tips for shutdowns/meltdowns/overloads
*note- i apologize for the lack of color/organization, colors strain my eyes too much. i am also using small words n statements bc i’m currently v overstimulated so i’m sorry if sum words aren’t clear. /gen
follow autistic/neurodivergent accs on insta (or any other social media but the ones that i’ve found most helpful have been on insta), they post lots of tips and helpful info as well as validation and encouragement. sum of these can be found under #happeycore :)
apps like jelly dream (watch jellyfish, customize the lighting, and change the types of jellyfish), heat pad (changes color as you tap on the screen with your body heat), fidget toy pack (has lots and lots of different fidget toys that r virtual), etc. help me a lot bc they either help me get energy out or give me smthn calming to do while i calm down
listening to 8d/slowed/pitched down music, rain, nature sounds, etc. helps me as it gives my brain a calm thing to focus on. i usually listen to the neighborhood, arctic monkeys, hozier, the 1975, etc. slowed down.
noise canceling headphones r a lifesaver. the ones i have for a gun range, they’re hollow n create a vacuum around ur ears, and i highly recommend them. if not, earplugs, earbuds, or even just a pillow over ur head, can help a lot.
fidget toys. this seems obvious but they can rly help. if u can’t get some, trying getting the like $2 kids toys at like the checkout lines or smthn. just smthn small and cheap so you can say ur gonna give it to a kid if u need to. like i got a rubber dino to squeeze, and a shark with those squishy beads in it from a dollar store.
try engaging with ur special interest. sometimes it’s hard to even have the energy to keep ur eyes open but, if u have the energy, smthn as simple as holding an item that’s related to a special interest/hyperfixation can help a lot. like for me, i hold some of my favorite rocks, watch the jellyfish or ocean things, or count my stickers.
try changing ur clothes or surroundings. sometimes those can be part of the problem without u realizing. i always try to change into my comfy pajamas if i can. i recommend getting the workout clothes from like target or walmart (or the pajamas that don’t look a lot like pajamas), or getting a seam ripper to thoroughly get the tags off, for really soft clothes.
try to use an alternative form of communication. writing, signing, typing, texting, using a text to speech voice, etc. even if u have the energy to talk, sometimes it’s best to save the energy u have. it can b hard to feel comfortable doing that so i’d suggest not trying to do smthn that’ll just work u up more but if u feel comfy, it can help a lot.
*i probs have more but i’m tired. also check the tags pls. feel free to rb/comment any tips u have :)
