AUTISM life hacks - 10 things you should try
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- čas přidán 26. 07. 2024
- MY FAVOURITE AUTISM LIFE HACKS
Here are some life hacks for autism that I personally use to manage my sensory issues related to autism. These are all tips for adults with autism but they could equally be used (or benefitted from) by children.
** All links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission that helps support this channel at no extra cost to you **
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🔀All my autism videos in one handy playlist 🔀: • Autism
👭 Autism in women/girls playlist 👭: • Autism in women/girls
🐦My Twitter 🐦: / samantha_stein
📷My Instagram 📷: / yosamdysam
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#autism #actuallyautistic #aspergers - Jak na to + styl
How many times do I say "game changer" in this video?
Yo Samdy Sam that cool though it just shows how passionate you are about sharing your experiences which could help others
Did you see the film "The game changers?"
I spy a drinking game...
Not enough
I've discovered that knitting is stimming people respect.
Really? No wonder knitting/ crocheting seems to help when stressed.
Added bonus - because people think mostly old people knit, they don't usually expect you to be as stereotypically energetic and youthful, and they also understand when you don't get what the newest slang is supposed to mean.
I use hand sewing the same way
Yup! Its great. And then I get a warm fuzzy something that I can be proud of!
Well, I'd definitely say better than chewing on my clothes or my fingers. You can focus on making repetitive movements that results in calming nerves by balancing a release of energy while remaining relaxed. And you end up making whatever you can learn how to make which is a bonus reward to look forward to enjoying later.
Is there a life hack for feeling profoundly alienated and lonely from the rest of society? Autistic loneliness is terrible. You can hear and see NTs interacting, can even copy some elements but you do not feel and perceive the world like them. I need someone hugging me.
Even when you have someone it is all only temporary and you will end up feeling alone. Even if someone is there with you, it's hard to explain
@@BombDame They will never understand how it feels to be Autistic on a daily basis. It is such a misunderstood condition. Life would be much easier if I only had to communicate with aspies or people with ADHD. Communication and the whole atmosphere overall is so much more relaxed among NDs. Having to interact with NTs is disappointing: Most of the time at least one party feels uncomfortable or even threatened. And they never appreciate the significant efforts I spend to look and behave normal. They still notice the difference and are allergic to people who do not fit into their preconceived box. I can see it right in their condescending faces: The moment they realise that I am not like them. Having good intelligence, self-awareness and an acute perception adds to the psychological strain.
@@amandawolfe4097 The literal meaning for NT is Neuro-typical
It helps me to have two friends with the same condition as me. Because it makes me able to talk about things on a same level, instead of having to explain myself if i explain somebody what I am percieving/feeling. It doesnt make loneliness dissapear, but i feel less like an alien.
I am also going to experiment with different ways of social interaction this holiday. I have not so many friends, because when I work i dont feel like seeing people after work. But in holidays i am alone for days in a row, which can be alienating.
I agree with this 100%
I recommend musicians earplugs for going to the movies, a concert, a busy restaurant because you can still hear conversations. I used to wonder why no one else complained about how loud movies were. For me, they were loud enough to cause pain. These are great. I listen to a movie without any trouble.
I can't go to the cinema without earplugs, it's just not enjoyable.
They really are great! I lost the ones I had so for some time I had to go without them, but I recently bought some new ones and they are heaven. They were kinda cheap too, only 14 dollars on amazon, and they're really good. Plus they come with a little container to put them in that I found doubles perfectly as a stim toy for me, so even better.
This is amazing. I thought it was just me
When I was a kid if people played loud stereo music my chest would get so heavy I could barely breathe.
I remember when I was a teenager one particularly egregious instance of going to see The Dark Knight and leaving almost in tears because of how loud it was. This is before I was diagnosed and I remember my mum was sympathetic because she could see how much pain I was in but my dad and brother were really confused as to why I was getting such a physical reaction from the noise.
I thought I was alone with my hair picking, lip and cheek biting, and hand flapping. Funniest thing is My husband always mentions he thinks it’s adorable when I get excited or really happy, I like to hand flap or bounce around and say “excited!” The best part is when I do this he always joins in with me and says “excited!” Or “Happy!” While bouncing around with me😂
That is sooooooo sweet!🥺💜💜💜💜💜💜 People like your guy are the beeeessst!!!
Aww haha, I only do it when I'm anxious. I'll rub my hands furiously for about five seconds, people always look at me weird. I also grab at people's arms or knees in an anxious tick manner, but I only do it with people who are familiar. I'd never do it to a stranger. My family knows it's a tick and they don't mind.
that is so adorable
You say excited and flap your arms! Hehe I clap and say "excite" 💖
Your husband is a keeper!
“I don’t know if our autistic ancestors struggled with sensory issues”
As someone who goes on consistent weeklong camping trips- DEFINITELY.
It’s great that I don’t have to deal with electricity or alarms… but I DO have to deal with being slightly damp all the time, having to step into water when getting into the canoe and having my feet wet the rest of the day, having a fly flying around my head and not being able to deal with the constant buzzing, not being able to control how hot it gets, etc. I’ve had multiple meltdowns on trips! RIP to my autistic ancestors without access to central cooling, waterproof shelters, and bug-free areas 😭
I hate camping.
Oh yeah, a fly in my tent that i couldn't catch caused a full blown meltdown once.
Maybe your ancestors weren't autistic....
