I got some good quality noise cancelling headphones 12 months ago and thought they were great. Since doing more reading about ASD and ADHD, I’ve come to understand I have some sensory issues.
I bought some Loop earplugs a few weeks ago after reading about them in other ASD threads and I love wearing them when driving, shopping or in doctor’s waiting rooms. I feel much less anxious and tense.
After doing some more reading and reflection, I think that a weighted blanket might be helpful and so I ordered one.
I’ve been using softer, less jarring alarms and ringtones for years and started using the Smiling Mind phone app recently which has been helpful.
I was wondering if there are any assistive tools/devices/tips that any other ASD people have found that have had a major impact on their lives that they might like that share?
Making time for some exercise really helps me a lot with mood management. I had a month off from exercise in january and really noticed how much it affected me
I also got some loops pretty recently, upon recommendations by this community actually (thanks guys!) and they are great. I liked them so much in fact, that after losing one of them at work I ordered a new pair. They definitely help temper my focus amongst the chaos in noisy environments.
What makes you think that the weighted blanket will be helpful? I’ve heard that people like them, but haven’t really looked into them.
As for the alarms, I haven’t used a regular one in a very long time. I use my watch with a vibration alarm, which isn’t great (because the intensity is not adjustable unfortunately) but is still better than any noise alarms for me. At some point I’d like to try another sunrise alarm. I used one before, and I really don’t remember why I stopped using it actually. Hmm.
What is the smiling mind app and why do you like it?
What makes you think that the weighted blanket will be helpful? I’ve heard that people like them, but haven’t really looked into them.
In my reading I came across some info about sleeping problems and one in particular talked about how some ASD people can feel like they are floating on their bed and I remembered feeling that way as a kid. I’ve also never been able to sleep with just a light bed sheet over me. I like the blankets at hospital that are cool but have a bit of weight to them. And just a bunch of other dots I’m starting connect.
What is the smiling mind app and why do you like it?
Its a free mindfulness/guided meditation app from an Aussie non-profit mental health organization. My psych recommended it, saying that practicing it each day can help reduce stress and anxiety. I like it because each exercise is only 2-6 minutes long and I’ve had difficulty maintaining focus with longer guided meditation exercises.
I can say that my weighted blanket is one of the greatest gifts I’ve ever gotten. The full body pressure helps me relax and keeps me feeling connected to my body - I didn’t realize how much I disconnected when anxious until I got it
I love the shit out of my Loop earplugs, for the first time in my life I’ve been able to deal with an ambulance driving by me with the siren on without feeling like I’m being vibrated apart. It was just a (still somewhat loud) noise. Normal traffic and social noise is so much easier to deal with too. If anyone knows of a cheaper brand that gives similar results please feel free to name drop it, but until then I’m shilling for Loop, haha.
I’ve been using a smart watch that I got as a gift to give me medication reminders and hourly reminders to get up and walk during the day, since I’m prone to hyper focus. It’s definitely made remembering to physically take care of myself easier. I’ve also grown to prefer the wrist vibration alarm to wake me up, since sound alarms have ALWAYS given me a horrible adrenaline punch in the morning.
I’d really recommend consciously making time and space to go out and relax, ideally in nature (but can also be books, a nice candle, a comfort show - whatever you need to feel relaxed). (Autistic) burnout is not fun, and applying the things which feel good for you is really, really important :)
I’ve taken up gardening and go out to water the plants each morning. I try to make that my mindfulness/relaxation time. Definitely helpful.
I just bought a compression vest from amazon, its been great.
This is interesting. Thinking on it I do like the feel of a new singlet, before it’s worn in and is still tight. Makes me feel more balanced and in control.
Just ordered a compression singlet and I’ll give it a go. Thanks for the recommendation 🙂
What’s ASD?
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Thanks. Is Autism just short for ASD then, or is it different?
yeah it’s pretty messy
there was an original condition called “autism” which referred to the stereotypical, ““low functioning”” case where someone has intellectual disabilities and the rest
then a ““high functioning”” variant was labelled, where the intellectual disability was missing, called “asperger’s syndrome”
then more and more inbetween cases started being labelled like rett syndrome, CDD, PDD-NOS, and so they had to say “fuck it, it’s all “autism spectrum disorder” now”
over time, “autism” has become shorthand for ASD. to avoid confusion, the OG autism sometimes gets described as “classic autism”
honestly it’s all a big mess
You’re right, that is a huge mess for something that should naturally have a more accurate naming convention. It’s understandable why people with it would want to avoid labels about it for some of those reasons as well or be more specific about the labels even. It’s also probably a big reason more people aren’t honest about having it or even why people probably aren’t diagnosed more often and sooner.
Damn.
Thanks for explaining.
The history of it is… interesting and somewhat unfortunate. It at-least helps understand why we’ve got the mess we have now. The early history of the study of autism is muddled with the politics and hatred of WWII.
IIRC the current diagnostic system is ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’ and then there’s a level stated. 1: Requires Support; some trouble in social situations, rigid/inflexible behavior, stress during transitions 2: Requires Substantial Support; atypical social behavior, high interest in specific topics, noticable distress with change 3: Requires Very Substantial Support; severe communication deficits, repetitive behaviors, extreme distress when asked to switch tasks
They’re the same, ASD serves as the acronym for Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autism is Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD is useful for short form purposes or specifying it from a medical perspective but they’re interchangeable.
