Feeling overwhelmed? How I cope as an autistic adult

[@harrietwindebank6051]

✅ avoid driving off cliff in fog ✅ publish this weeks KZbin video

[@Autistic_AF]

Two instant dopamine hits right there!

[@pardalote]

✅️ drive through beautiful landscapes. ✅️ meet the locals - aka sheep. ✅️ help yourself and others find some peace in their day.

[@Paisley...]

That's just the video I needed tonight: calm, funny, comforting and with a sprinkle of hope. So sorry for your loss. ❤ I lost my 20 year old cat exactly one week ago, it's so hard every time and it does not get easier with me getting older. Hope to join the scratching post soon, tried a few weeks ago and it didn't work. As soon as I have the energy I'll try again. Thank you soooo much for all the work you put into creating your content, it means so much to me, especially on days like this.

[@Autistic_AF]

I’m so sorry. There are not sufficient words to describe or to adequately comfort your loss; except to say that I - and a great many people can empathise. It’s so hard. I hope you can join in the scratching post; it’s a lovely group of the kindest people. But if you’re free on Tuesday (evening UK time) the livestreams have the same vibe and you might enjoy them. Take care, Mike 🧡

[@stephenie44]

The scratching post will be there when you’re ready :) Feel free to ask questions here if you need someone to help you navigate it.

[@Paisley...]

Thank you to both of you for your kind words! See you on Discord soon, until then I' ll continue to watch the livestream.

[@CanisLupus1987]

Can't Imagine losing my Atena She s 11years old.She is my only company. She understands me better than all humans in my life. She shows empathy no human has shown me. Cats are the best Humans

[@Autistic_AF]

Give Atena/Athena? A hug and a nose kiss from me! 🧡

[@Gwenx]

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events is translated to Danish as "An accident/misfortune rarely comes alone" and honestly, whenever something shitty happens in my life, i think of the title and the book, and i just go "yeah, i guess accidents/misfortune just always clump together.." somehow it calms me to think about things like that.. Take good care of yourself, especially when overwhelm piles up and the smallest tings makes you angry or sad.. And when a lot of shitty things happens, take a step back, plan, take some time to recharge, hug your safety people/animals/things

[@Autistic_AF]

I have had this thought several times this week. I hope to have a series of fortunate events soon! Thank you, Gwen!

[@Phoenix-regenerating]

Your truly working Magic with this video Mike. A real metaphore for life. The downhill, the rest, the uphill, driving in fog, and out into the clear open, LIFE. ( heheee even a couple of Crows thank Crows). While showing us the importance of sharing our sadness can not only help heal others but ourselves to. Including potental heipful stragages. I found the journey with you, was with love all the way.

[@Juju-ew4zh]

Your comment is magic 👏👏👏

[@Phoenix-regenerating]

@@Juju-ew4zh Thank you Juju that's really kind of you

[@allenr.williams3211]

I am so sorry about Toby 😢 Growing up my sister had a cat. She was my sister’s cat, not mine, and I was never particularly close with the cat, but when she passed away I was shocked how much grief I felt. So I lasted about half a year and I had to go adopt my two cats. I’m much closer with my cats today, I can’t imagine them passing away. I can’t imagine the pain there. All the best to you Mike, thanks for everything you do!

[@21kittensArtStudio]

I’m so sorry for your loss, Mike. And also for all the sh*t that life is flinging your way lately. I want you to know that your videos have helped, and continue to do so immensely. This one for example was exactly what I needed this Tuesday morning. I tend to gravitate towards negative thoughts, so listening to your optimism despite all your current problems, really is eye opening. I wish I had a TARDIS so I could fly to Isle of Man and keep you, Nina and the kitties company, I’d even be the tea fairy to give Nina a nice break. My cats send all their purrs and loose whiskers your way, and I a strong hug. Thank you again. 💙

[@REZZA2020]

Diagnosed Autistic this week at 45.

[@Autistic_AF]

Congratulations on the autism! 🎂

[@redhottpussyliquor]

Congratulations! I got diagnosed very recently too

[@edwardlulofs444]

That’s better than me at 65. I feel so much better now. I wonder what my life would have been like if I had learned who I am when I was young.

