Epilepsy — Personal Experience & Mortality Awareness

 

 

• Personal story: onset at birth, seizures until 12, recurrence at 31, seizure-free since 43.

• Research: mortality risk, SUDEP, life expectancy.

• Key points: seizure management, medication adherence, safety planning.

• Context: many people live long, fulfilling lives with epilepsy.

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2. Autism — Neurodevelopmental Condition

What Autism Is

• Lifelong condition affecting communication, socializing, processing the world.

• Sensory sensitivities, routine-based needs, different thinking.

• Not linked to intelligence; many autistic people are highly intelligent.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• Spectrum: wide range of abilities, formerly Asperger’s is now included.

• Key similarities: social communication difficulties, restricted/repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities.

• Historical differences: early language development, cognitive ability, social interest.

• Causes: unknown; may involve genetics, birth injuries; not caused by vaccines or parenting.

• Co-occurring conditions: ADHD, learning difficulties, dyslexia, dyspraxia, anxiety, depression.

Common Difficulties

• Social: making friends, understanding relationships

• Communication: expressing thoughts/feelings clearly

• Routine/environment: stress from change

• Sensory: noise, touch, light, smells

• Adjustment: time to adapt to new people/places

Support Needs

• Education: school or home learning

• Daily life: cooking, shopping, cleaning, budgeting

• Personal care: washing, dressing

• Emotional support: managing stress

Strengths & Final Thoughts

• Autism is a different way of experiencing the world, not an illness.

• With support, autistic people can live full, happy lives.

• Everyone deserves understanding, respect, acceptance.

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3. ADHD — Neurodevelopmental Condition

What ADHD Is

• Affects attention, impulsivity, energy.

• Challenges: concentration, organization, hyperactivity, impulsive actions.

• Can cause mental health issues: anxiety, depression, sleep problems.

• Strengths: creativity, unique thinking, imagination, problem-solving.

ADHD & Daily Life

• Learning: completing tasks, remembering instructions, pacing work.

• Behavior: meltdowns when anxious, trouble waiting turns, restlessness.

• Mental health: higher rates of anxiety and depression, sometimes substance use.

• Support: patience, breaking tasks into steps, reminders, visual aids.

Personal Experience

• Always on the go, difficulty sleeping, focus challenges.

• Improvements over time with support and understanding.

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4. Mental Health Connections (Anxiety & Depression)

• More common in people with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties due to:

  1. Social/environmental factors: bullying, stigma, academic/work struggles, misunderstanding, change.

  2. Internal factors: low self-esteem, fear, sensory overload, internalized negativity.

  3. Biological factors: nervous system differences, comorbidity, genetic predispositions.

• Supports: awareness, understanding, reasonable adjustments, therapy if needed.

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5. Autism Easy Read Quiz

• Cover Page: Autism Spectrum Disorder — Easy Read Quiz | 🧩 🧠 🙂

• Key Facts: Not caused by vaccines or parenting; may run in families.

• Questions:

  1. What does ASD stand for?

  2. Name two common signs of autism.

  3. True or false: all people with autism have the same abilities.

  4. What does sensory processing mean?

  5. Give one way ASD can affect school or work.

  6. Name one strength often seen in people with autism.

  7. How can communication be supported for someone with ASD?

  8. Why is understanding routines important for people with autism?

• Instructions: Use trusted websites like Psych Central, NHS, CDC, or autism advocacy organizations for research and discussion.