autistic resources

resources for and by autistic people

[ableism101-blog]

Autism Masterpost

Stim Toys:

stimtastic

autism-products

autistictoys

autismshop

Shirts and Jewelry (without the puzzle piece!!)

Autistic Pride Memory Charm

Autistic Pride Classic Braided Bracelet

Rainbow Heart Pendant

Autistic Pride Long Sleeve T-shirt

Anti-Puzzle Piece Pendant

Autistic Pride T-shirt

Boycott Autism Speaks

Background Noise:

Relaxing Rain

Space Odyssey

Private Jet

Box Fan

Shower Sounds

Calming Seas

Forest And Nature Sounds

Soothing Summer Night Sounds

Electric Heater Fan

Resources:

musingsofanaspie

jobsforautism

autismhousingnetwork

[autisticresources]

@isaacfloof is an autistic adult that makes weighted blankets for ~$60-70 (they also have a DIY guide on their blog) so if you bought from them you'd be supporting two people at once and saving money!

! This is good to know and I appreciate it. As long as they accept a payment method that is not paypal since I cannot use paypal. Or if they're willing to work something out with me one way or another, to accept the amazon gift cards directly to them rather than to me, or... I don't know.

That'd be the best though, thank you for suggesting it (Their shop is on etsy, so I wonder if etsy gift cards could be sent like amazon gift cards, through email?)!

[autisticresources]

Hey friends! In the past I've done a giveaway for autistic people on my various other blogs, but I'm really low on money, but still want to help people out in any way that I can.

What I'm looking to do right now is do giveaways based on donations. If you can donate some money to me (in the form of Amazon gift cards since 1) All of my shopping for these giveaways will be done on Amazon) and 2) Paypal locked me out after I legally changed my name), I'm then going to use that for the direct purpose of sending things to autistic people as they need it.

I'm going through Amazon Smile, so that any purchases made will also add a donation to the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network.

I tried to add a screencap of what I want to put in it, but my computer isn't working so well. It is:

A Galaxy Tab 3 Lite PNY Battery Charge Pack 32GB MicroSD Card Case with stylus

It's intended for a person with difficulty with verbal communication that could be helped by either a text to speech or pictograph based AAC program who may not have enough money to get a tablet on their own, and it's going to come to about $170 with shipping and taxes.

After that, I'd like to get someone a weighted blanket, which could be up to $240 depending on their specific needs.

Obviously I know that this sounds kind of suspicious, so I will make updates as time goes on, and if/when I have enough for the giveaway, it'll be a giveaway done in a separate post. If anyone needs me to do anything to make it more transparent, please let me know.

If you'd like to donate to make this giveaway happen, the email address that's connected to the amazon account that'll do all the purchasing is this: [email protected]

Definitely no obligation to donate, but if you're able to signal boost this, I'd really appreciate it!

EDIT: I've been informed that @isaacfloof makes weighted blankets through etsy, so if you want to donate in the form of etsy giftcards, it'll directly help an autistic adult and whoever receives the blanket. Though I'm not 100% clear on how etsy works, so if anyone knows how to do the etsy gift cards, I would love to learn.

[autisticresources]

im glad that somebody is trying to but in the meantime id like a free alternative (maybe not all in one app) like i have a "drink water reminder" app..

Yea, I've been searching. I tried the Real Life RPG thing, and it did not work for me at all. I'll update if I find anything!

[autisticresources]

the thing is thought if the intended userbase is anything like me they cant remember to feed themselves let alone have a job for which to be able to pay the current price. so uh.

Yea, me too. I'm hoping that they'll make it so that people can at least gain partial access to the services without any money paid (like, in their reply to me, they were talking about their online pictogram library, and I feel like though that's likely very helpful, if there could be a partial version without it for free, that'd be awesome), or to have it donation based, or to have it so that it's paid for by institutions and not individuals.

