About 13 years ago I was on my nightly walk around my apartment complex and had come home and was getting ready to go to bed when I went into the kitchen to take my bedtime medication and I noticed something unusual. Looking over the kitchen bar I saw a little white with black spots kitten sitting on my couch looking back at me.

I thought to myself, I don’t remember having a cat and I was pretty sure I did not go to the shelter and get one that day so I thought that this might need some investigating. I went over to the cat and it was very friendly and talkative to me but I told it that I did not have a pet deposit and I wasn’t really sure I could take care of a cat and that it probably should leave. So I opened the door and helped it out and it immediately turned around and came back in. Now, we repeated this about 10 times and I thought I better call for backup on this situation. So I called my autistic counterpart (girlfriend) and asked her to come over and help out.

So when she arrived the cat was back on the couch just taking in the surroundings and enjoying my company. She asked if I tried to put it back outside and I told her yeah, about 10 times and it kept coming back in. She said maybe it chose me and had made up its mind to stay. She said I might not have a say in the matter, which flustered me to no end!

At this point, my autism was kicking me in the face and I was a little upset and then the strangest thing happened. The little kitten hopped off the couch and jumped into my lap and stood up and pawed at my face and meowed at me several times. I patted it on the head which really seemed relaxing and seemed to give in to the thought of becoming a new cat person. This calmed me down a bit and the cat just then stopped pawing at my face and just laid in my lap and accepted being patted.

So, my girlfriend went to PetSmart and got some flea shampoo, a litter box, a brush, and a minor assortment of cat toys. We gave her a bath, I figured out it was a her after a quick check (although I’m not a vet I guessed it was a she by the glance at her backside).

The flea bath was very much needed and she shed about a million fleas into the sink and was drenched and we dried her off and brushed her out well. She did not seem too out of sorts with that part and then she noticed the toys and started playing. My girlfriend who is a photography buff took pictures the whole time and was just going crazy snapping pictures of “my” new cat.

So the next day I went to the apartment office and paid my cat’s deposit and made an appointment with the vet for her first check-up and inoculations.

But her getting in my lap and pawing at my face has been a reoccurring theme ever since. When I get emotional or upset she gets in my lap and meows at me and paws at my face to let me know that I am upset and that I need to calm down and relax. I generally never realize that I am getting upset until it is really out of control but she recognizes it immediately and helps me head it off pretty quickly. And patting her does calm me greatly!

She was a terror the first 10 years we were together, my orderly home was a mess of cat toys and torn paper ALL THE TIME. As much as I tried to put things in their place she would instantly create chaos again. It was a trial for both of us for sure.

But when we went to the first vet’s visit they diagnosed her with asthma and they said they could put her to sleep or she could use an inhaler. They said most people wouldn’t pay that price for an inhaler and would opt to not watch their pet suffer and have them euthanized. I told them to tell me how much the inhalers cost and I would pay for them.

I did some investigating and found them at a Canadian Pharmacy for about 1/3 the cost and I’ve bought them from there ever since. She gets 2 puffs a day and it keeps her clear as a bell. And I’m happy with that, it’s worth the expense.

When she turned 11 she stopped jumping and began having problems getting in bed and up on her ottoman to her palette and on the couch. I took her to the vet and they did X-Rays and said she had arthritis. I asked if there was any medication she could take to ease the pain and also what adaptations I could do at home to assist her in getting up to her spots. They prescribed a dog medication call Metacam, a liquid to put into her breakfast. It helped her a lot and she moves easier after breakfast with that med. I’ve fashioned some homemade steps to get her up to bed and up to the couch and to her ottoman and she uses them like a champ. Can’t tell she has arthritis anymore!

I’m hoping to have her around for many more years because she is very, very, very good at detecting when I’m getting upset and letting me know. That skill is a natural trait for her and it really helps me a lot. I love her and appreciate her company. Although I do have to say the crime rate in the apartment has risen 100% since she has come into my life. Grand theft biscuit usually occurs at least once a week when she snatches what’s left of my morning sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit for herself!