[@mintysash3134]

Deepest condolences for your loss Mike💔 Having two lovely, fuzzy felines myself, they put their lovely little claws deep inside our hearts and the sadness and pain when they leave us is just as sharp and deep 😢 thank you for the time, Toby. Thanks for taking us along this ride, scenery was beautiful, that misty, woodsy, ruin-sprinkled moor is actually my preferred scenery when I need an oasis. Still a goth at heart, I guess. Hearing your list of coping-strategies is very helpful and affirming at the same time. Resorting to simple yet accessible modes of selfcare is so important for me, making lists is my Achilles heel though. Thank you for sharing this even during your rough times, your content helps alot and we don't feel as alone or crazy in this chaotic world. Wishing you peace and comfort 🌌

[@carolinelist-b4p]

I'm so so sorry to hear about Toby, it's tough to lose a pet. One of my rescue ratties is unwell too and on heart meds, i hope she can still cope for a while.

[@lovelylesbian5135]

@@carolinelist-b4p Wishing you and your loved one the best. Regardless of the outcome you gave her another chance at an amazing life from rescuing her

[@Autistic_AF]

🐀🧡

[@Stormbrise]

First off, I want to give my condolences for the lost of your cat. He was a beautiful fur baby. lots of pictures help to get through the time. Thank you for this video, I love this video, because driving for me is a safe space. I think this works for me because the car interior is enclosed, and I am in my own bubble. So, when I am feeling down, and it is pouring down rain, I may go for a drive. Else, walking works well for me. At home my side of the bed is my nest. I can hide there if I need to. Put on a Calm app sleep story, usually involving a cat. Or a nature sounds video, with sounds of running water. I now live on an island with no rivers, and the surf here they think 1.5 meters is a normal high tide and maybe 5m during a storm surge. I come from a west coast US state where the high tide can be at least 5 meters high in the summer. Storm surge, you’re talking 10 to 15 meters high. So, my ideal hiding spot is to get in the car when I am at home in the states and find a place where I can listen to running water, or the coast where I can listen to the surf crash against the shore. I would not mind more videos like this one. I found it very relaxing to watch the scenery and just the road as it twisted and turned. Thanks for sharing.

[@PatchworkDragon]

I enjoyed the visuals for this video - very appropriate for trying to deal with stress. And I am so sorry for the loss of your kitty.

[@Autistic_AF]

Thank you 🧡

[@SOLIDbpm]

So sorry about Toby, massive hugs. ❤

[@SOLIDbpm]

The peaceful drive around the roads there looks a lovely location for relieving stress. Such a pretty location even when overcast

[@SkeletalSculptor]

Oh, Mike, I am so sorry for your loss. Our animal families enhance our lives so very much, bringing love and laughter into each day. Even though we know that “built in heartbreak” is part of the deal; it doesn't make the goodbye any easier. I hope that you find comfort knowing that you gave the best possible life to your friend, and that it sounds like his illness wasn’t prolonged.

[@thedrunkshinobi]

I think money causes stress. You have to always be worried if you have enough to get the things you need to survive. A place to live, food, transportation, cloths, ect. More money relives this stress and allows for you to start getting/doing extra things. It allows for hobbies, entertainment, the ability to get to and participate in social gatherings/events. When you are rich you already have the extra but still need to worry because you are living in a system of eternal growth. If you don't grow you will fail. Others will get bigger and wipe you out. Then you lose every thing. Like we do if we can't make a payment on our house and the bank wants to take it. Since we don't want infinite growth we just want needs met and comfort we can be satisfied with a bit more that makes things easier for us. But the rich always have to do better than they did the year before or lose support (investors) and the power.

[@misspat7555]

Money is definitely a huge cause of stress. I have enough, have for a few years now, but I still have to be careful not to go overboard spending. Back when I was going $1k in debt a month just trying to keep my family going, it was absolutely horrible for my health. I understand why “poor people” are “present-focused” now; it’s the only thing you can be when you can never pay all your bills! 😬

[@jeannegarrity5829]

Please put this on the top of your website. I've listened to this twice in 12 hours. At least I'm not alone in the anxiety. It has helped immensely. Thank you so much.