I do have a job, but it doesn't pay much, and I have medical bills to pay among other expenses because along with being autistic, I have other disabilities that require medical attention as well as things like glasses, mobility aids, communication aids, and specific types of clothing, food, etc. I rarely can afford to feed myself, nevermind have an extra projected $45 of expenses for a year.

There's no way that $45 a year (Even though that evens out to $3.75/month) can be accessible for a lot of disabled people that this kind of app is intended for, which is why I've been trying to communicate with the creators of the app.

[autisticresources]

routinefactory isnt free and the price for using it per year is fucking hilarious in a bad way.

(Note: I saw that you said to ignore it and I apologize but I wanted to add something onto this & appreciate you saying something! But if me posting this is uncomfortable, please let me know and I'll delete it)

When I complained, they were like "We can maybe work out an early user fee," and also told me that they were going to look into the donation-based free system that was offered on LetMeTalk after I told them about it.

I'm going to stay updated with developments, and if the cost changes, I will post about it.

Honestly I think the best way for these things to get done is to charge institutions (i.e., schools, therapy practices, etc.), and make it free for individuals, or to make it a "pay what you can" system. Obviously there are people who can't or won't pay, but there are also people who would pay more than the average cost to keep it running.

But nobody's ever told me I have a good mind for business.

[autisticresources]

Here’s an app to help with executive dysfunction.

It’s called RoutineFactory and is free on Google Play currently, with the App Store version coming soon, and is geared towards disabled people with difficulty with daily functioning.

It’s linked to the online site (Here: https://routinefactory.com/) but I believe it can also be operated to begin from a smartphone or tablet.

There are scheduled tasks (To help build a routine), and “Personal Assistants,” which are something that can be pulled up at any time to give any help needed for tasks.

There’s also a reward point system that can be used if you want (By adding points to any task), and if you have a caretaker, you can redeem points with them, or have it for yourself.

I like it because it’s really made clear that it’s geared towards disabled adults who need it as well as children. (i.e., the quote talking about why it’s good is by a person with PDD, not a parent).

Here’s descriptions of the images I attached:

Image 1: Screenshot of the RoutineFactory scheduling system. Image 2: Screenshot of the RoutineFactory list of task options. Image 3: Screenshot of the RoutineFactory checklist creator. Image 4: Screenshot of the RoutineFactory Assistants system. Image 5: Screenshot of naming a personal assistant. Image 6: Screenshot of the personal assistant options.

[autisticresources]

Please reblog this version because it is important to me that correct information is circulated:

This is not a free service, it's $45 per year. That figures out to about $4 a month, so it may be worth it for you.

I did have a conversation with the creators of the app/website, and they will not charge you without permission and will not seek legal action, but you will lose access to the site and apps.

They also intend on making it more clear that it's not free.

[autisticadvocacy]

Does anyone have any advice on figuring out what sorts of academic accommodations to ask for and how to ask for them. Im starting college soon and i know that i will need help and accommodations im just need help figuring out specifically what ill need and whats within reason to ask for

Any suggestions for our asker?

[autistic-answers]

Hi! I’m a college student. The school I attend has some really great disability resources that have made life much easier.

First of all, see how much documentation you have. While there are valid reasons to choose not to have any, documentation can help you prove to the disability center that you have a clear need. If you have a friendly and helpful therapist, they may even be able to write a letter recommending a few specific accommodations.

Check to see whether your school has a disability center (It should) and register with them. Once you have your documentation, they’ll discuss accommodations with you.

It may help to search “Autism college accommodations” to get a feel for what sort of things are often available. Look at lists and see what would make your life a lot easier. Then at the disability center you can ask for the accommodations that you think would be helpful.

In my experience, people are quite understanding. They know that you’re new to college and might not instantaneously know exactly what you need. You can make adjustments to your accommodations as needed.