Holy shit you just explained a major part of my childhood
Thank you for connecting those dots for me lmao
I feel so validated :') I really struggle with big temp changes, particularly heat. I don't love summer...and I felt bad about it. I also HATE sap being on my hands, just stuff on my hands in general! I wear disposable gloves when I bake at work and it's a game changer
Dangit, that doorbell actually made me jump. I hate sudden noises XD
Apologies, I tried to put a warning note up just before as it has scared many people but I can't edit it much after it's uploaded
@@YoSamdySam lol it's all good XD
Me to i jump all the time my friends joke and tell me im like a little mouse
Thankyou for saying this, now I'm prepared. 😂😂😂
FizzPuff same, i got so scared i woke up my boyfriend
I hate ticking clocks. That's a big one. When I moved in with my bf the first night I ripped the clock off the wall and the batteries out. When we got our own home I dont allow ticking clocks
Same!!! I won't have the things in my house
Same!!!! I can hear it even if they're in another room. Hate them! Don't have any of those since I started living on my own
Mechanical clocks help me sleep.
I thought I was the only one who hates them, my parents look at me like I'm an idiot when i took all ticking clocks down
Thought this was just me! I had to flat sit for my sister, and the first thing I did was take all the batteries out the clocks. In my own house I have no ticking clocks. My watch is a gps runni g watch so doesn’t tick. Honestly, ticking drives me mad.
i never realized how much some of this stuff bothered me until i imagined a life without it
Same. When I was in elementary there was a party for the end of the year and the speakers were so freaking loud that I RAN out of the gym, everyone else was fine and I just sat outside crying. The teachers came to check on me and left me outside but didn't really understand why it hurt me so much. Neither did I at the time.
I was the only girl at school who didn’t tie up her hair (even though it was the rule). I can’t stand the sensation and headaches that come from having tied up hair for longer than an hour. I could never last an 8 hour school day.
I had what you might call ‘persistent objector’ status, in that I broke the hair tying rule so consistently from the beginning that eventually it was not enforced against me by any teachers.
I wear a certain hat everday for anxiety, dealing with people, sensitive eyes, shyness, protecting my head, being comfterable, e.t.c. also I have had and worn this exact hat everyday for over two years now
Luckely holland doesnt have that type of rules. My mom hates it though. Tells me it look unfinished.
@Myu10T Interesting! If I'm on the phone, I cant follow the conversation if I'm not wearing my glasses.
Me, I hate having hair over my ears, it ges so warm and uncomfortable. Short haircuts are great, or hairclips. Yessss.
@Late to the Game me too. I’ve only worn a hat like 5 times tops. I don’t like them. I don’t even wear on in the winter
I hate noise but I'm also deeply annoyed by the feeling of something inside my ears
This. I can't use those earphones that actually sit inside the ear, because it's SO annoying.
yeahhhhhh it physically hurts. especially when you are trying to sleep and sleep on your side. so you are just pushing the ear bud further down. ick.... it's not so bad if it hands out slightly for me but when it creates a seal in the ear, I hate it. makes me gag.
Same hat! I’m also prone to earwax blockages and something tells me that earplugs would NOT help, lol.
I used to be this way too, until I found Hearos brand "ultimate softness earplugs" and looked up a video on how to insert them correctly. Turns out I was doing it wrong. Gamechanger. The only earplugs I can tolerate... I really have gotten used to them! Even crave them at night when it's time to sleep. Who knew?
I admittedly do not really have a problem with ordinary earplugs (so I don’t actually know if they would work if you do) but musicians earplugs are the best! Mine are silicone and cast after my ears so they fit perfectly and I don’t notice them except for like the first half minute of wear. The casting hurt A LOT though but it’s five minutes of pain for hours and hours of my ears not hurting at concerts, bars, movies etc etc. Plus the quality of the sound is a million times better with musicians earplugs than with the ordinary ones so for me it was 100% worth it.
I get ultra soft blankets, Deafening headphones, and a squish ball. Also weighted blankets feel great
I am very happy that it’s cold again so can have my heavy pile of blankets. Back when it was warm I had trouble sleeping without the weight, and my weighted blanket was too warm.
Grounding mats/pads for the bed 🛌 An invention by a man named Clint Ober. You can ground inside. There’s portable ones too. It grounds you without you having to take your shoes off and walk on the grass outside. But that is also beneficial if you’re able to do it.
Spikey dog toys are a great stim product. My sister's dog doesn't like his so I stole it and it's nice to use at my desk.
@@itsk4tie I have found that a professional manicure with acrylic nails reminded me to quit biting. of course it gave me something to click
That sounds like heaven
I always thought the foot thing was just me being a freak. I have to have them both the correct equal tightness. Same for other clothes, certain things I just cannot wear.
Yep! Me too! When I was a kid, my mom and I even had a special term for clothing that wasn't working for me. We called them "wobble". Wobble socks. Wobble shoes. Wobble underwear. 😅💜
I always used to be late to school as I took ages getting my shoelaces even!
@@LifeinBonnieland yes is a word
@@thelegendkillersshittyduff1335 I don't understand your comment. Could you explain?
@@LifeinBonnieland it's my own issue that i have. Yes is a much more proper word same letters as these piss poor so called word yep. It's probably odd hearing this. Don't know if that helps
Pink noise playing through noise-cancelling headphones is a lifesaver, day and night!
@Nikki Bentley Is My Angel people can have different sensory struggles and what helps them may not help you. Personally I struggle with human voices which aren't cancelled electronically so I need it to be physically blocked out.
Pink noise through pink headphones!
What is the difference between white noise and pink noise?
Pink Magic Ali White noise basically has an even real volume at all frequencies. Pink is altered such that all octaves have the same level of sound energy, so it may sound more even and pleasant. In white noise, each octave has double the energy than the last because the frequency doubles and everything else is equal. In pink noise, they halve the amplitude (real volume) to compensate. Worth noting is that the human ear is more sensitive to higher pitches.
