So you’ve met someone you don’t know and it’s time to have a conversation, hopefully create a friendship, and your first tendency is to… run. Sound familiar? If talking to strangers feels like a bucketful of icy, cold water thrown in your direction, you’ve found the right spot. This post is written for all shy, […]
When Somebody You Care About Has a Drug Problem
Maybe it’s your best friend. Or your sister, or a favorite colleague at work. It happens slowly. What were they like before? Upbeat, always laughing? Devoted and kind? Now the friend or family member you once knew has been replaced by someone with a substance use disorder. It’s a transformation, and not a good one. […]
Asperger’s: tips for talking to neurotypicals
Neurotypicals (the Asperger’s term for people without autism) are complex, fascinating, and frustrating, and communicating with them often feels like you’re playing a complicated game without knowing the rules. To help simplify things, here are some guidelines about communicating with the non-Asperger’s society. Look them in the eyes. In simple terms, the rule (at least […]
Asperger’s: MORE tips for talking to neurotypicals
Stating the problem This article is about learning social skills. But first, let’s talk about abilities! People with Asperger’s Syndrome have many strengths to balance out the difficulties life throws in their direction, like high IQ’s, amazing mathematic and scientific skills, and a quick, punny sense of humor. Socially they tend to be honest, straight-forward […]
10 tips for family and friends of someone with Schizophrenia
Refusing TreatmentFamily support and friendship can make a world of a difference for individuals with Schizophrenia or psychosis, but it isn’t always clear how we can help. Where do you start? What can you do? Here are some tips. 1-Educate yourself about the disorder. Do online research and talk to your loved one’s providers. The […]