Low support needs autism
Hi,
I'm sorry if I make some mistakes, I'm French.
So, I'm here to talk about autism. I am myself autistic and I struggle with social anxiety, fatigue due to social interaction, hypersensitivity to noises, lights, smells and sense of touch, insomnia, depression and self-harm.
My question is : as an autistic, depressive, hypersensitive or insomniac, how did you find strategies to overcome these kind of struggles?
@Naymless42
That sounds alot to deal with , I hope you can find the resources you need to cope with the struggles you face ❤
There are self help guides and growth paths here idk if it will help but wouldn't hurt to try
https://www.7cups.com/supportGuides/selfHelpGuides.php
https://www.7cups.com/path/modifier/community/
Thank you for the resources. Yep, it won't hurt to try, I'll do it
@Naymless42 I am an autistic person as well, maybe I can help you a little bit with that. I started doing most of the things that helped me subconsciously because I’ve basically been masking my whole life. What helped me:
- headphones with music that makes me happy in public paces
- fidget toys (I’m only able to use the quiet ones)
- a special necklace you can chew on so I don’t bite on my fingers and hurt myself
- sunglasses if the sun is too bright
- don‘t be afraid to cover your ears or nose when you feel overwhelmed
- stimming, let it all out
- being with people who can help me ans understand me (big advantage if the person is also neurodiverse) who can give you space, reassurance and maybe a big hug if you like (hugs always help me feeling safe)
I hope this helps you a little bit,
-Just
Thank you for your advices. It helps a lot
Hellooooo!!!!!! I am also autistic!!! The biggest thing that has helped me move forward is TALKING about my experience... and... learning how to listen to other's experiences. At first talking about my experience made things worse. But FINALLY I found places where it was SAFE AND VALUED to talk about my experience. And I learned basic skills about how to listen powerfully and not submissively. That's when I learned that sharing the real me can HELP some PEOPLE instead of just hurting them. And the people who act hurt by my experience... that's a clue to avoid them!!! Ha, as if that were easy or even possible. But, here's to hoping anyways. I still default to blaming myself for confusing *** that happens. But I'm slowly realizing that OTHER PEOPLE SUCK often and have their own baggage to deal with, which helps me LET MYSELF BE ME.
I find it's so easy to default to some of the stuff you described above. It's still really hard to just, you know, EXIST. Actually, something that's even more important than talking about my experience is RADICAL SELF-COMPASSION. YUP, that's actually #1.
Example self narrative with radical self-compassion: I feel like ***. yup, that makes sense. It's hard to be autistic. I totally embarrassed that person, or maybe I didn't and they are just constipated... I have no idea. I don't want to be here, make me disappear. Yup, that makes sense. Sounds like strong feelings and (social+) anxiety...
Okay I typed a lot more but it started to sound really dramatic and I'm not sure what counts as appropriate here on the discussion boards. I'm actually new here and haven't read the user policy (is there one?).
It's awesome that you posted your question!!! Looks like you already found a safe space and started talking about your experience. That's a BIG WIN!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! GO YOU!
Thank you much for your answer. You really gave me good advices. You're right, that's sometimes hard to find our place, to fit in the world. Actually (my mum told me that recently) we have to create our own world
@Naymless42 Welcome! The Support Plus community might have some suggestions as well, autism is a topic there. Looks like you have some good responses already!
Thank you!
I personally recomend having 'your 15 minuts'.
As the day goes by you can get overwhelmed with everything that's happening, and forget to take care of yourself. Everyday find 15minuts to relax.
You can set an alarm so you don't forget.
Set a timer to 15 minuts and do something that makes you feel better, I'll write down things i do (as suggestions)
Recomend doing it at home to feel safe and comfy
-play with fidget toys
-smell my favourite tea(i really like it so i would just smell i for 15 min straight. Does i t look wierd?very. But I don't really care as long as it makes me feel so satisfied )
-get under a blanket and just look at it
-squize myself (or ask someone to do it )
-dance, Humm,
-look at my heands
-basically just stim
( I try and do it in present, not watching TV or reading so I don't feel disconnected )
I'm not a professional or anything, just though I'd share with what helps me hoping it'll help you too
Wish you luck :))