The more I hear about sensory problems the more I start realizing that when I am in pain it's not heckin' normal. Most of my life I just assumed I was supposed to feel pain, like I thought it was normal to constantly get freaked out by loud noises, even the ones no one noticed, weird man
autistic people, we get taught early on that it is normal for us to be in pain and to endure it.
@@mckitty4907And then people wonder why we have total breakdowns decades later… 🤦♀️
Question: how do you deal with family members that invade your personal space constantly
Shit i really need to know this for my ptsd my dad keeps touching me even though he knows i hate it
Maybe it's not a lifehack, but I just automatically dodge away reflexively. I understand the discomfort though; I have one cousin who frequently would try to physically touch my arm or shoulder or so on and I still just get tense as soon as I know he'll be attending the family event. Tense enough that problematic joints are usually acting and audibly cracking when I move by the time he's there.
i took martial arts so uh, developed self defense as a second instinct, so if someone i don't trust invades my space i automatically dodge and/or block. but on a more conscious level, i find that when someone wants to get close and i don't, using regular bodily functions or home maintenance works as a really great excuse. try grabbing a broom and saying you need to sweep up a patch of dust. or running upstairs with "i forgot to move laundry!" or even just saying you need to pee. even better, you may find, in the moment, that there actually is something you've been meaning to attend to but totally forgot. avoiding bubble bursting is a great way to remind yourself that hey, i have bodily functions, perhaps i should tend to one or two. good way to remember to grab a sip of water or a small snack. :)
Here are some key points to pretty much any conflict resolution or negotiation:
-Assume good faith, and try to paint the other person as someone that means well even if you suspect that may not be the case.
If you paint them out as innocent and well-meaning and don't demand any kind of repercussion nor apology, just a slight change in behavior, chances are they'd rather live up to the favorable version of themselves you're offering rather than going out of their way to be a dick to you. The latter is not the kind of person you waste time negotiating with. That's the kind of person you limit access to your presence, or cut out of your life, when you get the opportunity to do so.
-Choose an accommodating and forgiving tone over an accusatory one every day of the week. I know it's hard sometimes. Especially if you're a bit resentful because of how they've been treating you. Wait until you're in a slightly better place if you need to. Never have these conversations in the "heat of the moment". If you don't think you can ever get to that place, consider writing a letter instead. Yes, even if you live in the same house. Just preface it with "I know this is kinda weird, but I have a hard time talking about stuff like this, so I was hoping you'd read this letter I wrote you"
-Try to get across that you're open to a little bit of compromise as long as they're also willing to try and do a bit better by you.
-Have these conversations one on one with the people it concerns, and personalize it however you feel is appropriate. You can practice a bit of a script to make it easier for yourself, but you should probably not use the same script for your mother and your third cousin that only comes around on thanksgiving.
Here's a rough example of how you might want to phrase things if you're having this conversation with a close beloved relative:
"Hey, I really need quite a lot of personal space because of my autism/condition, since part of it means I'm very sensitive to and react badly to touch even when it's from the people in my life that I love and care for the most.
I know you mean well when you want to kiss and hug me and touch me, and I love you too, but touch is just not something that is good for me. I feel very loved and cared for even if you just use your words, and you can probably get a hug SOMETIMES, but right now there's too much of it and it's giving me a sensory overload that negatively affects my anxiety/mental health problems/etc and there's not much I can do about that other than try to limit other people touching me, and I feel so much better when they don't. Is there any way I can show my affection for you in a way that doesn't involve touch?".
Two words. Ends in off
I’m the opposite with clocks ⏰ ticking. I find it a good alternative sound to be able to focus on if things have gotten overwhelming and I need to “switch gears”.
Same, I NEED a clicking clock orelse I cannot sleep, they help distract me from overthinking all the social interactions made during the day.
for me it depends, if I look up the sound to relax it's good but if it's when I really don't want it, it just drives me crazy lol
I also just kinda like the oratory representation of time. It makes the passage of time...less daunting? Idk
The shoe thing! I nearly had a meltdown in front of my director before a performance once because my lace up shoes felt like they were going to fall off and I realize looking back that it was a total autism thing!
As someone who has sensory processing issues due to ADHD, I can't wait to try some of these! I just got some sound-blocking headphones, and I have a feeling it'll be a game-changer during some of my more stressful classes!
FailedArtKid ADHDer here! Thinking the same thing. Sometimes I feel people with autism are like our "cousins", I work with children with autism and I get them and work so well ❤️
FailedArtKid Same hat!! I’m also here to try and help out my boyfriend, who happens to be autistic.
Same. I got myself NC headphone due to working in a shared office space and it was impossible for me to concentrate. I splurged and got the Bose ones thou xD Totally had to. I love them! :3
I’m also here to look for some tips to deal with sensory things as a person with ADHD and sensory issues!
Looking into getting a diagnose for ADHD rn. I am surprised sensory issues are a thing for people with ADHD as well o.o would explain a lot of things (eg why I related to the video sm 😂).
"might have consequences for your quality of sleep" she says as I lay here watching youtube at 3am
Xd so relatable.
4am for me... Mwhahaha
oh boy, just based on these life-savers I feel like my suspicions that I am an undiagnosed autistic are definitely well founded. I have been almost addicted to headphones and earplugs most of my life. Btw I feel that wax earplugs like Ohropax work best for me
I love musicians earplugs! I’ve been wearing Vibes all year and they’re clear so real subtle. I pop em in and out in the car, watching tv at home, at the movies, on the train/bus, etc...
Mine have now arrived and they are indeed life changing!
Are you paid to say this
how much do these cost and where can i buy some?
Proplugs are good. They're clear too. I started wearing them to pubs, clubs, anywhere with loud conversations. Life-changing. The difference between going home (with a migraine) and not...
