10 EASY Autism Accommodations for Professionals

This video outlines 10 easy autism accommodations that professionals can implement today to make their corner of the world a little more neurodivergent-friendly. Scroll down for timestamps. 👇
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⏰ Timestamps
1:57 List begins
1:57 Provide clear expectations and stick to the plan.
3:14 Use visual aids whenever possible.
4:05 Focus on the “why.”
4:44 Allow time for processing/transitioning between activities.
5:45 Reduce sensory overwhelm in the environment.
7:12 Provide sensory supports when possible.
8:20 Follow up.
9:05 Don’t talk down to us or change your tone of voice.
9:54 Ask us, “What other questions do you have?”
10:48 Understand the goal is not to “get us to your level.”
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DISCLAIMER: Taylor Heaton is not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional. Her services do not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. Please note that Taylor can’t take any responsibility for the results of your actions, nor any harm or damage you suffer as a result of the use, or non-use of the information available through her website, KZbin Channel, or social media accounts. Please use judgment and conduct due diligence before taking any action or implementing any plan or practice suggested or recommended by Taylor Heaton or Mom on the Spectrum. Please note that Taylor doesn't make any guarantees about the results of the information you may apply from her website, KZbin channel, and/or social media accounts. Taylor shares educational and informational resources that are intended to help you succeed in navigating life as an autistic adult. You nevertheless need to know that your outcome will be the result of your own efforts, your particular situation, and innumerable other circumstances beyond Taylor's knowledge and control. Taylor is an Amazon affiliate and may receive commissions on qualifying purchases from affiliate links. Taylor is a Flare affiliate and may receive commissions on qualifying purchases from Flare links.
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#latediagnosedautistic #momonthespectrum #autisticadult #audhd

[@anevarez]

“If the lights are too bright, I don’t hear what you’re saying” 💯 For me, the same applies to any kind of light that makes noise. Bright / loud lights and open spaces created a terrible office environment for me. It wasn’t until the pandemic forced so many to work from home that I realized how much those things hurt my productivity. I want a t-shirt that says “I can’t hear you, the lights are too loud” 😂 Thank you for sharing this great list and tips!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

This is a great idea for a tshirt!! I'll have to add it to my merchandise soon :) Thanks for the suggestion

[@AngieLoveDolls]

"Don't talk down to us or change your tone of voice" 🙌🙌🙌🙌

[@marjiecroston100]

I have had this experience recently, and I almost quit my job. They expect me to be in charge and not be in charge. Sometimes the helpful suggestions and advice is obviously unnecessary and not helpful! They should have started with what they expected and get out of my way. I’m good and I’m fast. That’s why they hired me.

[@lisa_wistfulone7957]

Ohhhh, PLEASE I hope professionals watch this and try to apply the tips. I’ve learned to self-advocate for my needs, but when an environment has 3-5+ issues I can’t block or adapt to, it’s embarrassing and exhausting to try to address all of them. Dentists are a great example. At mine, I’ve have to ask for the tv off, the door not left wide open, and the blinking holiday lights in the room off. Then I’ve needed to explain why the recommended fluoride treatment makes me gag, and that I’m not being stubborn when I say I can’t use an electric toothbrush for daily brushing. By the time that’s happened, I can’t even process addressing if I have any questions or need anything repeated… 🫠😰 And Yes! When the sweet childish tone comes when we capably report our autism to a medical professional…!😠

[@lisa_wistfulone7957]

Also, there are already several comments here mentioning how people “suck it up” and try to cope with discomfort or pain. Professionals need to be aware that, even if we don’t complain, it doesn’t mean we don’t feel it! Many of us trained ourselves to endure overwhelming and painful stimuli rather than be shamed (or worse) for being the only one “complaining” about things that we experience at a more intense level than neurotypical people do.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I have to give the same type of explanation with fluoride as well! Yes so many similarities in our experiences.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

@@lisa_wistfulone7957 This is a great point!

[@kensears5099]

I love the part about saying "What other questions can I answer for you?" I have spent so much of life feeling evil for asking questions, as if I'm either being a pest or antagonistic, when all I wanted was to penetrate this matrix that was such a mystery to me.

[@karowolkenschaufler7659]

doctor appointments in particioular for me. I've had so many doctors get grumpy and... I think offended with me and I wasn't sure why. lately I noticed that it might be to do with me asking questions. I think, I come off as questioning them and their comeptence when I just want to understand what they think is going on with me, how things are connected and make sense, and what the treatment means. I just want to understand what is going to happen to me if I follow their treatment plan...

