Autism self-care

autling:

Bright light autistics: Make sure you give your eyes a break every now and then, even if lights are just so pretty.

Dim light autistics: Do what you need to feel happy and comfortable, but make sure there is enough light if you are reading/writing. You can cause eye problems such as nystagmus if you strain in the dark.

Pressure autistics: I know how calming it is and how good it feels, but make sure you are not cutting off circulation when you pressure stim. Also make sure you don’t bruise yourself and that your rib cage can expand properly. Try not to squeeze yourself somewhere unsafe that you could get trapped.

Olfactory autistics: Try to stick to smelling natural things or things designed to be smelt e.g. Soaps, perfumes,candles. Avoid sniffing cleaning products such as bleach, as they can give off dangerous fumes.

Taste autistics: Think to yourself before you put it in your mouth ‘Is this safe, could I choke?’ It seems mundane but I have choked on a toy car wheel because I got too into mouth stimming. Baby chews are always a safe bet, and they are small (for babies) so they are discreet.

Food issue autistics: I am one of you, I understand. As much as the funky textures of the world are gross, veggies can be gross, foods that touch can be gross but you do need your proteins and vitamins. Try and find some chewable kids multivitamins (like candy, but vitaminny). Make your food look cute, research kids bento boxes and don’t be ashamed if you have one week where you only eat chicken nuggets.

Soft noise autistics: I am also one of you, it is PHYSICALLY PAINFUL sometimes, so block out as much noise as you need, but try not to totally deprive yourself of stimulus. Listen to some quiet music. Make sure you change earplugs regularly if you wear them,to avoid infection. If you wear ear defenders, take them off when you are in a good place to let your ears breath, and try not to wear earrings with them.

Loud noise autistics: as much as the stimulation is needed for you, you need to make sure you don’t damage your ears. Intervals of loud noise are okay, but constant bombardment can cause hearing loss.

Stim safely lovely people