I didn’t know there were menstrual cups with ring holds. I’ll definitely be telling folks about that. And clocks: how do you feel about digital? Oh this reminds me of one hack that helps me and might help you. I switched to an alarm clock that wakes me up using light and a soft musical tone instead of a loud, jarring beep. The loud beeps would scare me and I’d turn off the alarm and go back to sleep, whereas the light actually makes my brain wake up. Maybe that helps you or somebody else, too.
That's a great idea! I have a toddler so am in zero need of alarm clocks these days hahaha
I turn off the sound on my phone so that the vibrations r enough to wake me without scaring me
Yes, such a good idea!
@@chesteruwu I do exactly that! I also have an alarm with sound set 5 mins later, just in case I do sleep through the only vibration one, which happens sometimes when I went to bed wayyy to late. But it isn't scary anymore when I'm awake already and have my phone in my hand.
Oh yeah I have one like that. It plays sounds of birds and slowly lights up, it's really good!
Earplugs are life.
Without them I’m unable to sleep as I hear literally the sound of the fabric on the pillow. Drives me nutty.
I snip my to custom fit my ears so there is not falling out or they don’t hurt my ears.
I do the exact same thing omg i thought i was so weird!!I also hate the sound of someone breathing next to me when i sleep,and on some bad days i even get annoyed by the sound that my own breath makes...
Junlia yep.. I won’t lie and say I like someone next to me. Even in relationships if I can I will have my own bed. Sleep is for sleeping. Not lying awake because you can hear someone snoring or breathing.
Same! Can't live without them. I like the waxed or silicone ones, I cut them in half cause otherwise they are too big and hurt my ears.
Oh wow, people look at me like I’m mad when I tell them my pillows are noisy because the material rubs. I need to sit them at a particular height so they don’t have that, because no matter what material I try I can hear it.
michcookies I use a small flannel blanket and place a part of it on pillow and it tones down the noise. It’s the cotton that’s noisy.
DUDE. I have scoured the internet looking for women-specific tips for autists & have been underwhelmed by the results, especially when it comes to tips for us autists ourselves, rather than for parents. So I just about choked in excitement when you started talking about menstrual cups as they relate to us. Thank you for existing and creating content as an autistic woman. 💕
I, personally, am not autistic but really enjoyed this video. my anxiety causes me to get really overwhelmed by a lot of the same things you talked about and it was amazing to find some solutions. So thank you and I hope this isn’t offensive :)
It’s not offensive at all, I know what you meant🖤
I use musicians' earplugs at concerts and at clubs/parties (when my friends drag me there). So far they've been amazing, I can hear my friends, I can hear the music and I don't get ear pain.
I experience sensory overstimulation from PTSD. My MeLuna cup has taken my menstrual overstimulation rage caused by regular menstrual products and their textures and turned it back to regular menstural crankiness 😂
Elizabeth Dowling Same and same! What are your techniques for dealing with sensory overload? I use noise cancelling headphones and a sleep mask but I need more ideas for functioning in an outdoor and social environment.
@@saffron411 I use headphones constantly too only just got noise cancelling and am very glad I did. I work in a mall and when I finish my shift I gotta cut that noise out ASAP. I have plush keychains on most of my bags that are a soft and pleasant texture those are good for distraction stimulation to keep me focused and present. And even one on my keys so if I don't have a bag I have my keys in my pocket with a big soft egg plush. I keep my hands moisturised so they don't catch and pull on fabrics (I have EXTREMELY dry skin thanks to dermatitis plus OCD handwashing) and nails trimmed because I hate the way the gap between nail and finger feels especially if there's dirt under there. Clothes in general aren't too bad for me on a day to day but I do have 2 pairs of black jeans one for everyday and one pair which are looser and softer for overstimulation days and great during period bloat which is usually the worst time for ame overstimulation wise when I usually just want to feel like nothing is constricting me. I also, and I am very aware this is just a psychological thing, but I find wearing sunglasses (or even nonprescription glasses if I know I'll be inside) on days where I'm overstimulated by my brains constant anxious thought it makes me pay attention to the world in front of me beacsue there's a frame drawing me to focus on what's right there. I'm not sure any of these are revolutionary but that's my main tips.
Elizabeth Dowling that’s funny about keeping your hands moisturized. I’ve recently had an ah-ha moment and noticed I’m a lot less tense and uncomfortable if I keep my feet moisturized. 😭
THANK YOU so much for the glasses idea. I’ve always thought about getting them for that reason! I actually think I’m gonna get blue light glasses because my eyes always seem bothered by most light.
Thank you for sending me your ideas. ✨
Funny enough, electric cars are worse for me because I constantly hear a high-pitched whirring sound that makes my skin crawl.
it is power supply module, most of them are quiet, but sometimes that happens. Same could happen to phone charger or power adaptor. Just try to exchange with another one
This reminds me of the "computer room" and living room in my house growing up. The high pitched buzzing coming from the electronics always bothered me! I'd always have to unplug the monitor and turn the machines off to get rid of the noise.
Buchschubse my family has one it drives me insane
jSkrat Nyarlathotep Same! The sound a TV makes is also quite irritating.
Totally relate!!
The noise of the doorbell in the video got me startled☺️
I actually jumped and thought it was at my house (PS. It's 1:00 a.m. right now) 😅
made / beloved 😂
I keep the sound off. Too stimulating!!
I screamed💀
Non-ticking clocks exist? Omg, THANK YOU!!!! ❤
They sure do.
this is so eye opening :c I've always struggled with noises, smells, lights, crowded places, itchy clothes, nails too long or too short (the list goes on and on) and A LOT of social issues that weren't that bad (I still can make a few friends) but in my childhood the bullying almost killed me. Your channel has changed my life 180º, I am really thankful that you decided to share your experiences with everyone
I'm also an autistic person from latin america, is nice to see someone who is also from there here. And don't worry your english is good
You’re English Is more than acceptable. Bless your heart from as a kid. It’s hard work. It can affect us forever 🙏🏻
Your English is great btw! It’s unfortunate some kids can be so cruel at a young age. I’m sorry you were bullied.
you can cut the “stick” end of typical mensural cups to as short as you need!! there just a little harder to grab but they usually recommend you grab from the base of the cup anyways to break the suction so they slide out easier
I do that, and then flip inside out.
