Driving
I'll never forget the day I realized that exercise was the key to breaking free from my wheelchair/walking aids and taking back control of my life. It wasn't an easy journey, but it's one that changed me in ways I never thought possible.
When I was in a wheelchair and even using a walker, every day was a struggle. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, taking a shower, or going to the grocery store became daunting challenges that left me feeling defeated and powerless. The physical limitations were just the beginning - the emotional toll was just as debilitating. I felt like I'd lost my sense of identity, like I was stuck in a body that couldn't keep up with my mind.
But the hardest part was the impact it had on my daily life. I had to rely on others to get me around, which made me feel like a burden to those. I couldn't engage in activities that I enjoyed, and socializing became a rare occurrence. It was like I was trapped in a bubble, watching the world pass me by.
It's hard to put into words the feeling of losing your independence, but that's exactly what I felt like I'd lost. I was trapped in a never-ending cycle of dependency, and I didn't know how to escape it.
But something inside of me clicked. I realized that I had a choice to make - I could let my circumstances define me, or I could take back control. And that's exactly what I did.
It started with small exercises, ones that I could do from my wheelchair/walking aid. I'd lift my arms, move my legs, and do whatever I could to get my heart rate up. It wasn't easy, but I persisted. I found adaptive exercises online, ones specifically designed for people with disabilities and exercises that I remembered when I broke my femur.
I started slow, but I was consistent. Every day for hours, I'd push myself a little further. I'd try new exercises, ones that challenged me and left me feeling exhausted but exhilarated. And then something miraculous happened - I started to see progress. I could lift my legs higher, move my arms faster, and feel my heart beating stronger.
The day I stood up for the first time without assistance was a turning point. It was shaky, and I held onto the wall for dear life, but I was standing. And that feeling, oh that feeling was indescribable. I felt like I was on top of the world. To make a long story short I was forced out of a wheelchair, to a walker, forced not to use that, to walking sticks, and forced not to use those. This is what needs to happen.
I THEN HAD A CHOICE, WALK OR CRAWL.
As I continued to progress, I realized that I wasn't just getting physically stronger - I was getting mentally tougher too. I started to set bigger goals for myself, ones that scared me but excited me at the same time. And then it happened - I realized I could drive my Tesla that I bought in 2021.
The feeling of sitting behind the wheel, of having the freedom to go wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted, was surreal. It was like I'd finally found my wings, and nothing could ever take that away from me.
The Tesla technology has helped. And if a new car is obtainable a Tesla is a NO BRAINER! Tesla’s Full Self Driving technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about transportation, and for neurodiverse individuals like myself, it could be a total game-changer.
For many neurodiverse individuals, traditional driving and transportation options can be incredibly challenging. Sensory overload from traffic, bright lights, and loud noises can be overwhelming, making it difficult to focus on the road. Additionally, executive function deficits can make it hard to plan and navigate routes, leaving many feeling anxious or fearful behind the wheel. Furthermore, social anxiety and communication difficulties can make it tough to interact with other drivers, pedestrians, and law enforcement. And for those with sensory processing disorders, the tactile sensation of wearing a seatbelt or the feeling of air conditioning on their skin can be uncomfortable or even painful. All of these challenges can make driving a daunting task, and for some, it can be a major barrier to independence.
Moreover, public transportation isn't always a viable option, as it can be unpredictable, crowded, and unreliable. Ride-sharing services can be helpful, but they often come with their own set of challenges, such as having to interact with drivers or navigating unfamiliar routes. This leaves many neurodiverse individuals relying on others for transportation, which can be frustrating and limiting.
Tesla's Full Self Driving technology, on the other hand, is designed to be highly intuitive and user-friendly. With its advanced cameras and AI technology, the car can detect and respond to its surroundings, limiting the need for human intervention. This means that neurodiverse individuals can travel safely and independently, without having to worry about the sensory or social challenges associated with traditional driving. NOTE: YOU HAVE TO BE PRESENT, ALTERT, AND READY TO TAKE OVER AT ANYTIME.
So, how does it work? Tesla's Full Self Driving system uses a combination of cameras, and depending on the year, ultrasonic sensors to detect and respond to its environment. This enables the car to stay in its lane, adjust speed, and even change lanes autonomously. The system is also continuously learning and improving, thanks to real-time data from the Tesla fleet. This means that the more miles driven, the more accurate and safe the system becomes.
One of the most impressive features of Tesla's Full Self Driving system is its ability to navigate complex scenarios, such as construction zones (sometimes) or parking lots. The car can even auto-park and summon (using A.S.S) itself, making it incredibly convenient for those with mobility issues.
Looking back on my journey, it's clear that exercise was the catalyst for change. It wasn't just about physical transformation - it was about mental toughness, perseverance, and a mindset shift. I learned that no matter what life throws at you, you always have the power to choose how you respond.
