Intertwining Branches

Intertwining Branches
            Thank goodness for the intertwining branches of people connections we cultivate in life. The comfort of being supported by and supporting others helps us thrive. That is especially true, and sometimes especially elusive, for people dealing with special needs and disabilities.
            A big problem for families dealing with special challenges is isolation, regardless of how many others face similar difficulties.
            With physical disabilities, isolation may stem from logistical problems in navigating the world, among other things.
            With developmental or cognitive challenges, there is a wide variety of obstacles to joining the “normal” world, examples including communication issues, inability to process incoming information, and difficulty with executive functioning, making appropriate or socially acceptable behavior feel impossible at times. There are countless stumbling blocks.
            For autistic individuals, many factors can lead to meltdowns, creating a sort of PTSD for families trying to spend time in public places.
            Our autistic son was so overwhelmed by sensory overload that he was literally trapped under a blanket to protect himself from the outside world. Getting out of the house was so hard that our whole family became virtually housebound (Home).
            The key to survival is to not give up, to continue reaching out. Finding friends, family members, school and community supports that keep specially challenged individuals and loved ones connected to the wider world is our lifeline.
            This week instead of a new hike, I’m sharing the updated list of Helpful Links on the Links page. Thank you to the various readers who have connected through HikingAutism.com and sent in helpful links supporting those affected by disabilities.
            The long list of Hikes can be found on the Quick View Hike List and on the main Hikes page. All past Insights posts can also be viewed in the Insights/Hike Update News archives.
            Check the Home page for the broader background story. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photo galleries at the bottom of each hike page! Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Please feel free to share.
This week’s featured link:
(freshly updated) Helpful Links
            And because the photo is another magnolia shot from San Francisco’s Botanical Garden, and there is still time to catch some magnificent magnolia blossoms before they all fall to the ground, once again, here is the Magnolia Stroll – San Francisco Botanical Garden link from the archives.