John

#Autism #Neurodiversity

Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects how an individual interacts with the world around them. People on the autism spectrum may face unique challenges in their daily lives, but with the right tools and strategies, they can enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life. In this blog post, I want to explore how home automation, innovative living solutions, and other technologies are empowering autistic individuals, like me, to live more fulfilling lives.

At 55 years old, I have found that home automation has significantly improved my life, allowing me to better cope with the challenges of autism. Using Amazon speakers, automation devices, and scheduling tools, I have managed to create a more structured and organized environment. With auditory reminders and timers for tasks such as eating, paying bills, and attending appointments, I’ve found that these tools have greatly improved my daily routine.

A standout tool that has been particularly helpful is the Cosori Air Grill (find it on Amazon, it will change your life!). This Wi-Fi-enabled cooking device connects to my smartphone and smartwatch, providing notifications when food is ready or needs to be flipped. With automatic shut-off and versatile cooking options, it’s the perfect addition to my living environment.

In the following sections, I want to delve into various strategies and tools that I and others on the autism spectrum have found helpful in managing their daily lives.

1. Home automation for a structured environment

Home automation technologies, such as smart speakers, lights, and thermostats, can help create a more predictable and structured environment for autistic individuals. By setting schedules for lights to turn on and off, adjusting temperatures, or even locking doors, these systems can provide a sense of stability and routine.

Reference:

2. Time management and task reminders

Many autistic individuals struggle with time management and may lose track of time easily. Tools such as calendars, alarms, and reminder apps can help keep them on track and ensure important tasks are completed.

3. Sensory-friendly living spaces

Creating a sensory-friendly living space is essential for those on the autism spectrum. This can be achieved by using calming colors, soft lighting, and noise-reducing materials. Smart home technologies can also help control sound levels, lighting, and temperature to create a more comfortable environment.

4. Communication tools and apps

Communication can be a challenge for some autistic individuals. There are various tools and apps available that can assist with communication, such as text-to-speech programs and visual aids. These tools can help bridge the gap and ensure that communication is effective and clear.

5. Developing routines with the help of technology

Routines are critical for autistic individuals. By using technology, such as smartphone apps and wearable devices, they can create, manage, and maintain daily routines. This can provide a sense of predictability and structure, making it easier to navigate daily life.

Reference:

6. Social skills and emotional regulation tools

Autistic individuals may face challenges with social skills and emotional regulation. There are apps and tools available that can help teach and reinforce these skills, such as role-playing games, emotion identification apps, and relaxation techniques. By integrating these tools into their daily lives, autistic individuals can better navigate social situations and manage their emotions.

7. Online support and resources

The internet offers a wealth of resources for autistic individuals and their families. From online forums and support groups to blogs and educational materials, there is a vast amount of information and help available. By connecting with others who share similar experiences, autistic individuals can build a support network and learn valuable strategies for managing their daily lives.

8. Wearable devices for safety and independence

Wearable devices, such as GPS trackers and smartwatches, can provide additional safety and independence for autistic individuals. These devices can offer features like location tracking, emergency alerts, and even medication reminders, helping individuals and their families feel more secure.

Reference:

Conclusion

Living independently and managing daily routines can be a challenge for autistic individuals, but with the right tools and strategies, it is possible to create a more structured and supportive environment. Home automation technologies, smart living solutions, and various apps and devices can empower autistic individuals to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

By learning from others on the spectrum and exploring the vast array of resources available, autistic individuals can find the tools that work best for their unique needs. The key is to experiment, adapt, and continually seek out new strategies to enhance their lives and promote independence. And I have to say never go cheap! Yes, buy on a budget but when it comes to something you are going to be using day in and day out it is often worth it to spend a little more to get something that is going to last you a good while. Especially if you don’t like a change like me! I hate replacing even inanimate objects in my home!

The tech world is a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry, requiring individuals to possess sharp problem-solving skills and keen attention to detail. Among the vast pool of talent in the field, there is a group of individuals who have found their niche and excelled in programming: those on the autism spectrum. This blog post explores how autistic individuals harness their unique cognitive abilities to enhance their programming skills and thrive in the industry.

