Author Archives: jcnash686

Pathological Demand Avoidance: Christmas Edition

I mostly enjoy being autistic. I appreciate the quirks in how I perceive the world, even though I often feel out of step with the people around me, and moreso during the Christmas season. There is one aspect of my autistic experience that I could do without and that’s Pathological Demand Avoidance. Also known asContinue reading “Pathological Demand Avoidance: Christmas Edition”

Camp Meetings and Community

One of the first things I did when we arrived in North Carolina was attend a Friday night camp meeting. I remember some of this state’s idiosyncrasies from when I lived here during my teenage years, like Cheerwine and liver mush, but I had never heard of camp meetings. A bit of googling led meContinue reading “Camp Meetings and Community”

Millennial and House Hunting , Part 1: Accepting Reality

I never really expected that I’d buy a house. As a millennial in my mid-thirties, the economy has been in a series of sharp upswings and downswings since I was a teenager. The attacks on 9/11 changed everything seemingly overnight; in high school, I watched as friends’ parents were laid off from their manufacturing jobs;Continue reading “Millennial and House Hunting , Part 1: Accepting Reality”

Out West & Back Again: A Moving Tale

Just over a week ago, I was waking up in Mojave, California. Today, I woke up in Catawba, North Carolina. As far as reality-shaking life events go, a road trip to move across the country ranks pretty high on the list.  My husband, Ryan, and I had been mentally and emotionally preparing to leave CaliforniaContinue reading “Out West & Back Again: A Moving Tale”

Accepting My Autism

I was 35 years old and really getting to know myself. Now, I’m 35 years old and autistic, thanks to a recent diagnosis. It feels like something new, but I’ve really been autistic all along.  All the different things I obsessed about collecting as a kid – rocks, books, clocks, pogs, small figurines? Might haveContinue reading “Accepting My Autism”

Endometriosis 101: Period Tracking

One of the worst things about endometriosis (besides the pain) is how little is known about this disease. Researchers don’t really know what causes it, and doctors don’t have many good answers when it comes to treating it. Period tracking is one way to learn about your cycle and make more informed choices for yourself.Continue reading “Endometriosis 101: Period Tracking”