[@kensears5099]

@@karowolkenschaufler7659 I find that it helps to be hyper-transparent in such situations, to just come out and tell them, "I'll be very grateful for your patience with me, because my neural processing is such that I really need specific explanation sometimes. So I ask a lot of questions, not to doubt you but to absorb what's going on, okay?"

[@karowolkenschaufler7659]

@@kensears5099 I will try that. I have noticed I tried something like that the last time. "I can't picture it yet. I need to ask more questions." ... didn't work well enough... and it's difficoult at the doctor's. especially when it's not a scheduled appointment but a crisis thing. where I go there because I feel bad and don't know what is going on. and then I get angry... because... a doctor's job is to help people. and to pay attention to what state they are in and what would help in that state... is part of the job. it's important not just for autistic people. it's a mess. and, I suppose, I have to come to terms with the fact that there is a limit to what I can do to help communication go smoothly. and if an appointment with a doctor is completely awfull... I'm afraid I need to go to an other doctor for that problem. just makes me mad. because explaining and saying "I'm not questioning your competence, I just need a lot of data and a bit of time to process the situation..." that is managing/curating/leading the conversation. and the doctor should do that. the doctor should be the "grown up" in that situation. sorry. long rant.

[@AgnieszkaPoznanska-Aga]

I’m late diagnosed autistic person and I work with kids and teens. I always work like this and I think it benefits not only kids on the spectrum. It’s part of my "magic". I was working like this before my diagnosis, but now I know where it comes from.

[@chloebunde4455]

Something that has been helpful for me is having flexibility in my start and end times. As an Audhder, I’m frequently running late! Time management is hard, transitions are hard, and sensory stuff when getting dressed is tricky so knowing it’s okay if I show up 30 minutes later and stay 30 minutes later really eases my mind.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Great suggestion! Thanks for sharing.

[@whitneymason406]

Before I knew I was autistic, I worked in early childcare. I worked with toddlers, and our room was shared with the infants. I remember having to leave the room sometimes when the babies were crying. I didn't know why I was the only one who was so bothered by the noise. I'll definitely be bringing my earbuds when I rejoin the workforce! Great video! 💞

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Oh goodness, yes I know that infant crying was definitely a stressor for me when my kids were little, but hearing that from multiple infants at a time - has to be total overwhelm!

[@confidentlocal8600]

Loop earplugs help a LOT with that!

[@Jenna.g.85]

I can’t handle baby cries either, I’m sticking with my furbabies

[@sakaimae]

I used to work with kids too - regularly took my hearing aids out XD

[@BananaPantsChannel]

#10 got me. I feel like everything I started learning after my adhd diagnosis was “how to be more normal (mostly through medication).” After learning about autism, that’s when the messaging looked more like “what do YOU need, how can others help?” I wish there was more language about acceptance in both areas.

[@MrDaydreamer1584]

"we don't want to do it if we don't know the purpose of it" 💯

[@ShinyNickelBlades]

What you said about processing information. If I'm asked questions I didn't expect, I answer the best I can, then process it later at home and realize I completely misunderstood the question, and my answer made me look like an idiot.

[@karowolkenschaufler7659]

the "why" thing gets me thinking. I'm not officially diagnosed yet. just for info. I was a very obediant child. so much so, that my mum has brought it up with me when I got older. and I immediatly said, that I did what she said, because she told me why it was good or not good to do. (I always tried food from her plate in the restaurants but wasn't allowed to try the drink in her glas, because it was wine and she explained to me that my body just couldn't handle the alcohol in it yet, but later in my life would be able to handle it. perfect explanation.) and she did that sort of intuitively. because she finds that helpfull as well. because maybe we are a family of undiagnosed neurospicy people... maybe. or she's just a very empathic mum. beause knowing why you should or should not do something surely helps everyone. "because I say so" is just not a good reason to do or not do something...