[@suzannetunnicliffe2422]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Toby will be missed but never ever forgotten . RIP Toby ❤

[@HayleyKupo]

I’m so sorry about Toby (amongst all the other stressful things that have been and are going on). Thank you for the advice and the drive around the Isle in its foggy glory. I found your scenic drive grounding, alongside your words. Your videos have been really helping me. I hope you, Nina and all your other cats and pets are okay 🧡

[@johndayan7126]

Thank you so much Mike. This is exactly what I needed (experiencing a lot of stress right now). I loved traveling the winding road along with you, very relaxing. I live in the U.S. (we had a hurricane last week and another on the way; further the social/political situation is currently a nightmare) and this video reminded me of when I was in Northern Scotland last fall, peacefully driving on roads just like this, with lots of sheep and bee hives among the heather. Very helpful advice, and much appreciated. Peace be with you friend. 🕊

[@Scoobiekittydoo]

I’m sorry for your loss Mike ❤ please take care of yourself you are very precious. I’ve also had a very truamatic week to the point I might need to go to the hospital for a 3 day stay to recover , and not comparing to what you are going through but wanted to let you know we are all in this together and going through it right there next to you. We are here with you and you’re pain is our pain take it one minute at a time ❤ I’ll be sending you loving vibes to you and Nina and all the little ones💛

[@Autistic_AF]

Thank you, I hope you recover back to your former self promptly. I hope you are okay. -Mike

[@goesbysteve]

so sorry about Toby. Our 5 year cat old developed cancer three years ago and we nursed him through a fairly healthy year for him despite all the surgery and chemo. I still miss him desperarly so I totally understand and empathise with your loss. take care

[@TheRealTMar]

Sad hearing about your cat. I hope you're doing better now. I also love driving. I'm also in the process of redecorating my apartment after the flat got renovated last year. It takes a while but what I love doing is managing a couple of aquariums in my living room. It's a creative outlet and I am getting better at aquascaping bit by bit and get a better understanding of what the fish and shrimp need. And just watch them doing their thing, sometimes they're buzzing around spawning. Place is still a sort of organised mess since I'm just not always up to clearing stuff and reorganising. I've got a fulltime job which is customer service for an important part and our clients also have a lot on their hands but I'll not get into that. So that takes a lot of energy and I'm trying to get into an advisory position or quality control where I don't need to deal with clients any more. Recently I also took up Minecraft again. Just at peaceful setting so you don't get bothered by any nasty mobs at night. Just getting around exploring and building stuff. Experimenting with things.

[@Froschfischchen]

I am so sorry for your loss.

[@heathertemple-marsh5752]

So very sorry to hear about Toby - it's an awful heartbreaking feeling. xx

[@toadette4x]

R.I.P. Toby, losing a pet is awfull 😭.

[@pardalote]

What beautiful scenery, Mike! And wise words too. Thanks for a peaceful, calming video ❤

[@gillywild]

So sorry to hear of your loss Mike. My thoughts are with you.

[@MrsBifflechips]

*raises glass to Toby* That was a beautiful drive.

[@JackPinesBlacksmithing]

I’m sorry for your loss. There has been a lot of that happening around me lately, too, so my heart goes out to you. I’m glad you know your calm spaces and shared with us your coping mechanisms.

[@laura.bseyoga]

Poor Toby - you & Nina have my sympathies 😿 💚

[@threshasketch]

Rest in peace, Toby. It's never easy saying goodbye to a pet, and the decision to help them pass as comfortably as possible is also super hard (but the best thing for them, usually.) I loved the Patreon handwritten notes about stress management that match this video. It's made me realize that I have probably failed when trying to make flowcharts in the past because I was trying to make them digitally and got caught up in the technical aspects. I also love the video-it's always so cool to get to see a glimpse of a different part of the world from where I live (Washington State's Pacific Northwest coastal area.) What a beautiful place you live in. ♥

[@thinkthinker44]

I am sorry about your kitty friend. Thank you for taking us on your drive. Be well.

[@ZSchrink]

Oh Mike, I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

[@Juju-ew4zh]

Thank you Mike for being so open about your furnability. It helps me with the stress and anxiety in my life So sorry for the loss of your dear cat Thanks for posting this honest and comforting thoughts. Your tips and thoughts help

[@Autistic_AF]

@@Juju-ew4zh thank you for being here, Juju. You are kind. 🧡

[@Johnny_T779]

Sorry for your loss! May Toby rest in kitties paradise! That's so sad! You're lucky to have other cats in your life, it helps alot. A pet is a family member , it's normal to grieve when they pass away 😢. Lots of hugs 🫂

[@fussyfissy]

sending you and Nina lots of love .