I finally cut mine off two months ago. I have a super low cervix and it was driving me NUTS
Never even thought about hating being in a car because of the smell and getting nausious connected to my autism! I always go to sleep in a car or use my phone to distract myself but I always need to recover from it.
The smells are caused by chemicals that are toxic. Toxic Volatile organic Compounds (VOCs) make sensitivities worse. How many of you get headaches from perfumes and fragranced products? Did you know that all synthetic fragrances contain insecticide (or you'd be swarmed by bugs, especially bees, wasps and ants)?
New car smell is so horrible.
Can’t stand the car air fresheners, so chemically
Me too smells are really what tends to make me nauseas
Oh damn, I also get nauseous from wearing perfume. Smelling it from someone else is okay and sometimes even really nice but I myself only wear it when I feel like I need to. Otherwise I just won't
for blue light filters: f.lux on computers
also, genuinely: lamps instead of overhead lights.
i also have executive function issues, so: clear containers, doors off of cabinets/ closets, and no longer putting anything in drawers if i can help it.
face wipes with charcoal and a moisturizing spray also keep my skin nice so i have nothing to pick at. if you like laces, some shoes have zippers instead! then you can customize the tightness but keep them *easy*. matte nail polish for an easy pressure stim, too. if you find sensory good clothes, buy them in every color so you can wear the "same" thing every day without it looking the same. soft bristle toothbrushes/ waterpiks help me.
also vitamins when you first wake up next to you. drinking warm water instead of cold bc of sensory issues. silicone reusable straws for chew stim/ helping reduce personal waste.
oh and eating wise: ritz crackers with cream cheese have been an easy sensory meal for me, too. keeping rice on hand bc its not overwhelming, sensory wise, while still being easy to incorporate with other foods.
(i have so many tips, dont mind me)
Moisturizing spray??? Oh my god I need this! What exactly do you use for your skin? I am an constant picker! Help...
Oh man. From a young age sound has been the bane of my existence. It hurts, it's gotten better as I got older but I really often times find myself thinking I wish I was born deaf, which is a horrible and ungrateful thought but man.
I think the same thing! Only I'm always wishing I could just be selectively deaf. I always make sure to carry earplugs and headphones with me whenever I go out
Sometimes when I get really anxious I feel like I can hear people breathing. I generally don't like loud noises but sometimes I'm so stressed I wish I didn't have ears.
Musicians earplugs are amazing. Unlike regular earplugs, it’s like someone turned down the volume knob on life as opposed to filtered it out and muffled it.
I wish hacks for food existed. Even if i like the taste of the food im eating, mixing soft and crunchy textures can make me gag. For instance, I love spinach on sandwiches, but if i leave the stems on or put too much on, it gets too crunchy with the softness of the sandwich and i loose my appetite.
I love the taste of tapioca pudding, but I hate the texture. Same with oatmeal.
That's really interesting. I love hearing other people's experiences with these kind of things, especially food and clothing, because I have no problems with those things and enjoy getting an insight from others.
Mine is with textures like pudding. My foster mom make this amazing white chocolate pudding that has a taste to die for, but if I take a normal spoonful I will gag. My trick is tiny amounts for each bite.
I simply cannot stand the textures of soft squishy foods like mochi or jello. If I chew them or try to swallow them I feel like I will puke. Crunchy textures are my favorite, but my teeth have gotten more sensitive after having children so now I cannot enjoy them as much.
I can totally relate to the statement you made about reading people, mainly non-autistic people. I can't always do it because some people are good at hiding themself, but eventually their personality will come out. Some people really stick out and you know immediately what to expect from them. I've never heard anyone else but you say that you are good at this. I was just diagnosed with ASD and ADHD this past spring of 2019.
I'm so happy to hear about preassure on the feet! Most of my life I've paired my socks up so they are equally worn... I need them to feel the same on my feet. I'm so glad someone is equally wierd. 😁
Oh yes! And also super important to have a right sock and a left sock because wearing a sock on the wrong foot (even after washing) is just as bad as wearing your shoes on the wrong foot
@@ReyOfLight absolutely, I would never wear my socks on the wrong foot. 😅
The eye comfort thing really works ever since I discovered it I haven't turned it off! My friends are always like, " why is your screen yellow." It really helps though.
Ear defenders have really helped me manage life at home, but I do find they squish my head after a short time.
I can't even bear the though of all that pressure on my head!
Natural Vegan Mom I’ve considered buying some noise canceling headphone for night or long car rides maybe even when I go to collage to help me focus/ sleep better as I have add
Electro music I think they would help. I find I can focus better and not feel so overwhelmed with my kids screaming when I have them on.
I use noise cancelling headphones as of recently when a colleague let me try hers, & I also have a plastic hairband which I mostly use to fiddle with or chew if I'm anxious. Thanks for these. :)
The thought of the elastic shoelaces stressed me out... I need to be able make sure each loop is as tight as it needs to be.
i read the news today, and they said that the "night mode" has more yellow.
it would be even worse than the blue light, so they said to just dim the lights..
it really depends on what you want to believe... i guess the safe way to go is just put the damn phone down lol.
So psychologists have found that blue light literally burns away melatonin and prevents new production of it. They've found yellow to disturb the production, but it doesn't seem to actually burn it away from what I've found in my research.
