AUTISM – A SURVIVAL GUIDE
Monday is the beginning of the working week. I know. I know. Take a breath in and exhale. I wish I didn’t think that I would have to deliver such news it has been confirmed after a web search and speaking with a government official.
This month’s blog post is an autism survival guide.
The guide can be purchased via paypal for $15.99. What, do you think I am doing this for free? I mean, I need to pay my bills!
*BREAKS TO SEEK LEGAL ADVICE*
Hi I’m back. Apparently according to the Autism West legal team I cannot charge people for my advice and guidance.
Okay, where was I?
If you are surviving life as an Autistic person, or if you are a parent of a child who has autism, then this handy guide is for you. (I will be in the car park outside the Autism West HQ’S if anyone is willing to part with $15.99 – jokes!)
THE OVER LOAD, THE OVER LOAD!!! I could be in a park (not by choice), in a shopping centre, in a café or restaurant, or dining with Janine, and it can be triggered by anything, anyone, or even a single noise.
The question, is what do you do when your senses overload?
Sensory overload bag: You’ll need to agree on a sensory overload bag (this could take some time but agreeing on one will do wonders for all concerned), like the one shown below which Autism West have kindly said they’ll buy me (hint hint!). Possible contents – sunglasses, ear plugs, noise cancelling headphones, squeeze ball, aromatherapy lotion and anything that might help avert sensory overload.
A safe code word: If it all becomes too much, agree beforehand on a safe code word you can use to alert the person you are with that it’s all becoming too much and that you need to step away to a quiet place/room
FOOD AND WATER
Planning your food and water requirements is essential to the art of survival. Make sure that your favourite snacks are pre-packed before you head out, and that your favourite water bottle is filled up, like this one.
Thanks Autism West, you’re being very generous this afternoon!
NOTEBOOKS
A note book is a handy object to carry so I can sit outside in the sun light, write, compose my blogs and keep a journal. This one is a good one.
Adds to cart – cheers Autism West!
NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES
What a gift from the quiet police! Without noise cancelling headphones I wouldn’t be able to survive.
Adds to the cart, once again Autism West’s credit card is getting a pounding this afternoon!
AN EMERGENCY NOTE
If it all become too much and you find yourself going into panic, have this note prepared (if you are on your own):
“Hi, my name’s BLANK.
I have Autism, and I find it hard to speak sometimes.
Please call my mum on the following number: “
A WEIGHTED LAP BLANKET
Next (and I haven’t used this) is a WEIGHTED LAP BLANKET.
Basically, the weighted lap blanket releases things inside of your body that send calming signals to my brain if you have the jitters or are squirming and moving and aren’t able to sit still and concentrate properly.
So there you have it that’s what I’ll be carrying around within 5-7 business days
Thanks for my gifts Autism West!
*THE AUTISM WEST LEGAL TEAM*
About Nick McAllister:
Nick McAllister lives in Burns Beach, is a screenwriter, blogger, ABC open contributor and also attends the Saturday writing group at the Peter Cowan Writer’s centre. He is also a digital media facilitator and guest blogger for Autism West.
