I'm beginning to realize and accept that a component of my personality is, undeniably, introverted. Be it genes, childhood environment, parenting style, I don't know, but let it be said that I'm one of the quieter ones in any social situation.

I'm writing this because I don't want people to think that if I don't call them a lot to hang out or what not, it's not because I don't like them or don't want to see them. My friends are important to me, and I want to nurture relationships, but, quite simply, I really need to coach myself when it comes to reaching out. It might sound trite, or like a cop out, but that's the best way I can explain it.

Anyway, I had a training yesterday for my job. It was presented by a behavior analyst who has done extensive research about managing problem behaviors in kids with autism and other developmental disabilities. In one of the videos, a kid starts hitting a teacher because she simply turns away from him and goes to pick up something about 6 ft. away. The autistic mind is something that I'm still becoming familiar with, but everything in time. It truly does take skill in working with these kids, much of which you just get from experience, but I feel like I'm learning more and performing better each day.