For example, here are my personal accommodations and how they got adjusted:

1. Taking notes on my laptop (not by hand) 2. Taking tests in a separate, quiet room in the disability center (it used to be in the community testing room, and then I got a private room because sometimes I say/sing answers to myself when focusing) 3. Extended time on tests (2x the time limit) 4. A little flexibility on attendance in case I get sick a lot during the semester 5. Golf cart rides to class & dining hall to avoid heat exhaustion (and to ensure that I remember to eat) I don’t think most schools do this though. 6. Sitting in front (although I don’t really need to ask because there are always empty seats there)

Professors have also allowed me to leave class a few times due to sensory overload/shutdowns and appetite issues, and once I put in earplugs during a lab so I could work better. So far everyone has been super understanding and nice about things (except one professor at my old school, but luckily I was dropping her class anyway, and she retired after the semester).

I can’t guarantee that your experience will be as fantastic as mine but I hope it goes well. You sound like you’ll be a great, hardworking student who will have a lot to offer. :)

[strangestructures]

I’m not from the US, but some additional things that are available at my college:

- Access to break rooms on the various campuses, with things like a couch, some desks, a water boiler… They are usually pretty empty, so they can be a good place to calm down when everything becomes to much.

- Extended time for homework / assignments.

- Reduced tuition and access to scholarships.

- Note takers.

- Having a class moved to an accessible location (that needs to be arranged as early as possible).

- In some cases, labs can be replaced by other forms of classes or assignments.

- Extra time for labs.

- At the library, it is possible to borrow the books for a longer period of time.

- Help in finding appropriate accommodation and priority for getting a room on campus (most students live off campus here and the waiting list for rooms on campus is very long - if you are not disabled.)

- When I had a seminar in a room with very uncomfortable chairs, I talked to the lecturer and she always brought me her office chair from across the hall.

Also, I heard that some colleges offer the textbooks in electronic form for disabled students, or give them a second set of textbooks (once they’ve bought one) so that they can keep one set at home and one on campus (in a locker) and don’t have to carry so much.

Good luck!

[autisticresources]

Here's an app to help with executive dysfunction.

It's called RoutineFactory and is free on Google Play currently, with the App Store version coming soon, and is geared towards disabled people with difficulty with daily functioning.

It's linked to the online site (Here: https://routinefactory.com/) but I believe it can also be operated to begin from a smartphone or tablet.

There are scheduled tasks (To help build a routine), and "Personal Assistants," which are something that can be pulled up at any time to give any help needed for tasks.

There's also a reward point system that can be used if you want (By adding points to any task), and if you have a caretaker, you can redeem points with them, or have it for yourself.

I like it because it's really made clear that it's geared towards disabled adults who need it as well as children. (i.e., the quote talking about why it's good is by a person with PDD, not a parent).

Here's descriptions of the images I attached:

Image 1: Screenshot of the RoutineFactory scheduling system. Image 2: Screenshot of the RoutineFactory list of task options. Image 3: Screenshot of the RoutineFactory checklist creator. Image 4: Screenshot of the RoutineFactory Assistants system. Image 5: Screenshot of naming a personal assistant. Image 6: Screenshot of the personal assistant options.

[autisticresources]

Hey, I wanted to share this app!

It’s called LetMeTalk and it’s available on the Play Store (I’m not sure if it’s available on the App Store because I don’t own any apple products, but if it is, please let me know).

It’s an AAC app that’s free. It has several sets of phrases that it comes with, or you can add your own by either taking a photo or searching for an image to add to the library.

Though it’s free, if you’re able to support it, I’d recommend you do – The heart button in the top right corner leads you to the donation screen.

[wellyoudontseemautistic-deactiv]

It is available on the App Store: LetMeTalk by AppNotize UG (haftungsbeschraenkt) https://appsto.re/us/69E12.i

[autisticresources]

Hey, I wanted to share this app!

It's called LetMeTalk and it's available on the Play Store (I'm not sure if it's available on the App Store because I don't own any apple products, but if it is, please let me know).

It's an AAC app that's free. It has several sets of phrases that it comes with, or you can add your own by either taking a photo or searching for an image to add to the library.

