The Power of the Prompt: Question 20

What makes a teacher great?

First of all, Dear Readers, I need to see the questions I’ve answered during this Power of the Prompt Series and all I can say is, wow, just wow!! It’s so amazing to me for see how many questions I’ve answered so far.

That leads me to answering my 20th Question of this series, which for me is a very easy one.

To me, what makes a teacher great is their ability to inspire their students, to make sure they know that they matter, period. A teacher is someone who is on the students sides, that validates their feelings and celebrates their accomplishments. A teacher never gives up on anyone, not one because they know that they matter and that they can make a difference.

If only someone gives them a chance, like a teacher.

I should know, I’ve had many teachers who didn’t give up on me. I could name them all, but they know whom they are and I want to thank them. That being said, I would like to highlight one in particular, one who embodied what it means to be a teacher. It helps that he came from a family of teachers and coaches.

He cares about his community, he cares about his former students and he knows full well that Hope Rocks. His name is Joe Defino Jr, he’s someone that I’ve mentioned before, but I do so to stress the impact he’s had on my life. He’s helped me see the good sides to me many times and his family has done the same.

If one wanted to be a teacher, in my opinion, you need to empower those whom you work with, just as Joe did with so many.

So another prompt down, until next post, stay strong, stay safe and as always….

Shine On!!

Be A Hero! Walk for Autism (featuring the wonderful people of The ASCHR)

Hero 5K Run for Autism

Celebrate the finale of Autism Acceptance Month! Register today – then mark your calendar, tell your friends and family, and dust off your superhero or anti-hero costume!

Costumes aren’t mandatory, but just remember that you’re a hero for improving the lives of autistic individuals and families all over the Greater Hudson Region.

All proceeds will benefit Autism Society Greater Hudson Region, a 501(c)(3) organization which provides programs as well as referrals to partner organizations to fulfill the needs of individuals and families in 21 New York counties: Albany, Chenango, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, Washington and Westchester.

Please consider supporting those organizations that listen to Autistic people and help us all…

Shine (or Quack) On!!

Poetry Packed Out: Rebounding

This poem, Dear Readers, means a lot to me, especially when it comes to my episode of Autistic burnout.

I wrote this poem because inside were the feelings of being in “safe mode” as I felt on pins and needles every day, as the pressure built up. I’m still coming out of this episode, slowly but surely and “Rebound” is my comeback, my rebounding back, as it were. I want to thank you all for your support and friendship during this time and I promise to give it my all when it comes to my poetry.

Frankly speaking, I owe it to those who came before me and those who will follow me. I know that this post sounds sappy, but it’s really not. It’s just that I never realized how powerful my poetry is, how I process my emotions through my poetry. That changed with “Rebound” as this encapsulates my journey back from burnout. It’s made me realize how there’s always hope, always, which I can only thank my dear friend Joe Defino for. I know I’ve mentioned him a lot, but that’s only because he’s always seen the best in others, myself included.

So, for those who are going through hard times, know that you’re not alone, that there’s hope in the darkest times and that you can survive, thrive as well as….

Shine On!!!

Poetry Packed Out: Time to Forge Ahead

https://on.soundcloud.com/Rcn9hZy2mrQo82i49

At long last, Dear Readers, I’ve arrived back with my first new poem of 2023!! To give some backstory to this, I must reiterate that I’ve been dealing with autistic burnout for some time. Most likely, it’ll be some time before my creative spark is back to where it was before.

That being said, it’s getting back, slowly but surely. It’s something that I’m very happy about, to be honest. As my poetry gives me the ability to process my emotions, dealing with so many emotions can make me feel like Gordon Ramsay or Jon Taffer on Bar Rescue or Kitchen Nightmares, making me wonder where I start.

Where I started in 2023 is with my most recent work, “Forge”, which I wrote for a dear friend of mine, Joe Defino Jr. I’ve mentioned him on The Autistic SuperBlog many times before, but suffice it to say that he’s an inspiration not only to me but also to the local community.

So when I was asked to go to the MVP Arena in Albany by the International Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame to celebrate Joe getting his Medal for Mettle Award, it was a no-brainer for me. In honor of the wonderful event, I wrote “Forge” because he’s helped me become a better person in more ways than one.

Thank you, Joe, for being the wonderful, kind, compassionate friend you are to not only myself, but also the community at large. Thank you so much for helping us all…

Shine On!!!

Behind the Burnout

Dear Readers, the picture above describes what I’ve been dealing with recently when it comes to Autistic burnout. I know I’ve spoken about it in recent blog posts, but I wanted to explain what it’s all about, or at least make an attempt to do so.

Autistic burnout feels like a more intense form of depression due to stresses and expectations of trying to fit into a Neurotypical world. NT’s on the whole don’t seem to realize how difficult it can be to being a Spectrumite.

After a while, trying to fit in can feel draining, stressful and an utter hell, to be direct about it.

That’s what I’ve been dealing with recently and I only hope that the picture above helps to explain what Autistic Burnout is. The main coping skills that I can say that have helped me deal with it are time, patience, unmasking when I’m feeling overwhelmed, my noise cancelling earbuds or headphones and self care.

I just wanted you, Dear Readers, to know what I’ve been dealing with when it comes to Autistic burnout. I wanted to all to know what I’ve been dealing with and how you all can help anyone whom is dealing with Autistic Burnout, so we can be better people and help us all…

Shine On!!!

To Another Shining New Year!!!

The Hot Take: Another New Year for the Church!!!

A Boost to You From Me!! #WorldMentalHealthDay

On this World Mental Health Day, Dear Readers, I’ve been trying to think of ways to inspire you all, including fellow Spectrumites.

I’m sad to say that I couldn’t think of much to say that I haven’t said already, so this will be a short post.

I just want to thank my family and friends for all they’ve done for me, as I want to thank my friends for inspiring me to be my best, with my quirks, strengths and flaws. I want to thank my co-workers for being the people that they are, supporting me when I need it and kicking me in the butt when I need it (this goes for my friends and family as well, to be fair.)

Thank you all for your love, support and friendship!! It means a lot to me!!!

For those who need the boost on this World Mental Health Day, consider this that boost for you all, myself included:

That You are loved!

That You are unique!

That You are amazing, as you are!

That You are enough!

That You can inspire others that are struggling by your example!

So, believe the positive self talk, use that motivation to spark your world so you can help others…..

Shine On!!!

The Hot Take: Another Plea for Hope!!

Poetry Packed Out: Fearless Friend

This post (and poem recording) is for a fantastic friend that I’ve mentioned before here on The Autistic SuperBlog: The Truly Atypical Jesse Saperstein, whose site is here, if you’re so inclined: https://www.jessesaperstein.com

To say that he’s a wonderful friend that I admire would be an understatement. He’s a role model for everyone in the self advocacy community and someone that is (or has) been bullied, myself included.

So, this is a poem that I wrote several years ago and just recently recorded in order to thank Jesse for his friendship, his advocacy and the impact he has had on his friends, myself included.

So, thank you Jesse for everything you are to us and your efforts in helping us in our hardest times and helping us to….

Shine On!!