Autism is a developmental disability that affects how a person perceives and interacts with the world around them. While autistic people face various challenges, many of them also possess exceptional cognitive abilities that make them stand out in the programming field. By focusing on their strengths and using their unique way of thinking, autistic programmers are able to analyze code, detect patterns, and troubleshoot issues more efficiently than their neurotypical counterparts.

In this post, we will delve into the cognitive abilities of autistic individuals that contribute to their programming skills, explore the experiences of successful autistic programmers, and discuss the importance of understanding and embracing neurodiversity in the tech industry.

1. Attention to Detail and Logical Thinking

One of the most prominent strengths of autistic individuals is their attention to detail. Autistic people tend to process information in a highly structured and systematic manner, which allows them to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components. This ability to focus on minute details enables them to scrutinize and analyze code more effectively, leading to more accurate and efficient problem-solving.

In programming, the ability to think logically and follow strict rules is crucial. Autistic individuals often excel in tasks that require adherence to a rigid structure, making them naturally adept at programming languages and their associated syntax.

2. Pattern Recognition and Information Processing

Autistic individuals are known for their ability to recognize patterns and spot inconsistencies within systems. This skill is particularly useful in programming, where recognizing patterns in code can help optimize algorithms, detect errors, and improve the overall efficiency of a project. Additionally, the ability to process large amounts of information quickly allows autistic programmers to analyze and troubleshoot code more effectively.

3. Intense Focus and Perseverance

Many autistic individuals have the ability to hyperfocus on tasks they find engaging, which can be a valuable asset in the programming field. This intense focus allows them to immerse themselves in their work, leading to increased productivity and the ability to solve complex problems with determination and persistence.

Case Studies: Successful Autistic Programmers

1. Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin is an accomplished author, speaker, and advocate for autism awareness. She is also a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, where she has developed groundbreaking innovations in livestock handling. Grandin attributes her success in her field to her unique way of thinking as an autistic individual, allowing her to visualize complex systems and solve problems that others may overlook.

2. Satoshi Tajiri

Satoshi Tajiri is the creator of the hugely popular Pokémon franchise. Tajiri, who has Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism, has spoken about how his attention to detail and ability to focus intensely on his interests have contributed to his success in the gaming industry.

3. Vernon L. Smith

Vernon L. Smith is a renowned economist and Nobel laureate who has made significant contributions to the field of experimental economics. Smith, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome later in life, credits his success in part to his autistic traits, which allowed him to think differently and approach complex problems with a unique perspective.

The best way to win in the new world order is by embracing Neurodiversity in the Tech Industry.

John

Autism is a neurological condition that affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States. While autism can present unique challenges for individuals who have it, it can also give them certain advantages in areas such as visual thinking, pattern recognition, and attention to detail. These strengths have led to a growing number of individuals with autism pursuing careers in software development, where their unique perspectives and abilities are changing the industry for the better.

One of the key advantages that individuals with autism have in software development is their visual thinking skills. According to a study by researchers at the University of Montreal, individuals with autism tend to think more visually than neurotypical individuals. This can be an asset in software development, where visualizing complex systems and processes is a crucial part of the job.

Another advantage of autism in software development is a heightened ability to recognize patterns. Many individuals with autism have a strong ability to recognize patterns and find order in seemingly chaotic systems. This can be a valuable skill in programming, where identifying patterns and optimizing algorithms can lead to more efficient and effective software.

Attention to detail is another area where individuals with autism excel in software development. Many individuals with autism have a heightened ability to focus on details and detect errors or inconsistencies that others may miss. This attention to detail can lead to more robust and error-free software.

There are several examples of individuals with autism who have achieved success in software development. One such individual is Jerry Newport, who was diagnosed with autism as a child and went on to become a successful software developer. Newport has worked on projects for companies such as Hewlett-Packard and was a consultant for the film “Rain Man,” which featured a character with autism.

Another rising star in the world of autism and software development is Jory Fleming. Fleming, who was diagnosed with autism as a child, is a software developer and entrepreneur who has founded several successful companies. He has also been recognized for his contributions to the autism community and was named a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in the healthcare category.

The contributions of individuals with autism to the field of software development are gaining recognition, with some companies actively seeking to hire individuals with autism for their unique skills and perspectives. One such company is SAP, which has launched a program called Autism at Work to hire individuals with autism for roles in software development and other areas.

