Author: Kathy Marshack

Have you heard of the power of perception? The power of perception can shape the course of your life for the good or for the bad. A perception is formed when information enters the brain by means of the five senses. That information is then processed and put into action. Different people form different responses based on the same data due to interpretations. Interpretations are formed by previous experience. Our experiences then shape our perceptions.

Changing your perceptions can have a powerful effect on your life. One way to do this to imagine . . . Imagine the outcome that you want in every situation. This requires creativity which is not a gift that comes naturally to all, but it can be developed with practice. If the outcome is different then what you imagined, you have the power to adjust your response. Adjusting perceptions and the good results that can come about can be likened to the placebo effect.

Beau Lotto, artist and neuroscientist, says the first step to changing perceptions comes from awareness. He says, “You must see yourself see. It’s about observation and curiosity, having a sense of wonder, becoming aware of the connection between the past and the present. Becoming an observer of yourself enables you to do amazing things.” For more information on the power of perception, I recommend the article, The Power of Perceptions: Imagining the Reality You Want on CNN.com.

If you would like to learn how to change your perceptions, set up an appointment with a mental health care professional. Contact my office for an appointment if you live in the Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA area.

For more information, visit Holistic Health.

Divorce is a touchy subject and even more so when one partner has Asperger Syndrome. Since Asperger Syndrome is a high-functioning form of autism, their relationships and marriages are more challenging. This is not to say that divorce is inevitable but it requires a high level of commitment from both partners.

Why are relationships difficult for Aspies? Reciprocity is a vital part to any healthy relationship, but is usually lacking in an Asperger marriage. What I mean by reciprocity is connecting to the interior life of your loved one and sharing their interior life. An Aspie/Neuro-typical (NT or without Asperger Syndrome) couple are often described as like two insulated wires wrapped around each other . . . touching but not connecting. Because of the lack of reciprocity, divorce is common.

The aftermath of divorcing an Aspie can be devastating. In order to cope with this aftermath, you must learn to be brave, strong, and resolute. One of the best ways to do this is alongside others who have done the same. A support group provides a regular structure to help you navigate through the shock, guilt, and sadness that you may experience after you divorce your Aspie spouse. This type of support group is the only place where you can surely find a level of compassion, understanding, and support that you will so desperately need.

On April 21, 2012 1:00 PM in Portland, Oregon the Asperger Syndrome: Partners and Family of ASD Adults will be meeting to discuss, “Divorce and Asperger Syndrome: A Dangerous Topic.” This Meetup will no doubt be a difficult topic to discuss, but it will be highly therapeutic. I encourage as many as possible to attend. If you cannot, feel free to log onto our Meetup page and join our online community.

For more information on Asperger Syndrome and relationships, my book Life with a Partner or Spouse with Asperger Syndrome: Going Over the Edge is available for purchase or click here to download a free sample chapter.

Healthcare is of major concern, not just to healthcare providers, but to all American citizens. While we are awaiting methods to extend health care to all Americans, perhaps there is something we can do. Instead of just waiting on insurance plans to pay doctors and hospitals, could we perhaps research healthcare that works? Many government agencies and health care organizations are willing to go to great lengths to get the right kind of care that patients need.

An example of this is a medical doctor and biochemist, Dr. Stanley Burzynski. In the 1970’s, Dr. Buzynski developed gene-targeted cancer medicines called Antineoplastons. After enduring a 14 year legal battle, Dr. Buzynski finally obtained FDA clinically approved trials of Antineoplastons. It was a vicious and difficult road for Dr. Buzynski and his patients. To learn more about Dr. Buzynski and what he has accomplished, I highly recommend the documentary – Burzynski The Movie.

The Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) published the latest autism statistics last week. According to the report, 1 in 88 American children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This includes high-functioning forms of autism such as Asperger Syndrome. Compared to statistics 10 years ago, there has been a 78 % increase. The reasons for this increase is unknown, but greater autism awareness is sure to play a part. Autism is a pervasive developmental disorder. The range of severity on the autism spectrum is expansive. To learn more about high-functioning autism or Asperger Syndrome, click here.