[@danguy5777]

I wish I'd had this video to show my employer before I had a breakdown and was managed out 😔 UK civil service spat me out broken

[@TricksterModeEngaged]

public service can be stressful! The things you do can have big impacts, if you interact with the general public you *will* get yelled at and you often find out about big changes to your job via political announcements or news stories. I've been trying my best these past 9(!) years and I'm still just barely holding on tbh

[@Jenna.g.85]

Check out @AdultwithAutism , Paul is in the UK and has great work accommodations tips

[@livenotbylies]

Bureaucracy is not good for us

[@DavidLindes]

sincere condolences. It sucks being spat out, and feeling broken from the experience. 😢

[@kensears5099]

So sooooo (did I mention "sooooo"?) vital, about "Why?" How often, torturously often while I was growing up, and into adult years, did I short-circuit with people because, in my compelling need to orient, to grasp at least some shred of "Why?" they thought I was opposing the whole "What." Like some recalcitrant, obstinate infant. So that I ended up feeling doubly or triply humiliated and ostracized, like my need to know why was somehow stupid, plus I was viewed as an uncooperative jerk, plus I was made to feel completely useless. What happens over time is, you stop asking "Why?" and, for survival's sake, you stop caring too. You sequester yourself with the things you get and nobody has to explain to you, since, apparently, nobody wants to anyway.

[@lisa_wistfulone7957]

It would be lovely if more people were comfortable and forthcoming with the “why.” In my experience, I developed the people-pleaser accommodation of preemptively exclaiming , “I don’t disagree, I just want to understand it better!” the moment someone even begins to appear puzzled by my questions. It was my coping strategy. Meanwhile , the thing I actually understood the least was why so many people so often equate questions with opposition. Also frustrating when people assume you’re dense because you’re asking a more detailed/intricate question than they expected, so they repeat the same explanation m o r e s l o w l y…

[@kensears5099]

@@lisa_wistfulone7957 So well said! Another aspect of this I encountered, in settings like, say, faculty meetings, was the phenomenon of people thinking I was insisting that something be done my way, when actually I wasn't in the LEAST "married" to the idea anything had to go my way. What they took as my adamant insistence was really my intense need to make sure everybody knew what I MEANT. Once I knew I'd clearly conveyed my real meaning, I essentially didn't care whether they went with my opinion or not. If they were going to reject my ideas or suggestions, I at least wanted to make sure it was really my ideas or suggestions they were rejecting and not some false perception of them.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

@lisa_wistfulone7957 I like your response of "I don't disagree, I just want to understand it better"

[@itisdevonly]

+++ This entire thread needs to be at the top of the comments. So much good info.

[@emilymoran9152]

One thing I appreciate in retrospect even more about my parents' approach to parenting is that they figured out REALLY early that I respond well to REASONS and always gave me them! I mean, they're scientists (another group who like to know "why"!) and had already decided that they would try to show any kid they had respect as a person. But having them say outright "we need to get in the car now because grandma is making dinner and she'll be sad if we don't show up" or "if you fidget and look at the bookshelves when people are talking, they're going to think you're not listening" was SO helpful! It matters as an adult, too. Telling people "just do it because I'm the authority" or "because you should automatically understand my reasoning" does not sit right with me.

[@resourcedragon]

I had to laugh a little at the explaining why. Someone had been voluntold to carry out a task where I was the subject matter expert and sort of in charge. She duly showed up at my desk for her instructions. Now, I am exacting about how that task should be carried out and there are reasons for the requirements I have. (Some of those requirements are set at a much higher level in the organisation than I occupy.) I didn't want her to think that I was just being finnicky because I get off on micromanagement or something, so I was explaining the reasons behind my requirements. At around the half way point she said, "I don't want to know why, I just want to know what I have to do." I did find that extraordinary, I really struggle with doing things a particular way unless I know why I am doing them that way.

[@emilymoran9152]

There is a great story from a book by the physicist Richard Feynman. One of his colleagues on the Manhattan project went over to Oak Ridge, which is where they were going to be refining the material for the bomb, and saw people pushing tanks of green water down the hallway! He was like: "Uh, are you going to do that with the final product?" Them: "Yeah, why not?" Him: "Won't it explode?" Them: "EXPLODE?!!" The army guys got all mad at him for saying that: "You should have just ordered them not to do that!" And he was like: "Look, these are ENGINEERS! They are going to do it the most efficient way they can figure out unless you tell them WHY they shouldn't do that!"

[@marshmallowweekly8575]

The dentist one sounds so helpful. I recently went to the dentist for a cleaning and all i got was a brushing and a scraping and x rays. I sucked it up because they are the only ones insurance pays for to get my wisdom teeth out but ever since then one of my teeth has been hurting and now i have to go to my local dentist to find out why once they answer my voicemail on monday since they never called back today. I hope your daughters appointment goes well and she is not to scared. Good luck to her

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you. Sending you good vibes with your dental needs as well. 🙏

[@alexs6817]

This sounds so nice that I want to cry

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Crying might bring some healing! Go ahead!

