This is the end of the second week of my new Open University studies. It has been fulfilling and enlightening. As all useful education should be.
The Ups
Spent some time wandering through the OU Library Service, made a few notes, then carried on with other things.
Yesterday I did a general (Google) search on my topic and found some great journal article links. Problem was, the minimum charge for a PDF download was $35. What? Then I recalled the vast repository on the OU Library site. Eureka! There were the same articles for FREE. They shall be entered onto my Learning Plan ready for ‘Reading Time’.
At times like that my studies in Librarianship (albeit it long ago) and my work as a college assistant librarian pay off. Oh, but I do miss Dewey. The first term at Uni included learning the System – sometimes to decimal places.
I was also able to get back into XMind mind mapping program and work through my Topic and accompanying questions. It does help concentrate the mind on the pertinent issues and away from the abstract.
The Downs
Mostly good this week, as I settle into my planning and organisation.
My husband reads ‘Flipboard’ and often sends me links to articles I may find interesting. This week was no exception, and the link was a feature on new research on the link between autism and mitochondrial defects. Yes, DEFECTS. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has researched mice behaviours after tweaking their mitochondria. Et voila! They become autistic. You know, poor social interaction, pathological repetitive behaviours, anxiety … One of the ‘Comments’ that followed one publication was from a person celebrating these findings as ‘autism’ is way worse than ‘Covid’.
I am so incensed that I can’t even bring myself to comment on what I read. And that’s rare.
The Sideways
I enjoy Ted Talks and I found a few excellent ones on autism this week including one by Steve Silberman who wrote Neurotribes. The book was recommended on the ASD diagnosis follow-up group and I have a copy myself. It was interesting to hear him speak about the history of autism diagnosis, and I believe his talk will inform part of my research output.
I hope you’ve had a good week. We are still in very difficult and uncertain times.
Stay safe. Grab every opportunity you can to fulfil your dreams, or desires, or just fill your hours.
Marilyn X
marilyn unmasked 
My , how your post takes me back to my own OU degree! I remember it so well, I was 40, married, two children approaching their teens. A big job too. It was a degree in Psychology and the thing that got me through it was …….. good organisation. I had previously been a full time postgrad student at Strathclyde in my 20s, Chemistry, and oh boy did you need to be organised. So, second year with the OU I decided to take on not one but TWO full units! When all the boxes arrived I filled my study with charts, flow maps, mind maps, schedules, timings ……. but thank goodness it worked. So, if an old timer can give you any advice and encouragement it’s …… get organised! Add that to loving your subject and you’ll walk it! 🤞👏👏👍
Hi Dr B I was at Strathclyde 1969 – it was one of only two Unis that offered a degree in Librarianship. Unfortunately I had my second breakdown and at the beginning of the 2nd term and had a stay in the Southern General dosed up with Largactyl syrup and ECT. Happy Days.
Yes, totally agree about organisation. Living with the highs and lows of bipolar 1, interspersed with shutdowns and meltdowns of ASD, it is how I survive. I too loved the OU parcels arriving. Online is not the same, but due to my sensory issues I am being sent printed modules.
Thank you for your offer of advice and encouragement – although ‘old timer?’ My ultimate goal is postgrad research into adult autism and further education, so I may well take you up on that. I had my proposal for doctoral research accepted back in 1990s, but … took time out in the local mental hospital instead.
Cheers! 🍷
Nice to meet a fellow librarian 🙂 I studied at Aberystwyth in the mid 1970s. My career path eventually took me off on a slight tangent, but not until after many many years in public libraries! Now retired and embracing blogging, I admire you for having the dedication to pursue an OU degree and will follow your ‘adventures’ with interest.
Thank you. So different now, the world of information. The old ways weren’t all bad, and I still love the feel of a book in my hand. I do have a Kindle Fire Tablet, too but it’s never the same. Does a much better better job with a Ted Talk though! 🤣