In conclusion, the rising stars of autism in software development are changing the industry for the better. Their unique perspectives and abilities, including visual thinking, pattern recognition, and attention to detail, are valuable assets in software development. As awareness of the benefits of neurodiversity grows, we can expect to see more individuals with autism pursuing careers in software development and other fields. By recognizing and valuing the contributions of individuals with autism, we can create a more inclusive and innovative workforce for the future.

References:

1. The University of Montreal. “Autism and Visual Thinking.” ScienceDaily, 2 Oct. 2012.
2. Forbes. “Jory Fleming: From Autism Diagnosis to Forbes 30 Under 30.” Forbes, 4 Jan. 2019.
3. SAP. “Autism at Work: Changing the Face of Autism Employment.” SAP.

#AutismInTech #Neurodiversity #SoftwareDevelopment #RisingStars #Innovation

As technology advances and businesses expand, the decision between cloud housing and self hosting becomes increasingly important. Companies must carefully consider the actual costs of each option and weigh the potential benefits against the risks.Cloud housing, also known as cloud computing, is a popular choice for many enterprises. It involves renting server space from a third-party provider and accessing data and services through the internet. The initial cost of cloud housing is often lower than self hosting, as there is no need to purchase and maintain equipment or hire dedicated IT staff.

However, the long-term costs of cloud housing may be significantly higher. While providers offer flexible pricing models, over time, the cost of maintaining cloud services can surpass self hosting. In addition, enterprises may face unexpected expenses, such as fees for moving data, or overage charges for exceeding usage limits.Self hosting, while initially more expensive, may ultimately be the more cost-effective choice for enterprises. By owning and maintaining their own servers, businesses have greater control over their infrastructure and data.

They can optimize their technology to meet their specific needs and avoid the unexpected costs associated with cloud services.Additionally, self hosting can result in improved security and data management. With data stored in-house, businesses have more control over access and can implement more stringent security measures. They are also better equipped to handle data breaches and other security incidents.In conclusion, the decision between cloud hosting and self hosting for enterprises requires a careful analysis of costs and benefits.

While cloud hosting may offer initial cost savings, the long-term costs and risks may outweigh the benefits. Self hosting, though more expensive upfront, offers greater control, security, and cost-effectiveness over time.

John

The technology sector is booming, with countless new startups and small businesses emerging every day. However, one group that is often left behind in this rush for innovation and growth is disabled-owned small businesses. These businesses face unique challenges that make it difficult to compete in the technology sector, and the disparity between disabled-owned businesses and other businesses is a cause for concern.

According to a report by the National Council on Disability, disabled-owned small businesses face numerous obstacles that other businesses do not. These obstacles include limited access to capital, lack of accessibility in the workplace and in technology, and discriminatory practices by larger companies. As a result, disabled-owned businesses are often at a disadvantage when it comes to competing in the technology sector.

One of the biggest challenges faced by disabled-owned businesses is the lack of access to capital. According to a study by the Small Business Administration, disabled-owned businesses receive only a small fraction of the funding that other businesses receive. This lack of access to capital can make it difficult for disabled-owned businesses to invest in new technology, develop innovative products, or expand their operations.

Another major obstacle is the lack of accessibility in the workplace and in technology. According to a report by the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability, and many of them face barriers to accessing technology and participating fully in the workplace. This can include physical barriers, such as inaccessible buildings, as well as digital barriers, such as websites and apps that are not designed with accessibility in mind.

As a result of these challenges, disabled-owned small businesses often struggle to compete with other businesses in the technology sector. According to a report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, disabled-owned businesses make up only a small fraction of technology startups and small businesses, despite the fact that disabled individuals have higher levels of education and entrepreneurship than the general population.

One of the most significant barriers to success for disabled-owned businesses is discrimination. According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, disabled individuals are more likely to experience discrimination in the workplace than other groups. This can make it difficult for disabled individuals to find employment, start their own businesses, or access funding and resources to support their businesses.

Despite these challenges, there are many disabled-owned small businesses that are thriving in the technology sector. These businesses are often founded by disabled individuals who have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the disability community, and who are committed to creating innovative products and services that address these challenges.

