A Lift from Life's Challenges |
Tough challenges can lead to isolation and hopelessness. Everyone needs positive counterbalances to survive life's struggles. One of my biggest life challenges is trying to help my autistic son. One of my biggest keys to sanity and happiness is spending time in nature. Whatever your particular life difficulties may be, I hope you find something uplifting here.
Regular updates and links to hike information (Hikes) can be found in Insights/Hike Update News. (To receive hikingautism.com updates, click the HikingAutism Facebook page and click Follow.) |
Trapped Within Autism profoundly affects countless families. Neurological and sensory challenges are manifested in many forms and severity levels.
Our younger son Sean's sensory struggles narrowed his (and our) world until he was nearly housebound. Through love, research, determination, and the help of many people, a life of literally hiding under a blanket has progressed to hiking miles of Northern California trails. (Hikes) |
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Working to Get Out
Sensory Overload |
Like countless people on the autism spectrum, Sean is torn between the desire to experience the world around him, and the need to protect himself from light, sounds, touch, tastes, smells and emotions.
Each person on the autism spectrum is unique, but we can find helpful insights in the stories of others. A dramatic breakthrough period that saw Sean blossoming in the outside world is detailed in Getting Sean Out. |
Feet On the Trail,
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The will to keep trying, despite dark challenges and discouragement, is key to avoiding despair. Whatever our life struggles may be, embracing help from others can turn us from debilitating isolation to a spirit of determination.
With courage inspired by his magical teacher (In Memory and Thanks), Sean still works with wonderful helpers who keep him moving forward. He is now an able hiker who has logged countless miles on the stunning trails of Northern California. (Hikes) His experience facing adventures in the outside world offers hope to other individuals and families in challenging caregiving situations. (See Insights/Hike Update News for updated reflections and outdoor activity information. Click Hikes and browse the list or check the Quick View Hike List for a summary of hike listings. Feel free to share hikingautism.com with those who may enjoy it. To receive hikingautism.com updates, click the HikingAutism Facebook page and click Follow.) |
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Sean, once barely able to tolerate leaving his own bedroom, smiles in an April snowstorm in Yosemite National Park.
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To receive hikingautism.com updates, click the HikingAutism Facebook page and click Follow.