I’m so happy clothing lines have started to become more sensory-aware! I HATED my private school uniform and socks even because of the thick seams/extra toe space, tags...I was in trouble a lot for leaving holes from pulling out tags but I felt like I would lose my mind if I didn’t. I love the tips in the video! I use ear plugs in at least one ear if too much noise.
i dream of a world where we can share our oversensory issues and others would understand and try to accommodate as best as possible
I was just diagnosed with Autism and found out that I've had it most of my life and was misdiagnosed as a child, so it's cool I stumbled across this video... SO super noise sensitive >
Really calling out my shoe problem when I was a child. I had to have it sooooo tight so it would feel like it would fall off while also not having to worry about tying it again
New to the ASD community so big thanks for all the help understanding myself and why I've always felt the way I do! Since everyone has been so helpful in this community I figured I'd add something in hopes that it helps at least one person other than me. But something that I have relied on for years, even pre diagnosis, is light timers. I've always had to stick to regiments some stricter than others. But my issue was always when my regiment was disrupted by something that was unchangeable. Like the sun rising at different times throughout the year. I have 3 separate lights that will turn on staggered every single morning at the exact same time. This mimics the gradual increase in light that you would naturally get every morning from the sun, but on my consistent schedule. I hope trying this can help someone else!
Loving how you present on screen; you seem really natural and easy to watch/follow what you're saying. I don't have an ASD diagnosis but definitely experience a lot of the things that ASD people do; especially sensory stuff. Like riding on the bus I have to have music on and my eyes closed a lot because I find it so overwhelming. You've brightened my day. With the musicians earplugs, they are fantastic in my opinion. It is like someones just turned the volume down. I don't leave the house without mine. They've had a dramatic effect on my ability to leave my home independently.
i found that wax earplugs literally saved my life. you can mould them into any shape and you can push them right in so it kind of seals against your skin, and i literally can’t hear a single thing when i wear them. they seriously changed everything for me when i was in a hospital ward for a few months
I actually really like ticking clocks since they’re always in the same metrum
Thanks for the tips! :) I still look for more comfortable, breathable earplugs, because the "breathable, comfort ones" I already have kinda hurt after an hour or a few hours.
Silence is luxury. I will try such head phones, hope they're not so heavy
I also need warmer LED light bulbs, because these are always too bright
And a laptop without a cooler, these are always so noisy.
Hi! Thank you so much for doing these kinds of videos! For speaking up about what it's like. I don't have autism, but I work with a 5-year-old boy who does, and I don't have a special education for this, I've never learned much at ALL about autism and I want to do the best I can for this wonderful, amazing little boy, and I really want to understand him better, because he's 5. His vocabulary isn't great, he can't really explain to me how certain things make him feel, what his stims are, what I should avoid doing... It's a lot of trial and error on my side, and I WANT to understand him. He is SO affectionate, and will hug me or lean against me or touch my face or sit on my lap a LOT in a day. I feel like I've got a pretty great rapport with him, but then yesterday I noticed he was SO warm and sweaty, and I took off his sweater, and he just....had a melt-down, panicked, until I put it on again. Then everything was fine. And he can't tell me why it was wrong to remove his sweater, I just know that it was. And he'll "check out" frequently when we work on tasks, and I don't mind it, I now recognize the signs of when he does that, and simply don't ask him any questions or expect him to get anything done until I know he's back, but like... Why does he check out? What is going on in his head when he does? Should I just let it pass, or should I work on trying to reduce the amounts of times he checks out - CAN I even?
There is so much to learn, and a lot of the time I feel like I'm fumbling in total darkness. So thank you for making videos about these things. Because God knows I will do anything to make his life better, and make him as prepared as possible for when he starts school next year.
The Alpine hearing protection plugs have been a game changer and allows you to choose what sounds you would like to filter out. They are also super comfortable even when you struggle with things not feeling quite right in your ears.
I wear my noise cancelling headphones without playing music all the time. I tried earplugs but it itches and hurts too much. I also jump everytime the doorbell goes. I would love the one with a flash for when I am expecting a package while my son is napping then I can stop looking out of the window to catch the deliverer before he rings the bell. Funny coincidence I live in the Netherlands too.
Dutch Samdy Sam viewers unite~
I’ve literally shaved all my hair on my body off due to the sensation driving me crazy. No eyebrows, leg or arm hair, pubes, nothing! Only eyelashes. I buy dollar store razors and cream and I’m much happier. I sleep naked and wish I could wear nothing all day during the summer because I don’t like how clothes feel. I’m also highly sensitive to temperature change so I’m kinda screwed 🤪
When you said you need your shoes to hug you, I felt that.
Just wanted to say thank you❤ Looking at the comments you've made a difference in So many people's lives, you're far surpassing your aim for a single person. Also... the look, those headphones. They suit you, and you look cool as heck🤘🏻
I’m so glad I came across your channel! I’m honestly surprised you have under 10k subscribers, by the quality of our videos I would have guessed at least a few hundred k!
I am dependent on headphones. I tried earplugs once and I got an awful ear infection after one night :((
I wore earplugs to the cinema once a couple years ago and my god was it a lifechanger, they live in my rucksack now!
Currently planning heavy works in my house and the doorbell tip came at the best possible time! Currently having none (yeeted mine long ago) but now I know what to do! Really glad those exist!!! Thank you!
Even though mine is still slightly too loud on the lowest setting, even being able to choose what noise it makes it a lot less stressful. And being able to unplug!!!
"Noisier, smellier, and itchier" 😅 So true! 💜
I think the olden days were smellier for animal waste but not chemicals.
@@Catlily5 Good point!
Thank you for your tips. For the noise I usually put normal headphones (the one you just put inside your ears) with low volume music and I find it cancel well the noise, plus I can listen to my favourite music. I would feel to embarassed to go outside with the cancelling noise one!
