiences are perceived. Reward System: Differences in the reward system in autism could influence behaviors and sensory processing. Some research suggests that atypical responses to reward or motivation might be linked to differences in dopamine processing.<h3> Behavioral Implications</h3>Sensory Sensitivities: The dopamine system's role in sensory processing means that differences in dopamine regulation could contribute to the sensory sensitivities often experienced by individuals with autism. Motivation and Reward: Variations in dopamine function might affect motivation and reward experiences, impacting social interactions and engagement in activities. Individual VariationAutism is a spectrum disorder with significant individual variability. Dopamine levels and functions can differ widely among individuals with autism. It's important to recognize that not everyone with autism will have the same neurological or biochemical characteristics.<h3>Research and Understanding</h3>Ongoing research is exploring how dopamine and other neurotransmitters relate to autism. Better understanding these relationships can aid in developing more effective interventions and supports for individuals with autism.<h3>Conclusion</h3> While dopamine plays a critical role in both video game addiction and autism, the interactions are complex and multifaceted. Excessive gaming can disrupt dopamine regulation, leading to addiction and withdrawal symptoms, while differences in dopamine processing in autism can affect behavior and sensory experiences. Recognizing these dynamics can help in managing gaming habits and understanding the neurological aspects of autism.

Autism and Video Games aka To Medicate or Not to Medicate

School is approaching. Whether you're a parent of a child with an IEP, an educator, an EC provider, or a school administrator dealing with IEPs, this common goal poses a serious risk of physical harm to students. Despite decades of documented scientific evidence, the push for children with ASD to conform to neurotypical standards prioritizes appearance over their long-term health.Please watch this 2-minute video to know what needs to be removed and why!<a title="Never Let Your Child Have This in Their IEP" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpoz9orAJCY" data-mce-href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpoz9orAJCY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpoz9orAJCY</a>

Never Let Your Child Have This in their IEP

Getting assessed for autism as an adult can be quite stressful.&nbsp;WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO BE ASSESSED FOR AUTISM?You will need to be assessed at a testing center or by someone who is licensed to do testing. These folks are called PsyDs. It's not unusual for these appointments to take many months to schedule. I waited about 18 months for my assessment. Common wait time is anywhere from 3-6 months in the southeast.&nbsp;Once you get scheduled there are usually 3 sessions with the tester.The first session is usually a virtual intake that lasts around an hour.The second session is usually important and where the actual testing is done. The testing process can take between 2 and 4 hours depending on which tests are being given. Someone should drive you to this test because the process itself can be very dysregulating. The test was designed by neurotypical people, so for those of us who are neurodivergent the questions can be confusing and/or annoying. The video below does a lovely job of illustrating that.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-c2zvopwddoly7f73br" class=""><iframe id="c2zvopwddoly7f73br" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TwbGDnOviPI" 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=TwbGDnOviPI" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TwbGDnOviPI" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>Another challenge about autism testing is how unclear it can be to have neurotypical people administering the test. It's easy for those of us who are neurodivergent to misinterpret the test questions due to the way that they are asked.&nbsp;I've sent quite a few clients that I'd been working with for months out for formal testing and had them come back without an autism diagnosis for this reason. This happens more often with females and high-masking people.Now I only refer to test centers that I know are well-qualified, understand why they are asking the questions, and aren't just hurrying through.<figure id="figure-h6yks4yf1ely7fdnao" class=""><iframe id="h6yks4yf1ely7fdnao" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mUA7DGOaA4M" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtube.com/shorts/mUA7DGOaA4M?feature=share" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mUA7DGOaA4M" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>Asking someone who's autistic to do anything that involves being asked repeated questions by a stranger without feedback on whether they are answering correctly would be tortuous under the most benign of circumstances. Asking them to do it when their diagnosis and sense of self is dependent on how they answer is, to say the least stressful.&nbsp;I recommend that the person being assessed for autism does not drive on the day of testing. Has someone supportive with them to handle executive functioning tasks after testing, like making meals, reminding them to take medications, etc. I don't recommend having anything scheduled after testing and in general, that day should be as "low demand" as possible.I'd be interested to hear what other tips anyone might have to add to this blog.