One such business is AssistiveWare, a software company that develops assistive technology for people with disabilities. Founded by David Niemeijer, who has a physical disability himself, AssistiveWare has grown to become a global leader in assistive technology, with customers in over 150 countries.

In conclusion, the disparity between disabled-owned small businesses and other businesses in the technology sector is a cause for concern. Disabled-owned businesses face unique challenges that make it difficult to compete, including limited access to capital, lack of accessibility, and discrimination. However, there are many disabled-owned businesses that are thriving in the technology sector, and these businesses are often at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship. It is important to support and empower disabled-owned businesses, and to work towards a more inclusive and accessible technology sector for all. As disabled entrepreneur Jenelle Marie Pierce puts it, “We need to remember that people with disabilities are a part of society and that we are consumers and creators, just like everyone else.”

The technology sector is booming, with countless new startups and small businesses emerging every day. However, one group that is often left behind in this rush for innovation and growth is disabled-owned small businesses. These businesses face unique challenges that make it difficult to compete in the technology sector, and the disparity between disabled-owned businesses and other businesses is a cause for concern.

According to a report by the National Council on Disability, disabled-owned small businesses face numerous obstacles that other businesses do not. These obstacles include limited access to capital, lack of accessibility in the workplace and in technology, and discriminatory practices by larger companies. As a result, disabled-owned businesses are often at a disadvantage when it comes to competing in the technology sector.

One of the biggest challenges faced by disabled-owned businesses is the lack of access to capital. According to a study by the Small Business Administration, disabled-owned businesses receive only a small fraction of the funding that other businesses receive. This lack of access to capital can make it difficult for disabled-owned businesses to invest in new technology, develop innovative products, or expand their operations.

Another major obstacle is the lack of accessibility in the workplace and in technology. According to a report by the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability, and many of them face barriers to accessing technology and participating fully in the workplace. This can include physical barriers, such as inaccessible buildings, as well as digital barriers, such as websites and apps that are not designed with accessibility in mind.

As a result of these challenges, disabled-owned small businesses often struggle to compete with other businesses in the technology sector. According to a report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, disabled-owned businesses make up only a small fraction of technology startups and small businesses, despite the fact that disabled individuals have higher levels of education and entrepreneurship than the general population.

One of the most significant barriers to success for disabled-owned businesses is discrimination. According to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, disabled individuals are more likely to experience discrimination in the workplace than other groups. This can make it difficult for disabled individuals to find employment, start their own businesses, or access funding and resources to support their businesses.

Despite these challenges, there are many disabled-owned small businesses that are thriving in the technology sector. These businesses are often founded by disabled individuals who have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the disability community, and who are committed to creating innovative products and services that address these challenges.

One such business is AssistiveWare, a software company that develops assistive technology for people with disabilities. Founded by David Niemeijer, who has a physical disability himself, AssistiveWare has grown to become a global leader in assistive technology, with customers in over 150 countries.

In conclusion, the disparity between disabled-owned small businesses and other businesses in the technology sector is a cause for concern. Disabled-owned businesses face unique challenges that make it difficult to compete, including limited access to capital, lack of accessibility, and discrimination. However, there are many disabled-owned businesses that are thriving in the technology sector, and these businesses are often at the forefront of innovation and entrepreneurship. It is important to support and empower disabled-owned businesses, and to work towards a more inclusive and accessible technology sector for all. As disabled entrepreneur Jenelle Marie Pierce puts it, “We need to remember that people with disabilities are a part of society and that we are consumers and creators, just like everyone else.”

John

#DisabledOwnedBusinesses #DisabledOwnedSmallBusiness #DisablilityInTech #Technology #Startups #SBA #SmallBusiness

As more and more companies move to the cloud, they are discovering the hidden costs of micro-segmentation – the practice of breaking down cloud services into smaller components and charging for each one individually. While the individual prices may look attractive, the end-to-end cost of a complete solution can be outrageously expensive, often more so than self-hosting the solution on-premise.

