So, I’m a semiverbal NYC based autism. I realized today that I go through a lot of things without talking so I’d thought I’d share. I also completely rely on wakling and public transport to get places. Feel free to add!
1. If you’re buying something off a cart and you can physically grab it, just grab it and hold it up to the cashier. They will give you the price and you can pay them and give them change all without talking. If you can smile at them before walking away, they usually don’t give a shit that you didn’t say thank you.
2. This also applies to bodegas, drug stores, etc. If they ask cash or card, you can just hand them the proper one. Yes and no questions can be answered with nodding for yes and shaking for no.
3. If I can’t hear someone or understand what they are saying, I usually will just point my ear towards them and point at it. Usually, they’ll just repeat it at and eventually I can figure it out.
4. You are totally allowed to just ignore strangers trying to talk to you. If you can get some over ear ear defenders or headphones, they are more likely to leave you alone. If someone asks for directions and you don’t know or don’t have the energy to give it, you are totally allowed to shake your head no. You are allowed to just keep walking. If someone won’t leave you alone, you are totally allowed to give them the middle finger.
5. If you can stand it, I highly recommend carrying a small backpack with sensory survival supplies. You probably know what works best for you but this is what I carry: medications that are useful to me (including over the counter stuff like ibuprofen and antacid), small collection of stim toys, ear defenders/headphones, phone/phone charger, sunglasses, compression gloves, a mini umbrella, something related to a current special interest, a water bottle, extra layers or a pair of shorts depending on weather, etc. I do alter this based on wear I’m going and what I’m willing to carry and so on.
6. A pollution mask can be a wonder for blocking city smells. You can even put a dab of an essential oil you like inside it if you choose. Then, you’re entire day can smell like that. Though, I hate the smell of things with a smell so just the pollution mask tends to work.
7. At least in NYC, if you need to stim, stim. Cities can be overwhelming and so can life. Stimming can help you regulate your body and if you need to just do it. There is probably something weirder happening then you stimming and even if not, people tend to mind their own damn business
8. If you use an AAC app, you can just use it. People tend to figure it out. I personally like Speech Assistant cause it’s free and the show button makes the text really big so you can just put it in front of someone. This tends to work better for me then the synthesized voice because people have difficulty hearing that.
9. If you need a place to chill during normal hours, I highly recommend public libraries. They tend to be temperature regulated, open to the public and quiet. Plus, they have books to read. All the benefits
dailybridgerton
theartofmadeline
titsay
annaxmalina
2087
