A few of my favourite things as a neurodivergent adult.
Those with neurodivergent conditions such as autism, ADHD and anxiety often suffer with issues which are hidden to others and we use masking to cope, particularly in public. However, this can become exhausting and lead to debilitating burnout. Fortunately, there are tools and schemes available nowadays to help neurodivergent individuals of all ages to cope with everyday life which are subtle and not too conspicuous.
I thought it would be a good idea to make a list of my favourites that I cannot live without as an adult with autism.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is internationally recognised as a symbol to discreetly share hidden disabilities or conditions, such as autism, ADHD or anxiety. There is a range of wearables available but the lanyard is the most common.
Personally, this has been invaluable, particularly in airports where I have been given extra time and assistance without having to awkwardly explain my difficulties.
Disabled Blue Badge
The governmental Blue Badge scheme may be available to those who struggle severely to follow a journey, have intense and overwhelming responses or frequently become extremely anxious, all of which are common amongst neurodivergent people. Ultimately the decision will be made by your local council based on your application details.
This is amazing when I cannot cope but I don’t abuse the privilege, such as in a supermarket car park where the spaces are next to each other anyway so a few steps don’t matter and others need the wider spaces.
Just as for many others, sleep has always been an issue for me and anything that helps is a bonus. This means that the temperature has to be just right in a comfortable location without any distracting noise, but just enough “white” noise to prevent my mind from wandering and solving the issues of the world!
Eye mask with Integrated Bluetooth Speakers
This type of eye mask features a soft blackout material and flat integrated Bluetooth speakers which are comfortable whatever position you decide to sleep in and you are not bothered by them falling out of your ears. I listen to bedtime stories, podcasts and music with binaural beats to help me to drift off.
Weighted Blanket
A weighted blanket feels a bit like having a hug and is said to stimulate serotonin to boost mood and melatonin to aid sleep. I definitely feel a bit lost without one. As a rule of thumb, the weight of a full-sized blanket should be about 10% of your body weight. The only trouble is that they can get a bit too warm in the summer but there are smaller lap-sized alternatives too. They may also be difficult to wash if you have a small washing machine so aim for one with a cover and use it on top of your usual blanket or duvet.
As well as sleep, another issue for those with sensory issues can sometimes be going out in public, particularly where there are lots of distracting sounds.
Earplugs
Large over-ear headphones can be a bit conspicuous in public and traditional earbuds can be hard and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are alternatives in silicone designed to reduce noise without blocking sound completely. They come in different models depending on the level of filter and in different colours too.
There are a few brands on the market and I chose Loop which I found to be comfortable having changed the tips to fit my smaller ears. I also opted for a safety cord separately.
Mobile Phone PopSocket
Many of us love to fidget, especially in stressful situations but don’t want to take a fidget toy out with us. The PopSocket attaches to your mobile phone, doubling as a stand. After all, we all take our phones everywhere, don’t we? They come in different colours and patterns and are relatively inexpensive.
I can now sit in meetings and pop away without looking too conspicuous!
These items have been chosen as my top companions so far to help me to get through the day as a neurodivergent person. I will be following this post soon with a list of apps and software too.