[@A.Abercrombie-uo9ji]

Ohh no! I'm so sorry for your loss. Kindest regards and hugs 🤗

[@Autistic_AF]

Thank you, Drea.

[@Plethorality]

​@@Autistic_AF pet loss is a deep grief. Very sorry for your loss.

[@EsmereldaPea]

Oh no. 😢😢😢 I'm so sorry Mike. :(

[@andymiles5156]

Really sorry to hear about Toby, it’s awful losing a pet. I’m currently losing my job I’ve been in for 39 years, big changes ahead. 🤯 I’m just wishing I could live in one of the houses in the middle of nowhere in your video.

[@DataRae-AIEngineer]

Sorry for your loss. =( Take all the recovery time you need!!

[@Segra13]

Thank you for this video.. I'm sorry to hear of Toby's passing away.. I'm unfortunately having a similar week.. my Beautiful white cat, Primrose, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday (Oct. 3. 2024) I got her in Oct. 2018. I've been really struggling with her passing away.. I know most people don't understand the level of deep grief and heartache that I feel when I lose a animal companion.. so it's lots of trying to push my feelings down and act as expected, or as normal as possible.. even when my heart is broken..

[@Juju-ew4zh]

So sorry for your loss Segra Don’t hesitate to showing people your greef Do what helps You best

[@misspat7555]

I frequently retreated under a weighted blanket and allowed myself to feel whatever I felt for months after my husband died. Make sure to let your feelings out and acknowledge them, whatever they are, as much as you need to. It’s the stuff we can never let out or acknowledge in some way that makes us sick. ❤️‍🩹

[@Segra13]

@@Juju-ew4zh Thank you.. ♡

[@Segra13]

@@misspat7555 Thank you.. ♡ I'm trying to figure out what will help me process and work through it..

[@Autistic_AF]

I’m sorry for you and Primrose. What a lovely name. 🧡

[@kellhalla5301]

Sorry for your loss... my kitty is 12 y.o. i've had him only 6 of those years. I'd miss him terribly if he was not here. As for your video, i really like the "travelling content". What a beautiful drive. I relate to alot you have said as i am a gen x, late dx female.

[@Rick.Sanchez]

I like me some foggy autumn driving on a thin populated green island, very relaxing. EDIT: seems like a getting-to-know-left-hand-drive video, kind of. at first it felt like kamikaze, but at the end it felt even natural. That's the way I drive now. My driving style right or wrong.

[@creatuitiveguru]

I am loving the beautiful scenery in this video! Thanks for sharing this with us 💖

[@CanisLupus1987]

I am so sorry Mike

[@CreativeAutistic]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful wee cat. There must be a bit of synchronicity in the air as I've had a horrible week for similar reasons 🧡

[@Autistic_AF]

Awwww no, I’m sorry. I hope you are okay.

[@CreativeAutistic]

@@Autistic_AF Thank you 🧡

[@ladyoftheflowers9781]

Hi! I practiced self-care for the first time in eight months! I recommend progressive muscle relaxation. All that stress ends up finding itself in your body, so it helps so much to treat your body with kindness and release that stress. Loss is always hard when you have a giant heart and too much empathy. I found my executive functioning flew off the charts when I was nice to myself for a change! ❤

[@misspat7555]

Progressive muscle relaxation is great for having trouble relaxing and sleeping! I learned it in eighth grade health class or something. Makes sense you’d have to clench a muscle as tight as you can for as long as you can, and then it will be more willing to relax. Did this all the time when younger, when I didn’t have as many strategies for coping as I do now! Still do it on occasion, though! ❤

[@freecat1278]

I didn't realize how much I missed cruising.

[@ashleyien1222]

:( I'm sorry about Toby. My condolences. I'm sorry you've had such a rough time lately. I think I might be going through burnout. I don't know what works for me. I don't know how to ground myself. Those roads.... so narrow and curvy... then the "wrong side" of the road... my brain says anyway... then so much fog... stressful. I find driving stressful. 😅

[@misspat7555]

I have found weighted blankets most helpful. Also, hard to go wrong with long walks in nature. Make sure to hydrate/dress comfortably! Writing out your thoughts can help organize them; songs can often express strong emotions better than mere words. Minimizing sensory input one is hypersensitive to, via dark, quiet, soft clothing (like pj’s), and/or “safe” foods, is a must, since burnout is caused by overstimulation. Social interaction, especially that which we find aggravating, like trying to get people to do their jobs (it’s amazing how often people are highly resistant to doing the jobs they are supposedly paid to do), also must be reduced, though not eliminated; feeling isolated is just as bad for us as it is for anyone else. I wish you well in your recovery! ❤️‍🩹

[@kyleethekelt]

So sorry to hear about your Toby. Wish they lived as long as we do. Sometimes I think trying to do all these fancy techniques whilst inside of the problem is analogous with trying to open the box with the crowbar inside it. Just be good to yourself. Kia kaha (be strong).