[@MrDaydreamer1584]

This list (1-10) should be made into a chart or infographic. 👍👍👍

[@benediktornhjaltason7948]

I went to the dentist for the first time after moving to a new town a while ago. The first thing I thought when I arrived to the waiting room was "Holy cow, this is the most relaxing waiting room at a dentists office I've ever been to. The lights are dim. The seating area is kinda secluded from the receptionist". The second thing I thought was "Oh s#|t, I'm in the wrong dental clinic", so I ran off to find the correct one. That one was the complete opposite. Super bright lights. Seats right across the receptionists, and right next to a long hallway where people were running back and forth. It was like a factory. Glad I discovered the first one by mistake, which is where I'll go next. :D

[@KamillaMirabelle]

In Denmark we got a type of therapist called "psykomotoric" therapist, basically their focus is the inter connection between the psychic and somatic part of health.. for me it help so much more than talk therapy.. my anxiety attacks are moved over to be an "overload respons" i.e. no thoughts just the somatic sensations that i used to have when i got a panic attack.. The treatment/therapy for now focus' on breaking the psychic triggering of the somatic responses to certain situations where my body are used to reaction in fight of flight mode.. So in a sorter version, not trying to fit a square Peg into a round hole, but trying to learn to use the appropriate hole 😅 I dont think it will help fixing the ASD sensory issues just traumer related stuff.. but i think it could help managing some of the sensory overload

[@MomontheSpectrum]

This is very interesting! Thanks for sharing. 🙏

[@KamillaMirabelle]

@@MomontheSpectrum i thought that too.. 😘 i'm currently re-educating myself, at the age of 37.. luckily we got free and good education here, and i actually get paid a live able wage to take the education 🥰 26k ddk/month (Danish kroner) + 14.8% in pension + 6 weeks paid vaccination a year And we got universal healthcare for all.. and we can get appropriate help doing education too.. just to give a reference point to hold up against But back to the point, i'm studying to be somewhere the role between a caretaker and a nurse.. my focus is on people with mental disabilities, so i'm learning quit a lot. Right now i'm following a small study where my city are giving "high functioning" people with ASD and ADHD, struggling with daily structure/routines, support for learning to create and maintaining structure, or giving them cleaning help and stuff like that, to see the effect of if it helps them maintaining a job or education and the effect on their mental and physical health. The preliminary results are good.. Btw i'm a transgender woman with ASD and ADHD, i got 3 kids with special needs.. and i'm doing quite well 💪 mostly because Denmark actually are pretty inclusive in the right way.. it is not perfect at all but we are getting closer..

[@caseyj1144]

I think another is to make ALL expectations explicit. If you expect me to understand that you want a report on PowerPoint, vs bulleted list, vs essay I will not pick the right one- I’ll pick the one that makes sense to me. Second, especially for kids, make every step of the process explicit. It took me years to learn how to wash dishes properly (it always took multiple washes before) because no one explained that you turn the water off during the soap and scrub step… I finally learned it from a podcast when I was 27 😂

[@itisdevonly]

This is such a good list! I think I'd cry (in a good way) if I got all these accommodations. The relief would be palpable. It would finally feel like someone understood my experience and gave a shit about my comfort and capacity, instead of just expecting my square peg to fit in their round hole. I've had to just "suck it up" and adapt my whole life, and I've managed to get by, but not without taking damage. Now I'm dealing with massive burnout and CPTSD. I wish people understood just how much of a difference these little changes can make.

[@mlr4524]

I've made the mistake of 'sharing' with some family members and friends (and providers/professionals), and it's been horrible from multiple perspectives. In terms of your list, "Don’t talk down to us or change your tone of voice" to me is often the first indicator of said mistake. None of them are even in my IQ range and now they are speaking to me like I'm developmentally disabled.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Yes, unfortunately sometimes when we share, it is not well-received. In these instances I usually suggest saving your energy for other more life-giving opportunities in your life.

[@Jenna.g.85]

I definitely feel I need to get”permission” before I do something, I’m bad with social cues so when I see my therapist via video, I wait for her to say “what would you like to start with today?” So I know when it’s my turn and it’s ok to talk. My favorite question has always been “why?” And it always frustrates me when parents say “because I said so” or “because I’m the parent “, doesn’t make me wanna do the thing and I’m seen as stubborn or uncooperative. Well done library for sensory bags In school I always thought I was doing fine but later find out that I fail a class so more time and check ins to make sure I’m still on track and understand is helpful. I hate when people use a patronizing tone I also appreciate when people ask if I need anything else or have more questions. Doctors are in such a hurry, I was told I can ask the receptionist to schedule a longer appointment to make sure I’m getting the time I need. I just asked my fiance that if I ask him to pick me something up from the store would he please check with me before he leaves the store to see if I thought of anything else I might need, super helpful. Number 10 is great Great video Taylor

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Glad the video was helpful and you're welcome! I like your tip about asking your fiance to check in before leaving the store. Great idea!

