I'm Autistic, yes, blah, blah, blah, but in my years since
coming to terms with said diagnosis, I've developed a range of ways to
help me cope in certain situations. This post has been in various stages
of drafts since early 2024, but as I have a lull in photos to post this
month, I thought I'd work on it now.
Starting out with what I
call my 'Just in Case bag'. I've always carried (what other people may
see as) an unnecessary amount of stuff with me whenever I leave the
bubble of my house. My Just in Case bag is something I've had for as
long as I can remember - even as a child, I liked to take my special
bits and bobs along. Though of course, my priorities have changed since
colouring books and Puppy in my Pockets were packed in my bag.
I'm
aware that many people carry some necessities with them, and parents
need a whole host of things to leave the house. It's not strange to be
prepared; however, what I lug with me every time I step foot out of the
door may seem to be verging on over the top.
My 'Just in case
bag' is actually split over multiple pouches within my main bag. I
usually prefer a backpack because it feels more comfortable to have
something against my back while in public, however I recently got my
gorgeous custom Bat crossbody bag. In some ways I prefer this if I am
going to be in a busy place in particular as I can keep it closer and
feel safer from thiefs and such.
Within these pouches I have -
Other items I use to help me manage my autism:
- Headphones.
Not
to be a stereotype, but since buying a pair of Bluetooth headphones
with a noise-cancelling option in July 2024, I now understand why ear
defenders or headphones are used so much. These have been a massive help
to me while at home to block out sounds, even when I'm unaware of what
is causing me issues.
- Earplugs.
I have tried three
different types of earplugs now, and I will tell you for nothing that
Loop are rubbish! I use Alpine Clear Tone, which are far superior to
anything else I've tried. I feel many similar products try to appear
trendy, and although influencers may tell you they are cool, I
personally think they don't provide the right balance of noise blocking
and hearing.
- Sunglasses.
Sensitivity to light is another of my sense fails. No matter the season or weather, if it is bright I need sunglasses.
- Blankets.
People online seem to swear by
weighted blankets but these sound nothing but stressful to me. However, I
do covet certain fleece blankets which I will use to provide comfort
even to the detriment of me sometimes overheating.
- Play-Doh.
Now
I understand that this one might sound like a joke but I'm deadly
serious. I have a tub of play-doh in a drawer in the living room and I
use it not only as a 'stressball' of sorts, but also as a scent
re-centring thing to sniff. I have issues with my oldfactory system and
can get smells than no one else can smell stuck which is overwhelming.
When I'm really struggling a sniff of something like this can help. I am looking to implement a more travel friendly, less outwardly weird option for when I'm out and about but most things that exisit are essential oil centred which can be overly scented for my liking.
- Finch app.
I've
been a hater of apps for as long as they've been a thing - why does
every store need their own app?! However, Finch has been an unbelievable
help to me in everyday life. Finch is esentially a modern day
Tamagotchi Bird who is fueled to go on adventures by me completing my
list of tasks. The app sends me reminders to drink (see below), as well
as take medications and basic daily tasks like washing my face and
brushing my teeth all of which I can easily forget espcially if there
are changes in routine for any reason.
- Juice Bottles.
With
my Autism I don't regognise many feelings such as hunger, thirst or
even needing the toilet until it is an extreme. That means for a large
portion of my life I've been perpetually dehydrated because I just don't
register that I need a drink. To combat this Mr H makes up flasks for
me every morning, left in prominant places so I drink more regularly. We
use flasks/bottles specifically as my hand-eye coordination (or lack
thereof) can lead to spills when drinking from glasses.
- Soft Toys.
A stance I have held forever is that soft toys are ageless. They are for everyone and there is no shame in finding comfort from one. I have collected them and loved them from when I was a baby, to an undiagnosed child carrying around multiple and lining them up, kissing each one before bed, to now. My collection spans pal sized dragons and bats who I can hold in my hand in stressful situations, to full sized soft toys that I can properly hug and my childhood Simba who goes on every holiday will me.
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Non-physical additions to this list could include the fact that routine is important to me so I make sure to stick to that as much as possible. I can't communicate well with strangers or over the phone, so Mr H helps me in those kind of situations. When leaving home or have appointments etc I research the area beforehand so I can familiarize myself with the area and where to park to at least minimize those anxities. I also am always very organized and have any information or paperwork we may need in a folder.
While I do have all of the above systems to assist in a smoother way of daily life, they aren't a cure all or failsafe methods to deal with my Autism. I still struggle greatly with so many effects of Autism and this inexhaustive* list is just a sample of ways I try to reduce the risk of meltdowns, shutdowns and everything inbetween.
As I continue to move through life, I am still learning my triggers, struggles and methods to live life.
And of course this isn't the half of it because I also have physical disabilities which opens a whole other can of worms...
If you have any tips and tricks or specific systems you use I'd love to hear them!
*(because my memory is not great and I will certainly have missed something!)