CNN.com posted a fascinating profile of a 42 year old man with high-functioning autism named Joseph Sheppard. I thought this profile was worth writing about because of the attitude Joseph has regarding his disorder. After being diagnosed just six years ago, Joseph finally received clarity. He expressed that he felt his behaviors were a bit odd. Now he had the missing piece to the puzzle.

What impresses me most about Joseph is the fact that he chose to take his diagnosis and run with it. Instead of feeling stuck with a label, he embraced it even referring it to his “inner splendor.” Now he is an advocate for others with autism. An excerpt from CNN Profile, Joseph says, ” What I choose to do is change the course of the future for persons with autism, because I believe in them and I believe, given the right support and environment, they will be a strong force in repairing the world.”

If you have been diagnosed with high-functioning autism, you can likewise choose to be like Joseph. If you are struggling to adjust to your diagnosis, I recommend seeking help from a mental health care professional who works with autism. Contact my office for more information or visit Asperger Syndrome Frequently Asked Questions.

Anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and binge eating are all classified as eating disorders. Eating disorders affect men, women, boys, and girls. Having an eating disorder is serious. It can cause severe physical and psychological problems. These three types of eating disorders are different, but yet all of them have a common thread – being preoccupied with weight and food.

Anorexia nervosa is an obsession with being thin. This obsession will lead the individual to literally starve. It doesn’t matter how thin a person with anorexia is, when they look in the mirror they see someone that is overweight. Because of this unhealthy body image, they refuse to eat much for fear it could make them fat. A person with anorexia is usually dangerously thin.

Bulimia is when an individual begins a pattern for eating large amounts of food (binging) and then purging after eating. Purging could be vomiting, taking laxatives, fasting, or exercise to an extreme degree to rid the extra calories.

Binge eating is eating excessive quantities of food on a regular basis without some sort of purging. A binge eater will eat even if they are not hungry. Binge eating is usually accompanied with guilt which usually spirals them into another session of eating. Many binge eaters are overweight or obese.

There are several reasons why someone may develop an eating disorder. For one thing, there is an incredible amount of pressure in our society to look a certain way. Many young girls are convinced that being thin equals true beauty. Many get entangled in this snare. Biological factors are another reason. Eating disorders sometimes run in families leading to the possibility that in some cases it could have to do with genes. The last reason is psychological. If someone is a perfectionist, has anxiety, or low self esteem, they could easily fall into an eating disorder. It becomes something that they feel they have control over. Eating disorders are accompanied with other issues such as depression, substance abuse, or anxiety disorders.

Overcoming an eating disorder is very difficult, but it can be done with the help of psychotherapy. In addition to intense therapy, nutritional education is also recommended. If not treated, eating disorders can lead to death. If you are struggling with an eating disorder, seek out help immediately. Contact my office if you live in the Portland, Oregon/Vancouver, Washington area.

Your brain is a powerful organ. Since your brain and body are in constant communication, your brain has the power to influence your body in either a negative or positive way. Therefore, taking a holistic approach to health and wellness is necessary at times. You have the power within yourself to heal as well as reduce stress and other negative behaviors. One way you can do this is by using affirmations.

Simply put, affirmations are an assertion that a person makes about a state of being. Affirmations empower the subconscious to overtime believe the stated affirmation. Once the subconscious believes, a person is more willing to work and strive for what they want. Thoughts become actions.

Affirmations can be done verbally or visually. In order for an affirmation to be most effective, it should be in the present tense and be positive in nature. For example, “I am happy” versus “I am going to be happy.” Keep them short and concise. It makes it easier to remember. You must also be prepared to repeat your affirmation regularly.

You can have a brilliant affirmation, but it will not do you any good unless you are prepared to put it into action. Only by being open-minded and allowing yourself to truly feel the affirmation will you truly begin to believe it.

If you have low self-esteem, are trying to lose weight, or battling depression or an addiction, I encourage you to give affirmations a try. If you interested in pursuing a holistic approach in your life, seek out a therapist who understands and practices these methods. If you live in Portland, Oregon/Vancouver, Washington, feel free to contact my office to set up an appointment.