Hair ties and menstrual cup already in use and they are really a game changer! No more headaches from the ties and no more blood everywhere!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I find most of the in-ear ones very painful after a while, which is why I don't wear them, but perhaps there are more comfortable ones out there...
Oh yes, they are quite painful after a while, but is the only "social anxiety friendly" solution that I have found, so a bit of pain is ok if the result is what I wanted
I have ADHD so I relate. Two tips, first I suggest that if you have trouble with having a bunch of socks that are all the same color, and wearing mismatched socks drives you mad like it does me, get some clips for your socks that hold the pair together when you wash them. Put the clip on the socks before throwing them in the hamper and it's going to make it absolutely certain that you won't mix socks. I couldn't find good clips so I just started wearing colorful socks, easy to tell socks apart when you only have one pair of each color. When I was a kid I had a hard time with this because my mom didn't look to make sure that my socks were paired correctly, so I'd put them on and the other sock reached half way up my shin while the other was 10cm lower, it would drive me mad unless I changed them or managed to distract myself enough to ignore them to the best of my ability.
Second, if I'm going to a situation where I know I will feel uncomfortable I will try to wear clothes that have a texture I like, like the sleeves of my shirt have a certain cut or the jeans' seams feel nice because the fabric has a perfect stiffness to it, it relaxes me when I can stim myself with those and makes it easier for me to focus. So if you can't bring a stim toy find clothes that do the trick for you, for example I know that stim toys have been banned in many schools around the world because of neurotypicals. So you can try to stim with your clothing instead, they can't take away your pants! At least I hope they can't...
my ex husband had OCD and could only wear pure cotton socks so I would buy 6 pairs for him and embroider a set of little dots on them. One pair would have one blue dot, the next would have one red dot, then yellow dots and so on. So even though they were identical - you could match the dots to make pairs.
@@skwervin1 that's a really good idea! Haven't thought of that, I think I will do something similar at some point to the last black socks I have left, it's not always easy to tell them apart by length of the welt alone so color coding would make that easier. Thank you for sharing this!
I like how menstrual cups were talked about as casually as headphones. Great tips
I don’t know if I’m autistic (I do have most symptoms, but have never been professionally diagnosed) but one of my main issues is noise sensitivity, I dislike loud music, balloons popping, and even Christmas crackers 😂 I got my hands on the musician earplugs as I didn’t want anything too large to carry around, and they’ve super helpful! Thank you so much for the tips!
What an interesting lady, having found you I'm busily researching as I'm sure both my mother and I are undiagnosed, as soon as you mentioned hair band pulling I was age 3 again, itching, foot hugging, sensory overloading...all so familiar to me that I thought it was normal! I also have food troubles and am about to watch your other videos. Thanks for putting yourself out here!
I have autism and I wear musicians earplugs at school and they are brilliant, they allow me to hear my teachers but filter out the chatter and annoying noises so I can focus on my work and not go insane.
After watching this video, I got some musician's earplugs and it's appropriate to not just say "game-changer", but a life changer! My struggles with noise sensitivity have always controlled my life. With these, I have been able to do enjoy being outside (I live in a big city) and wearing them at work has reduced my stress tremendously. I can actually focus and hear what people are saying to me and I have been a much happier person with these. The brand I got is Eargasm. So thank you!!!
Just discovered your channel! Absolutely love finding someone I can relate to.
Thank you for this video 😍 I keep having to stop and re-lace my shoes at random points throughout the day, and it never occurred to me there might be a solution! You’re doing gods work lol
I’m most likely undiagnosed ASD but I’m also the mom of two toddlers and the loop experience are a life saver.. you can still hear but everything is dulled down and it’s SO NICE.
I think I’m about to get headphones too. My kids are 8 and 6 and they’re starting to play more rough😩so I’m scared to use headphones
Download my new book on how I treated my autism, you name your price:
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A lot of my over awareness came from wheat and dairy in my diet, about 7 hours after ingestion I would feel my inhibitions increase, get stressed easily and couldn’t stand people’s voices, I dramatically reduced my symptoms when I cut out those foods, I believe it will also benefit other people as well, it is more restrictive, but I feel loads healthier for it
Whoa same for me... thought i was the only one
Me too. Going whole food plant based was next step, works for me. I believe detoxing is very helpful for autistics bc of sensitivities.
I research to problem solve. Milk and wheat are 2 of the things that I've chased down to the bare bones. The problem is in the production. Wheat, like grains, peas, beans (and other pulses), some fruits and veggies are dessicated with glyphosate (Round Up, and similar products). Gyphosate, in food, has a whole host of horrible adverse effects. It is an organophosphate. Think neurotoxin, systemic poison.
Milk isn't milk anymore. There are so many toxic ingredients and changes to the milk during processing, in addition to the toxic feed given the cows, that its not even milk. Its as much "milk" as Tang is orange juice.
Answer: consume organic, least processed.
Both wheat and milk gave me dramatic side effects until I switched to irganic, least processed, 0 to few additive, products.
Clean diet and environment resolve all my annoying hypersensitivity issues. They don't take away my extrodinary, differently wired brain, just the adverse effects caused by our toxic world.
www.immuneweb.org/articles/slimak.html
I think that might help me but I'm already dealing with so many health problems that I just don't know how I'd be able to make all the gluten/dairy free meals.
Do it like you'd eat an elephant... 1 bite at a time. Pinterest has tons of gluten free recipes and lots are also dairy free.
i do not have autism but omg the menstrual cup with the ring... you saved me, thank you so much😂❤
I was listening with headphones to your video while working and the doorbell totally startled me. My co-workers looked up and I just smiled. I have no idea how you tolerated it for 5 years.
