Autism hacks
Do you have any "tricks" or methods you use to make your life easier, or make your brain function better in some situations?
For example: I have trouble with getting started on tasks, so I got myself a ten minute sand timer. I decide on the task I want to do, flip the timer, and then I have to work on the task until the sand runs down. I can keep going after the timer runs out, but I'm not obligated to.
It's simple, but I find it helps me a lot. Something about having a physical motion associated with it (as opposed to setting a timer on my phone, for example) helps my brain switch into "doing things" mode. And knowing that it only has to be for ten minutes keeps me from getting overwhelmed.
Do you have any hacks like this? They could be for executive function, social situations, regulating sensory input, etc.
I learned to keep a bulletin board and a calendar in my kitchen next to the fridge and my phone. Any appointments we make go right on the calendar. Every single time, and my partner and I remind each other to write it down right away if we observe/hear the other making plans for something . I keep a list of things I need to go shopping for on the bulletin board with coupons, bills, phone numbers and cards for people like the plumber the doctor and insurance guy, the car repair shop, etc. , a "to do" list, which I mark off as I get stuff done and write down new stuff that I notice or know has to be completed, so everything is always right there when I need it. A desk with a desk top calendar might work, and for people like my son, he uses his cell phone which has reminders, and pays his bills online.
Back when we were working full time, even before we had kids (now grown) we made Saturday mornings chore day, and we did everything on Saturday morning right after breakfast. Both of us pitched in and it rarely took more than an hour or two (he had his assigned chores and I had (and still have) mine.) That left saturday night and sunday free for entertainment, alone or with friends or family. This system has worked for us for over 40 years. He has always been very organized and detail oriented. I have learned to do better over time with patient kindness and support. He swears he is not autistic, but I think we both are.
_________________
https://oldladywithautism.blog/
"Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.” Samuel Johnson
Similar Topics | |
---|---|
Having Autism |
26 Apr 2025, 6:00 am |
Autism or selflessness |
02 Jun 2025, 9:58 am |
Can autism be diagnosed at any age? |
15 May 2025, 10:33 am |
My Autism Diagnosis: Then and Now |
29 Apr 2025, 12:29 pm |