[@LivingItUp810]

While I was discovering that I’m autistic and researching what kinds of accommodation I may need I was receiving extensive dental treatment. As you can imagine the experience was highly traumatizing since I was being exposed to the blinding lights that physically hurt my eyes, a cramped and busy office that left me dizzy and a dentist who actively fought me whenever I asked for accommodations. I had asked to be sedated for an upcoming oral surgery procedure but he kept asking me “Don’t you trust me?”. I was flabbergasted that he took my request as a personal slight, an issue about “trust” rather than realizing I was just asking for a little accommodation for my mental wellbeing. I was simply afraid of being overwhelmed and stressed during the procedure but he refused anyway. After that I was treated like the office pariah and now I’m forced to find another dentist because I no longer feel safe to be treated there.

[@Lisdodde]

I think for me another one would be ‘ask me if my behaviour means what you think it means about my goals and motivations towards you’. I really hate being misinterpreted and misjudged all the time.

[@ArtemensiaK]

Oh yes! Calmer are the best! I put them in and everything sounded the same, but ... not. I was as if my whole nervous system got a break and I didn't heard the sound of electricity and such. My nt husband put them in and... nothing. It didn't made a difference for him. Like: WTF, man? You have it per default? Actually I think that was one of your most valuable videos I've ever watched. I was diagnosed just 6 weeks ago or so. And I knew before (self-diagnosis), but it made such a difference. Now hearing all those accomodations is very validating

[@lisabmpls]

Love your dentist video story…so awesome!!!! I was just at my dentist yesterday and was literally thinking that it would have been great as a kid to have something that explained what they were doing and why *and* what I was supposed to do…ie. what’s my role or job as a patient? Even now that might be handy as a kind of ‘refresher course’ 😂 As a kid it would have been great to know that I was allowed to say ‘ow’ when they hit something tender or painful since my default was just to suck it up and deal with it. I’m sure not everyone is/was this way, but some parameters would be great! I’ve had some realizations about getting glasses that I want to post on the forum since they’re too long to get into here. But in general, I’d say having some kind of ‘here’s how this works’ video or pdf would be excellent for opticians too!!! As always thanks for these excellent videos!!! I’m going to send this to my very cool hygienist when it’s public!!!! ❤

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Awesome! And yes, we actually just finished up our first appointment with that oral surgeon and I decided to make a full video just on our experience. So hopefully that one will be helpful to share as well! Planning on dropping that one next Wednesday for channel members. :)

[@lisabmpls]

@@MomontheSpectrum No doubt it'll be super excellent! Oral surgeon is way more intense than dentist in my experience!

[@WaterFor3st]

At my current job, I love that the higher up guy said he cares more about quality than speed. A few people came up to me and told me that I can ask questions or for help if I need it. Just those two things there helped me so much being comfortable there so I feel great being able to slow down if I need to or not stress too much when I want to ask/clarify, even though I still try not to ask too much sometimes unless I really need to.

[@diabolictom]

ASD+ A good dental visit for me is one where I am rendered unconscious a week before the appointment, and wake up a week later in Fiji, on the beach... at night.

[@BryanKoenig379]

I also never thought I would wear earbuds but I work in a cabinet shop where it's very loud and I recently started wearing them I bought a good pair and listen to podcasts and wow it's changed my life at work if I just have one in and still can hear the people around me it works out perfect❤

[@camellia8625]

It may also help save your hearing in such noisy conditions

[@lapislazulis2378]

Thank you so much for the tips! I want to change the light in my counceling practice for one you can mute. The previous one was so harsh 😢.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You're welcome! I hope it's helpful to you

[@alexanevin7917]

What a great video! Thank you!

[@GoodTrebleStudios]

I just discovered the earbud thing too. I get so much more done and my executive functioning skills have improved!