I got that sunscreen despite being a little skeptical, and it is fantastic! Thanks so much for recommending it. I finally got to go outdoors without feeling nasty all day long.
I have custom made musicians earplugs .... best buy i ever did, they have 3 different filters from light to heavy. I always have them in my purse . They are comfortable and they muffle sounds up to 22db .
natasha-rogue- romanova brand? 🤔☺️
"Then you don't have to go to the petrol station!"
Is it bad that I love the smell of gasoline? It's like frying oil. Makes me hungry for chips.
I like the smell too, but I do hate going to the stations, stresses me out big time!
In fact the fumes are harmful. And were used for cheap distancing from the world drug in the slums of the world. Addicts on that die from liver damage.
I like the smell and need to keep away
For menstrual cup sticks: if it's uncomfortable, that MAY be due to the stick being too long for you and you just need to trim it. I did that with mine and it made a huge difference. Our internal anatomies differ, so that's completely normal, some people cut it off completely.
I am now 63 and only recently diagnosed with high functioning Autism. Light, sound, sensation have driven me nuts as long as I remember. I’ve learned over the years how to bluff my way, and cope in an over stimulated world. I still use ear plugs every night🤫
My favourite (unintentional) hack was getting a tongue piercing. I know you're not supposed to play with a piercing but there are so many harmless fun things I can do with it. Had it for almost 7 years and never had any problems with it. Perfect undercover stim 👌
Ps. So happy wearing headphones is sooo socially acceptable nowadays. Not very fun to be that weird kid walking around with an old fashioned walkman in the 90s.
Thanks for the tips, the sunscreen one sounds like a winner to me, Ill try it.
You can also try baby/toddler sunscreen. Doesn't feel "matt" (sounds like bliss), but is waaay less sticky, almost soft in comparison to the norm
My now 29 yo aspie has never loved my grandfather clock, not sure what he did with the movement when we moved, couldn't stand the sound of windshield wipers so had to treat the windshield with RainX to increase glide and decrease need for wipers. He learned to be semi truck driver and deal with diesel but now working a more local job got electric car... which stranded him last night and I am sure he had a major meltdown as he reported the gas station gave him free coffee and offered him food. The irony of being at a gas station with an electric car and only having a trickle charger there was not lost on us. He refused but when he melts down he calms so much if he eats something and I bless the people who notice this.
Gurl I know this is aimed at Autistic people but I have ADHD and I have been searching for these answers for ever!
Absolute life saver, Thankyou!!
aww this was a very helpful video! i personally find that spiral hairties rip my hair out so i use soft fabric scrunchies instead. also, i think we have really similar facial expressions(if that's not too weird of a thing to say), it makes me feel a bit validated xD
Wow - I thought I was the only one who needed their shoes just right
I love to know that there is more people like me out there. I thought I was the only one.
Musician earplugs are amazing! They work well when I have sensory overloads, and fun fact, if you have them in and drink something carbonated, you can hear everything popping in your mouth. It's super fun to do it and not bother having to listen to anything else but the popping. However, with the ones I have, if I keep them in too long my ears will start to hurt. I also unfortunately can hear my tinnitus whenever I wear them, so it can get really annoying. Other than that, they work really well and diminish lots of sounds.
3M do some great ear plugs, they are only single use but my work supply them. A little bit of silent heaven whilst I work in bustly places!! By the way, you look super cool with your headphones 👍🏼🎧
The spiral hair ties are great. They're also good if you have migraines because they don't pull your hair too tight & don't pull when you take them out. I was amazed at how well they stayed in my thick hair all day.
Another autism hack I found: weighted blankets. My mom got me one off of Amazon for Christmas & I love it. It really helps me sleep. I was worried that the heaviness would make me feel smothered but my 15 pound blanket is just enough weight to be relaxing.
I just stumbled across this video am im so happy about the shoe laces i also need my feed hugged. Those are a true game changer
Ear plugs were a game changer. I rarely leave the house without them. Wear them to bed. Taking them out is like jumping into icy water every morning, heheh.
OMg the shoelaces are such a good hack!
I am SUPER sensitive towards smells, especially everything sweet, I get physically sick from them.
anyone?
My autistic fiance doesn't like sweet smelling stuff and chemical smells. He got literally mad when a woman drove by with strong perfume.
@@stephaniemarie5845 that's me... But does he have anything that makes it better?
I really like baking but because of the smell I can't do it :(
@@noctilucera7585 I don't guess there is anything he can do except let it pass. He rocks to music whenever he gets upset. 😕
@@stephaniemarie5845 ok thank you, good to know I'm at least not alone xD
Hope you 2 have lovely holidays :)
@@noctilucera7585 Thank you
So grateful for the sunscreen recommendation and link! I take medications that make me even more susceptible to sun damage but I am so very sensitive to sunscreen that I have been avoiding it 😬
Thank you so much! I have sensory processing disorder and it can make the whole world too much sometimes. I appreciate these tips.
Do the headphones squeeze your head? I've tried noise cancelling headphones and they made me nauseous because of the pressure
I have the same problem, but they make noise cancelling earbuds too! :D maybe not as effective but definitely better than the head-squeezing
Have you tried the headphones with the adjustable band? I have a pair of skullcandy headphones that don't bother me.
Like person ^ said, I have a skull candy pair of headphones (they are black and matte) that don’t give me headaches. My other pair did but these don’t and they’re rlly light :)
Nausea is actually a known problem with the technology, it can mess with your brain/nerves and cause true nausea. Happened to me so I had to return mine. I use a 3M headset that is older, called tekk protection. It's probably like what they use for construction? Hope that helps.
Now you make me wonder if that is why practically EVERY pair of sunnies ever have given me headaches....