[@kensears5099]

It doesn't seem like you did this on purpose, but do you realize how perfect this audio-visual format was for autistic people? Perhaps you've heard that it's easier to focus on what a person is saying when you're not trying to maintain eye contact...? 😏 This video is the textbook case. To occupy my gaze with the visual-aesthetic stimulation while cognitively processing the impessions and associations summoned up by your words, it was the quintessentially autistic-friendly conversation. You unwittingly created a masterpiece here, with profound resonance for autistic experience. I'm sorry that such a cascade of sorrows and trials had to be what led to it, though, and all my sympathies on the loss of Toby. Perhaps, in a way, what you came up with here may be considered a gift Toby gave you.

[@Autistic_AF]

Hello Ken, I’m glad to see you again! Thank you for your kind words; I was worried the ‘format’ wouldn’t appeal. Yes it definitely helps with focus and attention haha. Maybe that’s the ADHD speaking!

[@kensears5099]

@@Autistic_AF I definitely loved the format, could watch it for hours and hours, AND listen too, very attentively. NOT that I have anything against seeing your face! 😄 That works very nicely too. But I enjoyed this trip so much it got me to thinking what it would be like to run a whole KZbin channel this way, where you never see the KZbinr, just the places (hopefully really interesting) that he/she is seeing, while you listen to them talk. Like sitting in the front seat together with a person, listening to them talk while you gaze at the scenery.

[@misspat7555]

Please do see a doctor about that cough, Mike. Ironic that the last thing we can manage when totally stressed out is going out and getting our health cared for, but it is the foundation of everything else. Feel free to talk to the doctor about more than just “I’ve been coughing for a month.”. I believe the doctor’s is a place one can start bawling without serious repercussions, not saying that’s what you’d want to do. But even just getting a bit of concern from an acquaintance about our health can help us feel better about trying to tackle this thing called life. Ever heard of “law of regression to the mean”? It states that if things are really, horribly, unusually bad, it is very likely that they will improve. Unfortunately, it also means that when things are super, amazingly, unusually awesome, they are very likely to get worse; I try not to focus on that end of it! 😅

[@mrspeabody615]

The last thing... saying no is really hard and i can't wrap my head around it how to do it. I have been challenging myself to say no and i did a couple times those last weeks, days, whatever. But i feel like everytime i work up the courrage to say no to someone or something i get punished. I feel like people are so used to me not setting boundaries that they do not accept if i do. I really don't know how i can change that.

[@LeslieT.]

Sorry about Toby. When one of the cats is doing a behavior like him, it is actually him. The cat is letting Toby in. You don't have to believe that but when it happens, it is still nice. And if you see him in your dreams and you get to pet him, it is very very nice. When my dog passed a long time ago, she came in my dreams and i got to pet her. i really liked it. I enjoyed the drive. I also like you talking. I appreciate you talking about gratitude, getting grounded, and self-care.

[@Autistic_AF]

Thank you, Leslie 🧡

[@Lutan_the_fey]

Thank you for taking us on a tour through the isle of man. I miss the UK very badly, my family used to spend all our holidays there. It did me well watching this. And I could take away many interesting things to think about from this as well. Also I wish that calmer times are ahead for you and that you can recover. On the topic of To-Do-lists: For big tasks I have started doing something I call goal lists. I write the goal on top of it and then I think of just the first simple step I need to do and write it on the list. When I am through with that, I stop, check the step I done and write the next step underneath that. So it only ever shows me one simple thing, that I can do. It helps me, maybe it does so for others.

[@ThePsychoticUnicorn]

I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts go out to you and your family 🫂 I've only had to go through it once but I remember the pain and it was like nothing I have ever felt before. Also sorry if I've not replied to a previous comment. I vaguely remember needing to but it's a little fuzzy, I tried to look but I can't even remember the video. While I don't expect you to have remembered I still wanted to apologise otherwise I'd just feel bad. Lastly, thank you for the to-do list tip. I'd never thought of doing one for 20 or so minutes 🤔 I need to give that a try.

[@shapeofsoup]

I’m so sorry, Mike. My thoughts are with you and little Toby. I love this little road trip video, btw. What a beautiful view. Though I will say the turns trigger a little anxiety lol. I’m like oh no stay on the road! 🤣

[@Angela-kv2cf]

It was a lovely drive, thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@donnellallan]

I loved visiting your island. Thank you! 💜

[@Jules-st3cy]

that part about fawning has made me realize why I struggle with writing things so much - a large percentage (at least subjectively) of text I've written (in whatever form) has been subject to judgement by some form of authority, whether it was an important email, or for school, or for uni. And that has had lasting effects on how I approact written "output" I produce. there are a few exceptions, but in terms of how I aproach things those are exceptions (e.g. I'm only writing this for myself, I've established a style of communication with someone but will still prefer in-person interaction)

[@ragerteenager968]

I needed this video so much today you have no idea. also I'm so sorry about your cat, it's always the worst feeling. I've had cats since I was 10, every time I see them weaken until they're gone I get this empty feeling like nothing else, they're our little friends:(

[@Autistic_AF]

I’m happy this video was helpful to you - and thank you for your kind empathy 🧡

[@Pjolter365]

Make more videos in the car driving Mike🙂👍 Hope this month will be better for you than the last!. I write in my "Mindful Journal" every day and gretfdullness is a ovn little chapter. Writing a journal also hels understanding my feelings better.

[@rita.amstlv]

Hi Mike, so awfully sorry for your loss 😢🐈‍⬛. It is such a hard week for you. I feel sorry for all the hardship you have had this week. You are so strong, you will survive these bumps on the road. Sending well wishes and prayers 🍀🍀🍀🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️

[@rita.amstlv]

Yes, mindfulness is helpful. 🦋🦋🦋🦋

[@Autistic_AF]

@@rita.amstlv Thanks, Rita. I know others have it much harder than I do; and I hope this video helps them as much as you and the other autisticats have helped me! Thanks, Rita. -Mike 🧡

[@misspat7555]

@@Autistic_AFIn my experience, it just makes me feel worse that others have it worse than me. I wouldn’t wish my life, never mind worse, on others. I’m glad neither of my children is twice-exceptional; my son got more of the smarts; my daughter, more of the neurodivergence. It’s okay to hurt; we don’t always have to be positive. My ex-bestie insisted on always being positive, and it made it so I couldn’t talk to her about anything important… 😔

[@TheLexikitty]

I’m so sorry it’s been a rough ride, especially your kitty. Hope Microsoft didn’t break too many things. Totally feel ya on the solo creator too. ❤

[@Autistic_AF]

Thank you, Lexi. 🧡. And Microsoft - it’s Azure, and the short notice, “ahh, we aren’t offering this service anymore”….

[@Autistic_AF]

I hope you’re good! 😊

[@autiejedi5857]

So, so sorry for your loss Mike 🥲💜

[@Autistic_AF]

Thank you, Autie

[@BlueRoseHelen252]

Soo sorry, 🫂

[@rita.amstlv]

One of my favorite way to deal with stress is reading an interesting book so I forget myself for an hour or so. Of course also the good old music listening with head phones on and the music may be very loud. Sad songs are my favorite. 🧸🧸🧸🧸

[@Autistic_AF]

That’s a great idea, Rita! 📚 🧡

[@Hemi_Bratt_Ca]

Gosh Mike I'm so sorry for your loss. Its slways heartbreaking to loose fur family. 💔 A beautiful drive & chitchat on YT was lovely. Thank you for sharing. The sheep were so adorable in their ,meh whateves, kind of sheep way. 🐑 ❤

[@tudibelle]

Sending you lots of love and sympathy on the passing of your Toby baby.