[@KayStevensScholerNPC777]

This is AMAZING! Thank you! I am going to share with my work, and also post on my IG account. ♥️♥️♥️

[@JamesDavis-ps6yy]

Great tips. Many that I use for myself and some that I use for patients - but many more that could be very useful! Thank you for putting this together

[@sharonolsen6579]

here is the issue I am currently facing... Being put in a nursing home as an autistic adult has been a nightmare... and I am not being hyperbolic ... From admin to staff ... nurses Aides etc ,, no one has a clue about the need for certain considerations. How can medical professionals be so clueless .. resulting in so much suffering for those like me thrown into this situation ? I am 68, and due to my spine and knees will be here for the rest of my life ... The majority doubt that I am even autistic because of not keeping up with current understanding of what autism actually is.. or ways it can present.. in fact they are woefully uneducated on so much terminology it is staggering.... sorry .. I got off on a bit of a rant. I wish there could be some clear .. new guidelines for autistic adults entering nursing homes.. either short term or long term ... guidelines for anyone involved in the care of those like us who are put into nursing homes.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

It does sound like there is an urgent need for better autistic care particularly in nursing homes. I wish I had more support to offer here. I do remember I just added a geriatric resource to my Big Autistic Resource Guide that might be helpful. You can download the guide here: www.momonthespectrum.life/barg

[@sharonolsen6579]

@@MomontheSpectrum thank you ! ☺

[@hollykarra]

It's really amazing about the delayed processing where I record everything in my mind and then replay it in sections and understand each section. I don’t know if others have the same or similar experiences?

[@passaggioalivello]

Thank you Tay, 8 and 10 are super important.

[@aroneurodiver]

thanks for your work, that was pretty on point

[@GrammyAllen]

If someone tells you they are autistic or that they think they are autistic, don't argue with them telling them how neuro-typical or non-autistic they seem. IDK about others but to me that just tells me that you don't see ME. Instead ask questions like "What does autism look like for you?" and understand that if they mention something that "seems normal" keep in mind that if they're mentioning it, it's not just a little like with NTs.

[@consuelonavarrohidalgo5334]

Number 3: so true!

[@brianfoster4434]

Hi - 56, just recently received my official confirmation. What I would like is a resource I could send to NT people so they can understand me. I think you have these videos, but from the other side. For example, - a video telling people to not freak out if someone is not looking into your eyes. I hope this makes sense.

[@NiaLaLa_V]

I didn't understand that I was overloading my senses until I met my neighbor who is also on the spectrum. She only wears black, and she is not goth. She just tries to give her brain a safe space and I am over here rainbow everything and wondering why I can't make it an hour with no meltdowns.

[@BryanKoenig379]

This is an excellent video

[@vickilanger]

3:30 If you dislike the gritty polish stuff they do at the end, ask them to skip it. It’s not required. A hygienist told me it may even be beneficial to skip polishing because it wears away at your enamel. They also said it’s done because most people think the polish is the cleaning

[@lindaT82]

Excellent!! Thank you!! ✨

[@estrick4854]

Excellent video…thanks!

[@monikabatyra5915]

Love it! Thank you❤

[@mariadanielaveraursic7246]

Fantastic video. I had never ever thought about myself of being autistic. Not yet officially diagnosed. When doing my work internship? as a secretary I went to speak to the manager and asked him: “what do you expect from me” (!!!!) Txs soo much Claire!!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I'm glad the video is helpful to you!

[@Nicolemarie123]

Thanks!

[@pyratehyena1312]

dear everyone, keep audio levels consistent everywhere and forever unless you have a really good reason.

[@chrismaxwell1624]

If employer and other place did these thing it would help NT people out as well. Imagine at work getting clear instruction, not having work the glare of bad lighting, have to boss as if we had any other question and follow up. Not speaking down to employees. It would massively increase productivity. I started a trend at work of taking overhead light out because they bother me, other liked it too and almost everyone did the same. On the asking if I have any question that's sure fire way to get my brain shut off. As soon as that happen I'm like dear in headlights. I need processing time before putting the spotlight on me. So I have no questions then couple hours later a dozen of questions.

[@GuyG.KTalesOfAnimals]

hey Taylor! may you add a summary/blog on your website for this video? my doctor is super kind and human, but would not have free 10ish minutes on hand, I am not sure if they are going to even have 1 minute on hand (they’re very neurodivergent and busy people - not autistic though) - so a comprehensively condensed summarized written version (maybe in a picture form?) would be a great way to accommodate to high stress- fast-paced workers and helpers

[@consuelonavarrohidalgo5334]

If you are used to lose things I would suggest to by the Flare calmer with the layard. It's the only way I could keep them.

[@wickedwest89]

great video! just a note, the subtitles were running over the numbered tips. The number and tip couldn’t be seen through the subtitles.

[@elyssiacook6913]

I find earplugs useful BUT hate when I can hear my own internal noises like breathing, heartbeat, chewing!! Is there an earbud that somehow doesn't let that happen?!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Yes!! It is the Flare earbud!! I can't stand the sound of my chewing or breathing either. It's the only earbud I've found that doesn't make it worse. www.flareaudio.com/momonthespectrum

[@elyssiacook6913]

​@@MomontheSpectrum Thanks! Might give that one a go then - I was diagnosed last week after self-diagnosing 25 years ago! Told work today (after a stressful morning) - I was planning on telling them last week as I was so excited to get my diagnosis, but it took a few days to process it, I guess. Thanks for this (for me!) very well-timed video!! I'm putting together a list of accommodations at the moment.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

@@elyssiacook6913 oh yay I'm glad it was helpful! You might also like one of my colleague's free resources: neurodivergentemabler.com/files/Workplace%20Adjustments%20for%20Executive%20Dysfunction.pdf

[@elyssiacook6913]

@@MomontheSpectrum Fab, thanks - I'll definitely give that a look!

[@DaRealMatt89]

+1 From me: Def. only the Flares. I tried a lot, but even with the Loops it is too much for me to handle. But just keep in mind that the flares do not make noise less loud. They just seem to cut high frequencies. So they are not great for loud environments. But perfect for everyday uses!

[@jennifersmykala1108]

❤

[@lindseyoverthinking]

I tried the earbuds you suggested and really liked them, but couldn’t use them because they would get loose/fall out 😢 Does that happen to you? Love the video. I’ll share it with my company for their neurodiversity awareness initiative.

[@user95395]

I work in a school district substituting, frequently in autism classes. you have to find a way to get your needs met in a "cool" way or people just think you're a freak, even the autism teachers. The stigma is so deep and I'm sorry, neurotypical people abhor anything "weird." Their xenophobia is simply too high. So, in a government job, where they really have to care about your rights, and you're around the bleeding heart types, it's still difficult to get people to care. For example, other autistic teachers get really mad that i let the kids stim in the hallways while we walk. This is how prejudiced they are: In their chosen field they are unaware of what their ASD kids are doing and why, and are more worried about "not looking weird." to the... other teachers or smth? I have no idea. I have a feeling that until we shame people on a large scale for anti autism prejudice, and from that shame there are laws passed, there will be no change. Something equivalent to the passing of gay marriage needs to happen for NTs to be guilted into accepting us. That's how NTs are motivated -- extrinsically. Getting them to "do the right thing" is a blind spot due to our autism. Autistic people doing the right thing is called mental rigidity, NTs don't do the right thing, they do the correct behavior to fit in. The only way gays became accepted is because we made it socially unacceptable and shameful to not accept gay people. So there has to be some large level shaming with punishments for noncompliance in order to make this happen. This is the only way you break xenophobia's natural fear and hatred of the "other."

[@violetgypsie]

When I tell people I am autistic I preface it by saying my IQ is “average or a little above average”. This usually gets the baby talk out of the way.

[@dio69666]

I have apple ear buds and the first few days i wore them it was excruciating pain. But now its like my ears changed shape almost because it feels good when i put them in and its a bit weird honestly. Almost like a physical addiction

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Oh super interesting!

[@andrewrusin2610]

Great advice, In regards to areas for young professionals who are looking for places to live, is Frisco, Flower Mound, Southlake, or Colleyville affordable for moderate incomes who are on the autism spectrum?

[@jeffcarr392]

I'm an undiagnosed guy, in my 40s married with kids. My hearing isnt great, especially when 2 or more people speak, my brain shuts down, i hear neither, yet i have super sensitive hearing for sometimes quiet sounds or certain high or low frequencies, i can hear a phone on vibrate 100m away ?

[@marjiecroston100]

I get so upset about the rules not being followed. I think my first word was “why”. My day is all too many noises and light. I don’t really have a safe space so I’m in overload most of the day. I started making myself sing karaoke and I posted Friday in my reels. Too many things

[@fairygodmotherflowerEternal221]

❤❤😊

[@cotey72]

Agree with you at the end about the wording bring us up to your level isn’t ideal. It’s about meeting in the same place, not an up or down, a greater or lesser. It’s just a difference…Eg. Some people use the Android / Apple analogy, as it’s just a different operating system. Thx

[@cattollefson3635]

The idea of sharing that I'm ASD is frightening. I often get people tell me that's not possible since I'm fully verbal and make eye contact! Ugh! Their definition of what autism is compared to who I am conflict so they deny me that identity. It's very frustrating so I often don't share that.

