I’m Married!!!

I got married to my beautiful wife on October 22, 2023. Here are just a few of the photos from the ceremony and there will be plenty more to come.

Autism and Executive Function – Challenges and Solutions

Scott Klumb, a seasoned filmmaker, runs SMK Media Production LLC in Boulder, Colorado, specializing in film production, photography, and live event streaming. Being an individual with autism, Scott Klumb, a native of Boulder, Colorado, actively promotes programs that aid autistics, such as those assisting them with executive function challenges.

Executive functions (EF) are cognitive skills that help individuals in tasks such as planning, organizing, comprehension, and self-regulation. These skills typically develop throughout childhood and continue to refine into adulthood.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition affecting social communication and behavior, often face challenges with EF. Specifically, they may struggle to hold information during conversations, adapt focus and attention to different situations, and manage impulsive behaviors.

For individuals with EF challenges, forgetfulness may manifest in missing appointments, getting lost while driving, or unintentionally skipping routine tasks. They may also struggle with comprehending instructions, often confusing or having difficulty decoding them. Some executive functions, such as emotional regulation or adaptability, may not improve with age.

Simplifying instructions is a helpful strategy for individuals with autism to manage EF difficulties. Breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps can be beneficial. Visual aids, such as to-do lists, sticky notes, charts, or other reminders, can also help provide clear instructions.

Medication and therapy can also help address the struggles associated with EF issues. Treatment can improve EF by targeting specific neurotransmitters and regions related to cognitive flexibility, attention, and impulse control. Physical and mindfulness practices, such as aerobics, yoga, and meditation, can also positively impact cognitive abilities and improve EF.

About the Neurodiversity Celebration Week

A professional filmmaker, editor, and photographer in Boulder, Colorado, Scott Klumb creates films for action sports like freestyle skiing and mountain biking through his company SMK Media, which he started in 2012. Additionally, Scott Klumb is also autistic and has made several related films, including the award-winning Neurodiverse: One Couples Experience (Best Film in the Autism Category at the 2021 Spring Grove Caledonia Film Festival) and Autism Ability (Warner Entertainment Best Editor Award in the 2020 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge). Being diagnosed with autism in his young adulthood, the Boulder, Colorado filmmaker has experienced firsthand the importance and positive impact of awareness-raising initiatives like the Autism Society’s Autism Appreciation Month and the Neurodiversity Celebration Week (NCW).

Founded in 2018 by award-winning neurodiversity activist and best-selling teen author Siena Castellon, NCW is an international initiative that seeks to overturn stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences and change how people perceive autistic individuals and individuals with learning deficiencies. Castellon, who is autistic and has ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia or developmental coordination disorder (DCD), started the initiative as she noticed the focus is usually on the challenges people like her experience and wanted to shift the narrative and create a more rounded view that also considers their various talents and strengths.

To that effect, NCW collaborates with schools, universities, and organizations, providing them with various educational materials and social media templates that help them increase acceptance, understanding, and inclusivity and celebrate neurodiversity. All are downloadable for free on the NCW’s website, which also features a Resource Hub – a robust catalog of free downloadable resources for students and parents. Further, NCW organizes various events, from introductory webinars to educational sessions to panel discussions. Examples of the last from the 2023 NCW include Building a Neurodiversity-Friendly Workplace Culture, Neurodiversity for Parents and Carers, and Neuroinclusive Design and Assistive Technology.

Seasonal Depression – Major Causes and How to Work with It

Based in Boulder, Colorado, Scott Klumb has directed documentaries such as the autobiographical “Autism: One Man’s Journey” and various films focused on outdoor sports. With a strong interest in health and wellness, Scott Klumb has knowledge of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Also known as seasonal depression, SAD is a subset of mood disorders believed to be triggered by the shorter days and lack of sunlight experienced in the autumn and winter months. Those with low serotonin levels are particularly at risk. Compounding this, low levels of sunlight hamper Vitamin D production, which impacts mood and serotonin levels.

Another contributor to SAD may be that the body produces more melatonin, which promotes sleep when it’s dark longer. Excessive melatonin in the system can generate a feeling of sluggishness and sleepiness. In addition, stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts about the winter and its often isolating effect may contribute to SAD.

SAD symptoms range from feelings of guilt and hopelessness to fatigue and lowered energy levels. Beyond antidepressant drugs, treatment pathways include light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, vitamin D supplements, and simply spending more time outdoors. A healthy and balanced diet, combined with regular exercise, can also have a beneficial effect in warding off symptoms. The bottom line is that people who are prone to SAD can typically take steps to mitigate its impact.

Colorado Offers Disability Identifier for Drivers Licenses

A photographer and filmmaker from Boulder, Colorado, Scott Klumb takes inspiration from his journey following a late autism diagnosis in directing “Autism: One Man’s Journey.” Outside of operating his film company SMK Media Production in Boulder, Colorado, Scott Klumb has a strong interest in developments in state law for those with disabilities, as he is living with autism.

In 2022, the Colorado legislature passed a law that enables those with “invisible disabilities” such as autism, cerebral palsy, deafness, and dementia to have a marker added to state IDs and driver’s licenses. This came after Elijah McClain’s tragic and needless death after interactions with law enforcement and paramedics in Aurora, Colorado. Diagnosed with “excited delirium,” he died of a heart attack following the administration of ketamine, a powerful sedative.

With the new IDs in place, law enforcement and first responders can tailor individual engagements, knowing from the outset that “something different about me” must be considered. This law garnered the full support of Colorado’s law community members, who already underwent specialized training in engaging with those with disabilities.

While the marker does not designate the specific disability the person has, it can be linked with the vehicle’s license plate information. This alerts police officers in advance that a person with a disability is in the car and allows them to proceed with consideration of that. The success of the Colorado program is already prompting Canada and other states to consider implementing their versions of the law. Scott Klumb has requested that the marker be added to his driver’s license.