[@Autistic_AF]

@@tudibelle thank you 😓🧡

[@stephaniealexandra5142]

Mike, I'm so sorry to hear that you lost Toby ❤ I hope that you are ok. I'm still getting over losing my Ninja and it's been weeks now 😢 This video was lovely, you had me crying but also laughing, and the journey was beautiful. Thank you

[@Sittingbythefireside]

I'm sorry to hear about Ninja. Ninja was clearly very, very loved. ❤

[@stephaniealexandra5142]

@@Sittingbythefireside he was so loved. He was only a year old and was such a happy mischievous cat. I miss him so much 😿

[@Autistic_AF]

Awwww - you will never forget Ninja, not at all. You’ll remember all the things. 🧡

[@tracik1277]

Oh Mike I’m so sad to hear that about your poor Toby. It’s so sudden too, what a shock for you and Nina. 😢

[@Autistic_AF]

Thank you, Traci.

[@birgittnlilli9726]

I am very sorry for your loss, I know how that feels. Thanks for the video, it helped me, because I have some major changes in work coming up (I cant stay on my current job place anymore, it is just hell and I am sick all the time) and that scares me to death. Listening to you and watching was quite comforting and relaxing (allthough I was confused for a few secs because you are "on the wrong side " of the road😅).

[@sooo9886]

I loved your video and how clear you made it to be for everyone to understand exactly what you mean. It felt truthful and relatable so thank you ! I realize it really helps to have advice from other autistics, now I feel more understood 😊 I’m grateful for this video and hope good things come your way!❤

[@nannywhumpers5702]

I love the fog, miss living in it by the coast. Thanks for the video! Driving is one of the things I love to do.

[@plutoniumlollie9574]

I'm so sorry for your loss 😟 Hope you'll make it through this challenging time. Please take care.

[@Autistic_AF]

Thank you for your kindness 🧡

[@whenimmanicimgodly4228]

My oasis is always like the backyard of my parents' house because we lived in the country, but they just moved to mexico.But now I live with my grandma who was their neighbors so still at the same backyard, same oasis, right issue with that now is it's she's really old and there's so many variables and we've had issues in the past, and now i'm worried about like suddenly.She's going to want to kick me out. Can I agree that having the wastes is important?But what the fuck am I supposed to do about mine?Just like slowly been taken away and nobody accepting her understanding.I need something like that I need space

[@hannahlarge5738]

much love dude- take a week off if you need to

[@cvl32432]

i found watching the video quite calming...

[@HaakonOdinsson]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved pet, gone to the great cattery in the sky-we shall meet again. They definitely are like family and is so hard to accept. I was heartbroken when I lost family pets…doesn’t help I’m hypersensitive as well, makes it even harder to cope 😢I hope you are ok, all the very best, take care

[@Autistic_AF]

They are part of us.

[@HaakonOdinsson]

@@Autistic_AF oh yes, and they remain with us forever, well, until we shall meet again someday. They will all come bounding over to greet us 🙂

[@Autistic_AF]

@@HaakonOdinsson And show us all the cool sunny spots 😭😭😭😭

[@HaakonOdinsson]

@@Autistic_AF 😭

[@pariahmouse7794]

I am so sorry for your loss, and the concurrent stress... Being grateful for little stuff seems obvious, but it saves my life sometimes, haha... I think this video is very soothing, the road and landscape is BEAUTIFUL... Take care of yourself! Thank you for your content!

[@TheYangnyin]

So sorry for your loss. I hope you start feeling better, soon.

[@pardalote]

So sorry for your loss 🪷

[@paulbyrne3488]

Thanks, Just subbed. That was very relaxing. Sorry to hear about your cat and your other stuff and great to hear your thought processes on it. It all struck a few chords for me. Great video and loved the mountain drive. Have a great day .

[@piroskavandevlindertuin7403]

I'm sorry for your loss!! I love this video btw. As if you are taking me on tour. And I am very fond of scheep ;)

[@Autistic_AF]

@@piroskavandevlindertuin7403 I’m glad you enjoyed this little tour of some of the island - and thank you for your kind words. 🧡

[@dancecommando]

I haven't got a lot of brain space still, but hello, hope to be back on discord more often one day

[@Autistic_AF]

Hugs, Anne. I miss our regular chats on Polly-tics and veganism! I hope you are doing okay! 👌 🌱🧡🧡

[@MothNeo]

i really REALLY needed this video right now. thank you.

[@Autistic_AF]

I'm really glad to hear this. I hope you can dig out some nuggets of goodness from this content. Thank you for being here.

