While I sometimes worry what others think of me, I know that a stuffed animal calms me when I’m overwhelmed. Looking a little silly is better than a public meltdown.
Female Special Interests
Female special interests often fly under the radar because they can have a certain level of “typicalness” when compared to common male special interests. So, what really counts in the end is the level of intensity of an interest. Does the girl/woman read all day, sometimes ignoring meals? Organize her books incessantly? Talk to her […]
Nature Activities
Some autistic individuals are nature empaths. If this is you, take up nature activities that can be done alone or with friends. Hiking, horseback riding, outdoor yoga, or a cup of tea in a garden will help alleviate anxiety and get you out of the house.
Hooded Cloak
Make clothes shopping lists before tackling the mall or department store. Also, try a hooded cloak for fall fashion. They are warm, loose, non-itchy, and turn into a thick scarf when needed!
Honest Auties
Once, while in high school, a fellow student called me the “dumbest smart person” he knew because I refused to cheat on a difficult homework assignment. But I believe our innate autistic honesty is a gift, and it truly makes us special in a world fraught with deceit.
Hyperflexibility and Cinnamon
Joint hyperflexibility is a common comorbid diagnosis with Autism Spectrum Disorder. If you’re like me, try adding cinnamon to your snacks and drinks for some natural pain relief.
Movie Theaters
Buy movie tickets in advance. You can do it online to limit your social interaction. Also, choose a theater that allows you to pick your seats. There will be less panic when you walk into a dark room full of tons of people and countless chairs.
