Pandemic Management
When COVID began, my normal life shifted quickly and I realized that I could not do many of the things I love the most. As devastated as I was, I processed the unfortunate outcomes and made smart choices by keeping my safety as a top priority. Going out of my apartment to get some fresh air daily was resourceful. Luckily, I stumbled upon other things that would make me joyful. Celebrating Passover Even though doing things virtually is never the same as in person, this is a time when we have to make opportunities for ourselves. Little did I know…
Health Appointments
Visiting a doctor and dentist at least twice a year or more is a part of living a healthy life. It is natural for some people with autism to have anxiety leading up to these crucial appointments. Medical and dental professionals don’t always understand that emotions may be high when they encounter patients with special needs. There are ways for patients with developmental delays to be proactive as well as handle the stress of these necessary appointments. With much gratitude, my parents have strived relentlessly to get in contact with health professionals who would be understanding and patient with my…
Preparation and Success in the Workplace
Once you have completed your education, the next step is to get a job. It certainly takes time to build a career you believe you will enjoy the most. Never forget, there are ways to receive assistance from mentors who will support you in thriving with the rigorous procedures of preparing and succeeding in the workplace. The OASIS program at Pace University, where I received extra support during college, established a work readiness model that trains students with learning differences in the process of getting employed and maintaining a job. I participated in employment readiness workshops when I was an…
Advice for a Successful College Experience
There are countless students with an autism diagnosis planning to go to undergraduate school to earn a degree that suits their interests and desires, despite all of the doubts and negativities that plague individuals who have the capabilities to succeed in higher education. As a college graduate of a prestigious university with honors, here is some valuable advice for potential college students with learning differences in achieving a successful college experience. Things to Consider when Choosing a College Comprehensive Support Post-Secondary Education Setting Things to Consider Once You’re in College Living On Campus Academic Accommodations Transition Tactics Transition Time Management…
Perseverance beyond Bullying
Being bullied is a major issue that is beyond hurtful, and challenging to resolve. When I got teased, I didn’t feel like going to school again until I discovered the reasons the bullies were mistreating me. The basis of their cruelty came from me having opportunities that made them feel inadequate. This includes traveling the world, making local and international friends at summer camp, my ability to memorize movie quotes and sports facts, and having goals that exceeded expectations. I have perfect examples of the most intense bullying experiences I have ever been through: The lesson I cherish the most…
The ICA Motto
When I was young, I could not express myself appropriately. I always liked sitting quietly in a different zone rolling my thumbs like a wheel, and contemplating my interests. The only time I would interact with anyone is if someone approached me and asked a question. Once I felt connected, I enjoyed talking to them, but there were also times when no one came up to me. I realized that I can’t rely on people to come over and that nothing is given. As I grew older, my social skills were still not progressing as fast as I expected. It…
Having Role Models
A role model is someone who is an inspiration for the success you want to create. Even though I do consider myself famous for spreading autism awareness in online articles, printed magazines, and having my speech made into a claymation video, there are plenty of other autism advocates who have gone above and beyond. What allows me to navigate my road to success is learning from other autistic people who have been outspoken. There are two famous autism advocates I admire who have followed very difficult tracks: Temple Grandin For my 21st birthday, my grandma got tickets to an event…
Misconceptions of the Autism Spectrum
Unfortunately, there are people in this world who lack the ability to truly know how extraordinary people with autism are in their own ways. This misunderstanding can cause individuals with autism to lose precious opportunities. With there being so many unkind remarks and untrue beliefs about the nature of the autism spectrum, I have selected my top four misconceptions: 1.) Don’t want friends Most children and adults on the spectrum like to socialize. The issue is they often make mistakes because they don’t know how to socialize. Having social failures in the past can also make them feel shy. Just…
My definition of Autism
Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder primarily characterized by four difficulties: Communication Social Interaction Repetitive Patterns of Behavior Intense Focuses With the autism spectrum being wide with so many variables, every person’s characteristics are different. The key to understanding an autistic individual is observing their behavior, and identifying their areas of interest. All of this plays a role in studying how they fit into the diagram below. While these characteristics are accurate, sometimes, they are not always helpful. Everyone must acknowledge the fact that every person on the spectrum is unique and always has something to offer. Allowing them to…
David Sharif 