[@misspat7555]

@@Autistic_AFYou are clearly a genuinely good guy and very relatable, Mike. I have to say, I like you the best of the autistic KZbinrs I’ve seen, probably because I relate to you the best. Hang in there, dude! ❤️‍🩹

[@Autistic_AF]

@@misspat7555 You are the kindest, Miss Pat. 🧡

[@wendyheaton1439]

Watching this video tore me from major sadness hearing about your Toby and great intrigue about spotting which road you were on! I love the back road up from Ballaugh one of my favourites ... I often walked it as a kid...Take care my friend and heed your own advise. 🫂🧡

[@Autistic_AF]

Thank you Wendy. It’s Druidale Road! That’s the one! Some lovely walks around there and very peaceful. ☺️

[@wendyheaton1439]

@@Autistic_AF it is I just couldn't remember the name 😂. Growing up in Kirk Michael I would often walk over the Michael hills to that valley. Definitely one of my oaasis

[@animal_person_]

I Love your channel! Looking forward to being a part of the discord as soon as I can ❤

[@Autistic_AF]

Hello, Catherine, the scratching post is ready for you whenever you are, no rush at all! Thank you for your kind comments! 🧡

[@animal_person_]

@@Autistic_AF Oh thank you! I was wondering have you ever done any one on one career type coaching for autistic folks? My husband also has ASD and could benefit so much from some from someone of your background. Just throwing that out there. So sorry about your sweet, beautiful kitty friend 🙏❤️

[@clairedot657]

I struggle with mindfulness when I’m overwhelmed. I love grounding. It massively helps getting into the senses. And hot showers! I also love meditating with bilateral beats. And parasympathetic nervous system exercises massively help me. Polyvagal theory is really interesting with regards to autism and ADHD. Basically it speculates that our nervous system is more easily triggered and we are often in fight or flight and go into dorsal vagal shutdown (basically shutdown) much easier. A parasympathetic exercise can be as easy as thinking into your ‘heart’ area, you might feel a kind of shift, where your middle ear makes some clicking noises or you hear a rushing sound in your ears, or you yawn or produce a bit more saliva. That’s the parasympathetic nervous system ‘rest and digest’ kicking in. Things that also work for me are stretching my traps, tickling my palms of my hands, and massaging my carotid artery in my neck.

[@violet4151]

I'm think I lucked into some Hydra Points because I unpaused @11:27 after coming back to my PC and taking a sip of my bottle not realizing I was ahead of the game. :D

[@violet4151]

@11:45, my b.

[@AstridSouthSea]

Oh thats so sad. 🧡 also i Hydrated. Thank you. This was beautiful.

[@johnblood4614]

So sorry about Toby. He will live on in tales of his exploits, daring do, and lessons shared.

[@shapeofsoup]

Flap Into Anxiety is my new band name.

[@Autistic_AF]

🤣

[@claraclear5665]

Sending hugs from Canada 💜

[@kristinasamuelsson7704]

So beuteful. Thank you

[@Autistic_AF]

Thank you, too 🧡

[@Autistamatic]

It's taken me a week to watch this Mike.... Guess why? S'been a stressful week round here - since before this vid went up - & I wanted half an hour of peace to sit down & enjoy your video😂 Well worth the wait though. Stress seems to do for us all too readily, so learning how others cope with it is golden👍👍

[@Juju-ew4zh]

The Isle of Man looks like my foggy brain feels 😂

[@Autistic_AF]

@@Juju-ew4zh Yes!

[@pardalote]

Yes, mine too! Complete with random, nonchalant sheep 🐑

[@fraktaalimuoto]

I have to say, I am loving the landscape there.

[@nitt3rz]

Sometimes life does takes a massive dump on you. It happens to everyone, you can either let it drag you down or learn how see life in a more neutral to positive way. There are parts of this video I had to convince myself I wasn't watching a slow TT lap.

[@Thinkcrown]

That cat didn’t have a fair life-but it also could have had a much, much, much worse one. We do the best we can, with what we have. This is blunt of me, but there may be a rescue cat living in a cage somewhere with a blank form that many people pass up signing. A form with a signature line the exact, same length of you, or your partner’s, name. Of course, there’s pain everywhere, including in you, me, and around the world over. Apply your analgesics in the place you know you can make a difference. Those are your fellow autist marching orders. I write, here, only what you’ve already got in the fore of your mind already. Good luck, soldier of mitigation.

[@Autistic_AF]

We have 15 (nearly all rescue) cats - I’m with you on that.