Getting Assessed for Autism

<h2>Summer Camps Request More Inclusivity in Training</h2>I wanted to share a wonderful victory with you all! As an autistic adult, I've often had neurotypical people tell me about my autism, explaining how they think I am, instead of asking me about my own experiences. So, I was thrilled when the director of Keystone Camp in Brevard reached out to me about six months ago, inviting me to train her counselors in neurodiversity. (FYI: Jazz Whyatt is one of the most professional, inclusive, and capable humans I've ever met.) Jazz specifically wanted someone neuroatypical to present and train her staff about neuroatypicality and searched the internet to find me. Yesterday, I gave a two-hour presentation to about 100 counselors there. It was incredibly well received. I enjoyed connecting with the counselors who came up after the talk to share with me. It was a great bunch of people. It’s heartening to see the mainstream making room for autistic voices. Things are changing. I hope that the next generation of autistic kids will grow up in a world where they'll be heard and valued for who they are.I hope I'll have many more opportunities like this in the future. I'm grateful to be in a position to be spreading this message of inclusivity and diversity.<figure id="figure-7u1bzrohtlx2586rb"><img id="7u1bzrohtlx2586rb" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/9yRIi9iuvAlpxBTZK9ngXdEPGal61EHb3hMeP5KY8c4fKjNtqZM1hxmZ4lJeTceE.jpg" alt="Training Counselors about Neurodiversity" title="Training Counselors about Neurodiversity" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="Training Counselors about Autism and Trauma" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/9yRIi9iuvAlpxBTZK9ngXdEPGal61EHb3hMeP5KY8c4fKjNtqZM1hxmZ4lJeTceE.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Training Counselors about Autism and Trauma</figcaption></figure>

6/4/24 Neurodiversity Training at Keystone Camp, Brevard

<h2><a title="An ASD Story" href="https://boldjourney.com/news/meet-kara-nash-asdcs-rn/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-href="https://boldjourney.com/news/meet-kara-nash-asdcs-rn/" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">﻿Bold Journey Magazine Article</a></h2><h3>Featuring: Kara Nash, ASDCS, RN</h3>We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kara Nash, ASDCS, RN. Kara is the founder of The Autistic Autism Consultant and works with people on the autism spectrum, as well as educating others about what it’s like to live with autism. She’s presented at regional Autism conferences, schools, churches, law enforcement agencies, as well as to therapists and medical providers. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kara below....Kara, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose? Being born in the mid 70s when little girls didn’t have autism, or so was the common misconception, I struggled to communicate my challenges with the world around me. I didn’t want to be perceived weird or different or to disappoint my family, so I tried to hide the things that I struggled with. Even with all of the effort I put in, I was still bullied pretty severely by kids at school, and the older I got and the more importance was placed on being able to socialize with my peers.One of the key signs of autism is asymmetrical development, meaning kids on the spectrum may hit some milestones early and others late for their age, or never at all. Some examples from my own life are as follows.From toddlerhood, I was fascinated by letters and how they fit together to form words, which then fit together to form sentences. I’d copy the words off the backs of shampoo bottles, record album jacket covers, magazines, and anything else that had the text chunked into smaller blocks. &nbsp;I started reading around age 4. I’d read everything in our small town library by 3rd or 4th grade and had taken to reading the encyclopedia and different dictionaries. With the dictionaries, I took great pleasure in highlighting the words that I’d seen in books, along with the words that borderlines on “dirty words” like “damn”. I was after all in elementary school and some experiences are universal to most children.Although I was a happy child when left to my own devices and the world of books, I found fitting in in elementary school confusing and frustrating. There were things that the other kids could do that for some reason I couldn’t master that I tried to hide from my teachers and my parents. &nbsp;I often felt like basic directions were being given to me in a language that I didn’t speak.Until 4th grade, I was unable to distinguish my left from my right. Because I excelled in other academic areas this seemed to annoy the adults in my life who would say things like “You’re smarter than that” and “if you wanted to learn you would.” Teachers tried to teach me with techniques like the “L” in your left hand (meaning my thumb and pointing finger when extended made an “L”), but both of my hands had “L”s in them depending on how I held my hands.Looking back, I’d guess my confusion was a mixture of being too literal and having difficulty understanding the concept of fronts and backs of hands. Since the back of something is usually the part you don’t see, that means as I sit here typing the back of my hand is the lighter-colored side closest to the keyboard. At the same time, if I raise my hands off the keyboard and turn them palm up, then the back of my hand is the side that gets more exposure to the sun.I had a lot of challenges with visual spacial words and their meanings. Often, especially when I was young, my confusion came off as sassiness or being uncooperative. I didn’t understand what I was doing wrong, I only knew that the adults weren’t happy with my responses. &nbsp;At rest, it’s been shown that the autistic brain processes up to 42% more information than the neurotypical brain. With the increase in the amount of information I was taking in, it often took me extra time to answer adults verbally or to understand certain concepts. This was often misinterpreted as my not paying attention.To read the full article for free, click below:<a data-mce-href="https://boldjourney.com/news/meet-kara-nash-asdcs-rn/" href="https://boldjourney.com/news/meet-kara-nash-asdcs-rn/" title="An Autism Story" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bold Journey Magazine Article</a>

The Autistic Autism Consultant

Blogs and Vlogs

Melatonin, ASD, and Sleep or Is Melatonin a Risky Choice

Autism and Video Games aka To Medicate or Not to Medicate

Never Let Your Child Have This in their IEP

Getting Assessed for Autism

6/4/24 Neurodiversity Training at Keystone Camp, Brevard

Bold Journey Magazine Article: My Personal Journey