Dustin's Dynasty

In my over 4 year journey of independence as an autistic adult, one of my constant struggles is the fact that I struggle with going to bed. This is further enhanced with the belief that because a medication helps me sleep, that it is what puts me into a trance. This is something that was taken literally by me for the longest time and am now turning a corner for the better. This episode is also ava...

In this video, I explain some helpful things that I do for my personal wellness and make them part of a daily routine and the importance of having these tasks as part of a basic care routine in order to stay well. Originally Uploaded to YouTube at https://youtu.be/fRMFszIGRv4

As I concluded in this week’s Reflections post, autistics across the spectrum are enduring things that seem like we are at times reversing the clock from where we have come back to the way things were. I used to be in what was the dark ages and have been through so much prior to and during my knowledge of autism that it can sometimes be the fuel that keeps me going in my journey. This episode is a...

As we approach the eve of the Fall Equinox, I have been thinking of ways to better intertwine nature into activities of wellness. Being outdoors makes me feel better and there is nothing like the air hitting your face at a time of year like the shoulder season. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://dustinsdynastyusa.com/2022/09/21/wellness-wednesday-change-of-scenery/

Life in the past 2-3 years has been nothing short of a challenge for autistrics across the spectrum. One of the major hurdles that has been at the forefront of autistics in the times of pandemic is the fact that many are losing skills and regressing to some degree. I too have been a victim of regression and while I seem to have some days where it can be really challenging, I know that there are be...

In last week’s adulting blog, I shared my experience when accepting a change to one’s routine. However in this day in age, I for one am learning that I need to be flexible by being open to changes in my routine. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://dustinsdynastyusa.com/2022/09/19/adulting-flexibility/

In this podcast, I share my story of falling down on my luck, boucing back and growing that was compounded by the COVID-19 Pandemic and why I now realize that I was not and still not alone in the issue of regression among the autistic community. Originally uploaded to YouTube https://youtu.be/q6ujgq2b4vs 

One of the traits of being autistic for one to adhere to rules, orders, etc. For me in my over four years of independence, it has been a contentious point to not understand standard norms, however, I am realizing the necessity of doing what is necessary because they are meant for a reason. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://dustinsdynastyusa.com/2022/09/15/a-rule-follower/

Excuses, Excuses, I know they help, yet I choose not to take part, What are they? Things for me ! I know that they help me, but I also know that when I choose not to do them that my life takes a downhill turn.  I am realizing the importance of why things must be done in order to life the best life that I can and not get into that deep, dark place. This episode is also available as a blog post...

One of the major facets of autism is the fact that many thrive off of routines. Having and following a routine can also provide a sense of comfort and wellness for getting through the day and staying well. Not adhering to the said routine can cause challenges for autistics and those around them. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://dustinsdynastyusa.com/2022/09/13/reflections-the-...

For many autistics, being able to accept changes can be difficult for some to tolerate. Many may react in a negative manner or they may obsess over it and try to come up with other scenarios of why it doesn’t need to change or have a solution that meets their needs. However, it must be understood that change sometimes has to be accepted even though it may be difficult. This episode is also availab...

In this video,. I share my thoughts and experiences of how happiness, change and anger cohabitate within the autistic mind and what I am learning what works for me as I am in the journey of discovery. Order the shirt I am wearing or other swag in honor of Suicide Prevention Week at http://stores.inksoft.com/fayettebehavioralhealth If needing assistance, dial 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org/

Last week, I had the opportunity to reflect on the last 2-3 years and how much of a roller coaster it has been, yet there have been several blessings that have saved me into being in the better spot that I am today. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://dustinsdynastyusa.com/2022/09/08/being-a-better-person/

In this current phase of self-discovery I am seriously beginning to close the door on the battles that I am discovering were within my headspace. I now chose to discontinue the battle that I was choosing to fight for nearly four years and take what I need to do seriously. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://dustinsdynastyusa.com/2022/09/07/wellness-wednesday-the-battle-within/

NOTE: This is the second-half of a two part series on my recent discovery of Autistic Burnout. In yesterday’s Adulting post, I discovered some of the signs and what to do in order to practice restorative care for myself. Today, I share what I discovered as the best practices for me in order to restore my energy following periods of burnout. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://dus...

As this post is published on a holiday such as Labor Day (in the US), I would like to share a little more on how I have recently discovered that I recently met my terms with Autistic Burnout and that I accepted the need to better take care of myself. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://dustinsdynastyusa.com/2022/09/05/adulting-accepting-autistic-burnout/

In this video, I share my transformation from being cold and callus to caring and compassionate. Uploaded to YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ab37JBCQFuE

One of the biggest challenges I have experienced in my life that I am still overcoming is my anxiety. It is a common comorbidity with autism and as such can produce many challenges in the daily lives of the autistic person, and as such I am no casualty in this regard. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://dustinsdynastyusa.com/2022/09/01/overcoming-anxiety/

The past month has been very good for me in the fact of being well. I am losing weight very consistently and as such I am setting goals for intervals so I can be accountable for myself in between the times I meet the accountability of the weekly weigh-in. Doing so has proven well and as such gives me the drive to keep the journey up and moving forward. This episode is also available as a blog post...

A few weeks ago, I made the opportunity to do some of the things before things changed drastically in my life in 2020. It felt good in a way, but I do know that I need to continue to work on things and get back to where they should be from years ago, This episode is also available as a blog post: http://dustinsdynastyusa.com/2022/08/30/reflections-regognizing-a-return/

Being an autistic adult and knowing that after you try something and realizing that you are not ready to make that change on a consistent basis is something that can be hard to digest. It makes you feel guilty because you are being selfish, but then seeing all the things that happened over the past few years and even in the past few weeks makes me realize that it is Ok to accept that everything do...

In this video I share my experience of discovering autistic burout, the generalization of it and how I plan to recharge from it based on the knowledge I gained various various autistic YouTubers. Originally uploaded to YouTube: https://youtu.be/m6um4suEgUU

For most of the 33 years of my life, I lived under my parents’ roof. As such I was often coddled because of my challenges in life. Oftentimes I followed suit in their choices they made for me. Now in my fourth year of independence, I am learning that I have to think and decide for myself what is necessary for me in my life, because I am the one that has to live with the choices I make. This episod...

Last week, I had the opportunity to begin monthly consultations with a nutritionist through a collaboration between my day program and the local community action concern. It was an insightful meeting where I learned to make better changes to improve my health. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://dustinsdynastyusa.com/2022/08/24/wellness-wednesday-better-changes/

Last week, being in almost a month of a near pre-pandemic workflow, I recognized that I needed to practice some self-care and take a “mental health day.” Many said how proud they were for me recognizing the need to do so, and as such I treated it as taking care of myself. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://dustinsdynastyusa.com/2022/08/23/reflections-recognizing-my-needs/