When I was in a wheelchair and even using a walker, every day was a struggle. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, taking a shower, or going to the grocery store became daunting challenges that left me feeling defeated and powerless. The physical limitations were just the beginning - the emotional toll was just as debilitating. I felt like I'd lost my sense of identity, like I was stuck in a body that couldn't keep up with my mind.
But the hardest part was the impact it had on my daily life. I had to rely on others to get me around, which made me feel like a burden to those. I couldn't engage in activities that I enjoyed, and socializing became a rare occurrence. It was like I was trapped in a bubble, watching the world pass me by.
It's hard to put into words the feeling of losing your independence, but that's exactly what I felt like I'd lost. I was trapped in a never-ending cycle of dependency, and I didn't know how to escape it.
But something inside of me clicked. I realized that I had a choice to make - I could let my circumstances define me, or I could take back control. And that's exactly what I did.
It started with small exercises, ones that I could do from my wheelchair/walking aid. I'd lift my arms, move my legs, and do whatever I could to get my heart rate up. It wasn't easy, but I persisted. I found adaptive exercises online, ones specifically designed for people with disabilities and exercises that I remembered when I broke my femur.
I started slow, but I was consistent. Every day for hours, I'd push myself a little further. I'd try new exercises, ones that challenged me and left me feeling exhausted but exhilarated. And then something miraculous happened - I started to see progress. I could lift my legs higher, move my arms faster, and feel my heart beating stronger.
The day I stood up for the first time without assistance was a turning point. It was shaky, and I held onto the wall for dear life, but I was standing. And that feeling, oh that feeling was indescribable. I felt like I was on top of the world. To make a long story short I was forced out of a wheelchair, to a walker, forced not to use that, to walking sticks, and forced not to use those. This is what needs to happen.
I THEN HAD A CHOICE, WALK OR CRAWL.
As I continued to progress, I realized that I wasn't just getting physically stronger - I was getting mentally tougher too. I started to set bigger goals for myself, ones that scared me but excited me at the same time. And then it happened - I realized I could drive my Tesla that I bought in 2021.
The feeling of sitting behind the wheel, of having the freedom to go wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted, was surreal. It was like I'd finally found my wings, and nothing could ever take that away from me.
The Tesla technology has helped. And if a new car is obtainable a Tesla is a NO BRAINER! Tesla’s Full Self Driving technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about transportation, and for neurodiverse individuals like myself, it could be a total game-changer.
For many neurodiverse individuals, traditional driving and transportation options can be incredibly challenging. Sensory overload from traffic, bright lights, and loud noises can be overwhelming, making it difficult to focus on the road. Additionally, executive function deficits can make it hard to plan and navigate routes, leaving many feeling anxious or fearful behind the wheel. Furthermore, social anxiety and communication difficulties can make it tough to interact with other drivers, pedestrians, and law enforcement. And for those with sensory processing disorders, the tactile sensation of wearing a seatbelt or the feeling of air conditioning on their skin can be uncomfortable or even painful. All of these challenges can make driving a daunting task, and for some, it can be a major barrier to independence.
Moreover, public transportation isn't always a viable option, as it can be unpredictable, crowded, and unreliable. Ride-sharing services can be helpful, but they often come with their own set of challenges, such as having to interact with drivers or navigating unfamiliar routes. This leaves many neurodiverse individuals relying on others for transportation, which can be frustrating and limiting.
Tesla's Full Self Driving technology, on the other hand, is designed to be highly intuitive and user-friendly. With its advanced cameras and AI technology, the car can detect and respond to its surroundings, limiting the need for human intervention. This means that neurodiverse individuals can travel safely and independently, without having to worry about the sensory or social challenges associated with traditional driving. NOTE: YOU HAVE TO BE PRESENT, ALTERT, AND READY TO TAKE OVER AT ANYTIME.
So, how does it work? Tesla's Full Self Driving system uses a combination of cameras, and depending on the year, ultrasonic sensors to detect and respond to its environment. This enables the car to stay in its lane, adjust speed, and even change lanes autonomously. The system is also continuously learning and improving, thanks to real-time data from the Tesla fleet. This means that the more miles driven, the more accurate and safe the system becomes.
One of the most impressive features of Tesla's Full Self Driving system is its ability to navigate complex scenarios, such as construction zones (sometimes) or parking lots. The car can even auto-park and summon (using A.S.S) itself, making it incredibly convenient for those with mobility issues.
Looking back on my journey, it's clear that exercise was the catalyst for change. It wasn't just about physical transformation - it was about mental toughness, perseverance, and a mindset shift. I learned that no matter what life throws at you, you always have the power to choose how you respond.
