MakeBeliefs Comix: Are you messing with me?

MakeBeliefs Comix is a Web site that allows the user to create his or her own comics using an interactive control board. It provides everything you need: several characters, each with a range of facial expressions, story prompts, speaking and thought balloons. This cartoon illustrates my confusing encounter with a woman who got angry when I honestly answered her question.

Written assessment for Asperger's syndrome

I got my written assessment in the mail from Marjorie Solomon, Ph.D., assistant clinical professor with the U.C. Davis MIND Institute. I completed the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-G) -- Module 4, a semi-structured play session that is used to diagnose autism spectrum disorders. My score was 10, which is above the autism spectrum cut-off score of 7.

Asperger's syndrome assessment at U.C. Davis MIND Institute

Wednesday afternoon I participated in a study I'd volunteered for at the U.C. Davis MIND Institute, about the learning and decision-making abilities of adults with Asperger syndrome. Part of the study included a formal assessment; the researcher told me I definitely have AS. The determining factor for her was that I had no friends in school and that I absolutely don't know why this was so. She's going to send me a written documentation in the event that it's ever necessary as a prerequisite for treatment or services.

Crocheted ‘Peek-a-Boo Pullover’

The pattern for this crocheted blouse (“Lilac Peek-a-Boo Pullover”) was modified from the original depiction in Melissa Leapman’s book, Crochet with Style. I selected a pale green yarn and shortened the sleeves of the pullover. The yarn (Silk City Fibers Perle 5/2 Cotton) was purchased from The Web-sters in Ashland, Oregon.

Evolving communication technology

Wading through in-boxes for some of my e-mail accounts, some of the mass-distribution lists to which I am a subscriber remind me of clubs’ print newsletters grafted to a new technology.