Though it's free, if you're able to support it, I'd recommend you do -- The heart button in the top right corner leads you to the donation screen.

[conversationscripts]

As a cashier, sometimes people will make small talk or joke with me and I don’t always know how to respond, but I found one thing that works. If you ask the customer “what would you like/what can I get for you/what can I help you with/etc.” sometimes they will respond with “a million bucks/the winning lottery numbers/etc.”

 I used to freeze up whenever this happened because I’m terrible at spontaneous conversation when people deviate from the script, but I’ve found a great response is “well if I had/knew that I wouldn’t be working here.” 

They usually chuckle and it allows the conversation to move on to what they actually came to do.

[conversationscripts]

ooh thats a good one, thank you!! i broke this up for easier reading

[alice-royal]

What people think of when you say ‘the autism spectrum’:

What the spectrum actually looks like:

The black and white dots represent a random autistic person’s particular combination of abilities on any given day. Everything is really convoluted and blurred because all of those major groups I put on there kind of bleed into one another at times. And none of these points are necessarily negative.

Point is, the spectrum is not a line on which a person is born onto and remains at a certain position. It is a complex group of abilities and issues which change for every autistic person, every day, multiple times per day, depending on the situation they’re in. There is no such thing as ‘mild autism’ or ‘high-functioning’ autism, and those labels are actually inherently ableist.

(Also please note that all instances of ‘normal/correct/incorrect’ are to be taken with a grain of salt as what neurotypicals consider to be ‘normal’ is often a very narrow amount of what they consider to be ‘acceptable’ interactions or behaviours)

[neurowonderful]

Autism: Whom to Trust, and Whom to Avoid

Autism is a significant source of controversy. People are using this to scare people, take their money, and put children in danger. Autism: whom to trust

“Autism is a significant source of controversy. Terrible people are using this as an opportunity to scare people, take their money, and put their children in danger.

“There are so many tales about how autism is caused–and how to treat it–that it can be stressful for parents just trying to make the right choices for their children.

“We have an easy guide to help you distinguish the good resources on autism, from the scare-mongers and snake oil salesmen.”

[Click the link to read the article.]

[askanautistic]

Do you know of any "unwritten social rules" or a resource to find them?

Here’s a bunch for the USA!

And a bunch for the UK!

And a list of others from around the world.

[autisticresources]

I often find myself having a big urge to laugh during social situations even when nothing is funny. If I try and tell a story or sometimes just speak to people I just start laughing and I think it's more nerves rather than something is funny but it's quite embarrassing or inappropriate so do you have any tips for how I can try and not laugh a lot?

Oooh this happens to me also.

What I generally do, personally, is clench my jaw, which kind of hurts. However if you tend to grind your teeth, don't do that, because it can contribute to that and cause problems down the line.

Here's some things I compiled from around the web using various search terms or personal experience:

1. Breathe in through your nose. That'll give you some time to settle out of the laughing fit.2. Think about something difficult (like a math problem) and try to solve it in your head. This is really good for times when you have to be quiet, but not as good for conversations when you have to talk to people.3. Dig your nails gently into your palm. Please do not break skin. 4. If you don't have a strong bite, biting the corners of your bottom lip can help keep a straight face. If you have a strong enough bite to break your own skin, don't do this.

Those are my best suggestions but if you anything else please feel free to let me know.

[witchydigit]

quick PSA to any Autistics using listenonrepeat.com to audio stim. Apparently they’re trying to set a record for most people rickrolled today. Your video will turn into Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna’ Give You Up.” But you can just refresh the page and it should go back to normal, I think.

Because I kinda’ froze when it changed and I was specifically going there to stim and it probably wasn’t the worst reaction, but it was really fucking unpleasant still. And I usually enjoy rickrolls.

[autisticresources]

If you go onto youtube and change the "tube" to "repeat," you can get the same stim without this issue, if anyone needs it!