[@emilymoran9152]

I'm sorry you've run into a lot of that! One of the first people I told I thought I might be autistic was a marriage counselor, who didn't even ask me why I thought that - she just said I wasn't like her autistic son (whatever THAT means; there was no explanation) and started listing stuff that would be obviously a bad fit if she'd asked anything about, say, my childhood! It was very invalidating. BUT I feel like I've had much better luck with family, friends, and colleagues - and I think it might be because (besides a lot of them just being nice people) I started out by telling them about some of my burnout symptoms that are not typical of anything else: Losing my ability to fake eye contact while talking, such that people started looking over their shoulder to try and find what I was looking at; Having afternoons where I couldn't manage to write a text message or even read one of my favorite books; Suddenly (and thankfully temporarily) finding that the touch of my own hair drives me crazy or that the grocery store is too loud and bright to tolerate. I mean, one shouldn't have to be OBLIGATED to share details like that...but I'm OK with doing it because I feel like it can help people realize that not all autistic struggles are visible and for me to get support in the areas I actually need it.

[@judithgraham3458]

Don't see link for Flare Calmer Earbuds.

[@westcoastswingmusic]

🫶🏻

[@sprowett1402]

I hate the concept of ‘bringing autistics up to a neurotypical level.😂’ As a VERY late diagnosis (57 yo) I see this as a copout pretty much. Most of us spend our interactive lives dampening down our senses and reactions. Btw: scents are big! Lavender wouldn’t be an option for me at all, but mint is. Fruit scents are good as scent undertones as well. But I have been driven OUT of buildings that use fake scents (chemical esters that try to mimic ‘natural’ smells) and Febreeze, which turns off your noses ability to smell. Awful! I spend the whole time trying to smell and getting a headache from the chemicals in the Febreeze. Air purifier can be a good thing. If you can handle ozone smell, there are even ones you can wear around your neck to help deal.

[@Weird_guy79]

"Professionals" where? none in my town.

[@sistahsunshine]

Haha. Please dont try to being me down to your level. Y'all need to step up your game to my level. 😂

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I’m just sayin…😎

[@puntjepuntpuntje]

natural lighting, yes please. natural cleaning products, yes please. lavender smells... HELL NO! id rather have some fresh air to remove smells...

[@Jenzo3T]

Completely agree. They recently added lavender air fresheners in the 'safe' bathroom I use at work and now I can't go in there.

[@johnrainsman6650]

Okay, we do not need help. We are not freaks or mentaIIy unstable

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Everybody needs help sometimes. I definitely don't believe autistic people are freaks or mentally unstable.

[@johnrainsman6650]

@@MomontheSpectrum I'm afraid "everybody needs help sometimes" does not apply here, because, let's face it, certain (and lesser) need special help. MentaI people need help. Socopaths need help. AIcohoIics needs help. I'm afraid your thumbnail implies that we need help as much as the said freaks and mentaIIy unstable. Your words reduce us to their level. I'm surprised you would write that, as anautistic person. Show some respect to your fellows. We do not need help; we're fine the way we are.

[@johnrainsman6650]

It's implied; your thumbnail reduces us to Iesser people who need special help. "Everybody needs help sometimes" doesn't apply here.

[@emilymoran9152]

Another autistic adult here: Do you think adding ramps to buildings implies that people in wheelchairs or older people are lesser? Or that closed captioning is insulting to people who are deaf or non-native English speakers? Because that's the kind of stuff that's being discussed here - minor shifts to spaces and operations that make a place more accessible and welcoming. I don't technically NEED my allergist's office to turn down the lights a tad and not have TV going all the time...but it sure would make the 30 min wait after my weekly antigen shot more comfortable! And I can't help but think there are NT patients who might appreciate the change too.

[@johnrainsman6650]

@@emilymoran9152 But don't you feel insulted by the concept of our people needing/getting help?

[@CamStubbs]

I was told yesterday by my doctor that there is no avenue for late (adult) autism diagnosis, none what so ever, then he dismissed me from the office… ffs

[@Ghoulbum]

I actually just get irritated by baby talk or custie voices and terms. I need things to be called what they are not something cute. It makes me not want to listen to whatever they are saying.

[@MountainWoman68]

I use the Flare Calmer soft silicone version at night; it helps dampen the apartment noises while I sleep but doesn't cause that weird "I have a head cold" sound when I breathe when I wear full-on ear plugs. And I hear my alarm clock in the morning when it goes off without it shocking me.