It is now the middle of December and Christmas signs are all around us! The commercials are mostly Christmas related. Hallmark channel is playing all Christmas movies and many radio stations are playing Christmas songs. Christmas time, while very wonderful, is difficult for those of us with autism! I went to dinner at my favorite restaurant for my birthday with my parents and the noise was overwhelming with so many people there celebrating the Christmas season! We can get overwhelmed easily and there is so much stimulation this time of the year! It is good to celebrate and have fun, but being overwhelmed is not fun. Please take breaks and reflect on the meaning of Christmas! When feeling overwhelmed due to pressure opening gifts, noise or crowds, it is ok to remove yourself from the situation and return when ready and enjoy. Wishing everyone the merriest of Christmas!

Please have a Merry Christmas and listen to my Christmas song!

Please listen to my song, “God Hears Me”.

Please listen to my radio interview on WSPY from last April. It was about songwriting, RPM and autism.

https://www.wspynews.com/news/local/writing-songs-ann-hamlin-has-an-inspiring-message/article_e56a03aa-e686-11ed-a04c-f3d5148ff78a.html

Please listen to my song, “Hope”, with Meredith Powers!

Here are other songs I wrote. Meredith Powers wrote the music! Please like them on YouTube.

Here is my song about vacations! Please like on YouTube!

Talking on a letterboard or ipad makes people understand that I am really smart! Please notice that people with autism are upset about not being thought of as intelligent individuals! Many with autism cannot express themselves and they become frustrated.

I wrote the lyrics to ”I Am Here” to show people a little bit of life with autism. My music teacher, Meredith Powers, wrote the music. Please listen!

This last year has been a difficult one on everyone, but especially those with autism! I and many of my friends had their lives totally disrupted by Covid-19. We had our day programs canceled. I was not able to attend for over a year the special program I attended in Green Bay called ACE! We miss our friends and our structure! I also have great tactile sensitivity so I can’t wear a mask which limits my social contacts! I would love to just go out and eat at a restaurant! I really hope that people understand how difficult covid is on us with autism.! We like our structure and miss our daily routine! Please be kind to us and be tolerant!

Hi everyone! It has been a while since I have made a blog entry! I hope to start writing regularly. There is so much to talk about! Today I want to talk about Covid-19! I have really been down about not being able to travel and socialize with others since March of 2020. I know it has been hard on everyone! I have it better than most! I live with parents that love me and I do a lot of Skype and zoom communications! We have had some outdoor gatherings. I, like all of you, have tried to make the best of the pandemic! Please look out for those lonely and isolated! Especially those of us who are nonverbal! We need to care for each other and communicate that concern!