According to a study by 451 Research, 90% of enterprises are using some form of cloud computing, and many of them are seeing unexpected costs as they migrate workloads from on-premise solutions to the cloud. The study found that on average, companies overspend on cloud services by 23%, and much of this overspending is due to the complexity of cloud pricing models.One of the main reasons for the complexity is the micro-segmentation of cloud services. Cloud providers often break down services into smaller components, such as storage, computing power, and network bandwidth, and charge for each component individually.

While this may seem like a good way to offer flexibility and choice to customers, it can quickly add up, especially for companies that require a complete end-to-end solution.To make matters worse, cloud providers often make it difficult to calculate the total cost of a solution. Instead, they provide pricing for each component separately, without taking into account the other components that are required to create a complete solution. This can lead to unexpected costs and budget overruns, as companies are forced to pay for services they didn’t realize they needed.So, what can companies do to avoid these hidden costs? One option is to consider self-hosting the solution on-premise. While this may seem like a step backward, it can actually be more cost-effective in some cases. According to a study by Forrester Research, companies that self-host their applications can save up to 70% compared to using a public cloud provider.Self-hosting allows companies to have complete control over their infrastructure and avoid the hidden costs associated with micro-segmentation. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of self-hosting versus using a public cloud provider. Self-hosting requires a significant upfront investment in hardware and software, as well as ongoing maintenance costs. Public cloud providers, on the other hand, offer flexibility and scalability, and may be a better option for companies that need to rapidly scale their infrastructure.In conclusion, the micro-segmentation of cloud services can be a hidden cost that many companies overlook when migrating to the cloud. While it may seem like an attractive option at first, it can quickly add up, especially for companies that require a complete end-to-end solution.

Self-hosting may be a better option for some companies, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

#CloudCosts #OnPremise #BudgetControl

Are cloud providers taking us for a ride? The extreme micro segmentation of cloud services is causing businesses to bleed out their budgets. What looks like an attractive price for individual components turns out to be an outrageous cost for the end-to-end solution.… https://t.co/s8Uav9KtOq

— John Norton (@spindlecrank)
Apr 29, 2023

from Twitter https://twitter.com/spindlecrank

I look at my Azure bill each month and cannot make heads or tails of it because each service I use in Azure is so broken down into such fine pieces that it makes no sense to me. I mean take a function, you pay for the memory it consumes, the CPU cycles it consumes, the bandwidth it consumes, and the total number of times it is executed each month. Come the fuck on! How much finer can you break a service down and charge separately for each component and then charge excessively for each component and then advertise it as a single item?

Seriously! I have spent the last month talking to Azure Sales, Microsoft Partner Solutions (I’m a partner I must admit), and Azure Billing trying to get an accurate quote for 4 C# functions executing 14,400,000 times a month consuming less than 128MB ram and using less than 512MB of bandwidth a month. After a month my answer is that no one CAN TELL ME! I was taken aback by that and told to try the pricing calculator after being told in a round-robin fashion to talk to so and so and then that person would refer me to another section and they would refer me back to another section that I had talked to two weeks earlier. It is just sad that they are billing this stuff and the people who are selling it and generating the billing statements don’t know how to generate a quote based on numbers calculated by their own pricing calculator LOL!

It all goes back to my post title, cloud companies have micro-segmented everything they sell down so far to their basic components and are charging outrageous prices for each and then advertising them as a whole package with no price tag on it. They just say, “Hey we got Serverless Functions! They’re easy to set up and use!” They don’t tell you that they are gonna bill you out the ass for each individual little piece that makes up the total function in that pitch or that they can’t honestly quote you an accurate price other than say get on a pricing plan and pray you don’t go over and end up paying Consumption Tier Pricing for going over your cap.

Apps are going the same way with micro-billing and features but I’m not going that way with mine. I’m going subscription in order to keep them updated and be able to keep my backends up to date and development environment current but I think I charge a reasonable price. That is what I am trying to do now with my upcoming app to bring the subscription cost down to a reasonable cost but Azure will literally eat 75% of the revenue generated from the individual subscription as it currently stands and I can’t bring the cost down enough to really make it more appealing to the end user. That is fucking sad.

Four C# functions should not cost $9500 a month for just an estimated 1000 users…… even when it takes them only 6 seconds to execute a task per user, per function…….ever…..

John