Another World

Another World
            Dealing with extraordinary physical, cognitive or neurological challenges can be isolating. Those of us in the disability community sometimes feel like we’re living in an alternate world from everyday society.
            For our family, going out in public is daunting because our severely autistic son’s sensory processing issues, communication difficulties, and unpredictable behavior sometimes makes navigating the “normal world” feel impossible.
            Work and caregiving duties limit my ability to meet in person, so social media has been a great way to connect with other nature and hiking enthusiasts, as well as autism and special needs advocates.
            The walks people share in the World Walks section of HikingAutism allow me to enjoy “armchair traveling” myself while sharing great places with readers. 
            One of my social media friends shares photos of the Palouse region in Washington State. I’d never heard of the Palouse until seeing his posts, and often feel that the terrain looks slightly unearthly. Steptoe Butte State Park Hike, a new World Walks contribution this week, highlights that very quality of the Palouse. Check out the stunning scenery on the Steptoe Butte State Park Hike page.
            That sense of a place similar yet different from earth brought to mind a Marin County hike. This week’s HikingAutism Hike Notes from the archives is Ring Mountain-Tiburon, a place that has unusual geological formations and rare plants.
 
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 24): Ring Mountain-Tiburon
 
            Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes and photo galleries via the main Hikes page or the Hike Search by Area (was Quick View Hike List) page. Click World Walks to see or share favorite walks from readers! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links.
            Check the Home page for the broader background story. Please feel free to share, and follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism