Autism-Friendly Things!

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[@TokuBaby]

I realized when I was a teenager that I couldn’t go anywhere without my headphones or do tasks without music (and recently, audiobooks.) About a year or two ago, regular headphones were no longer enough to cope. My shared office was always so loud it was leading my me to burnout. So I invested in a pair of noise canceling Bose. Without exaggerating, it was life changing. Best investment ever! I can’t go anywhere without them now.

[@JoULove]

Same! I actually almost had a meltdown in an airport while traveling but the electronics shop there sold noise cancelling headphones and I fortunately could afford splurging for a set. I use them every day and never regretted it.

[@charissconsul]

me too! I have sony and airpods pro. I use the pro when i'm in public since it's more convenient to bring

[@tjzambonischwartz]

I got my first pair of noise cancelling headphones today at the age of 40 and I wish I'd gotten a pair SO LONG AGO. After wearing them for five minutes I felt like I could breathe for the first time in weeks.

[@a.s.3318]

I love how fully she takes care of us. Not only sharing invaluable personal experiences and well-informed insights, but building a much-needed breathing break into the video. I’ve never felt so seen and nurtured by a KZbinr before. She is such a generous and thoughtful person, it breaks my heart when people like her have been misunderstood and put down. I wish her family and teachers and peers could’ve given her the kind of consideration that she gives freely to thousands of strangers all over the world.

[@kathyborthwick6738]

🦢💜🦢 Lovely and true comment!

[@ana.5687]

this comment is so true and it's cute that you also noted that

[@ptlovelight2971]

I also need auditory stim....never realized it until my diagnosis just how much I NEED music. I absolutely could not carry on without it. Palo Santo is one of my favorites also! A wonderful scent makes me feel safe. Other favorites are Lavender, patchouli, bergamot, freesia. sage and citrus, and jasmine!

[@youleeaah]

I tried so many different mops, swiffers, buckets, etc and still would avoid cleaning the floors until I finally bought a steam mop. My floors have never been so clean and I look forward to using it. I especially love using only water. No smell and no sticky residue left behind. 🤩

[@maxdawson1097]

The emotional support water bottle is so true.

[@emmaberger3748]

Just realized that digging in the cutlery drawer for your favourite spoon probably isn’t neurotypical behaviour lololol - we have a bunch of different metal cutlery, second hand bought so nothing is the same and I absolutely have favourite spoons and forks because of the shape and weight and everything

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

I have favorites! I actually like them to have a bit of weight and don’t like them to be plastics but then I also have a spoon that is *too* heavy.

[@camellia8625]

I also don’t sense thirst until extremely thirsty and don’t like lukewarm tap water so I now have cans of chilled sparkling water as I find that a lot more refreshing and a much healthier alternative to Diet Coke. Ideally not ideal in terms of maintaining a stock or waste. May have to save up for a filter and carbonator for my sink tap and use a hydro flask like what you have - like that it isn’t plastic and seems ultra clean.

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

Even just watching you break down YOUR preferences helped me to think about mine, even when they weren’t the same.

[@emmaberger3748]

God yes the drinking issue. I only drink cold water from SMALL glass bottles so they aren’t heavy and doesn’t smell like plastic or metal. So I buy iced teas that I love but primarily those in glass bottles I can reuse now.

[@JoULove]

I have different sizes and shapes of mugs for different things. Coffee mugs should be tall (to fit added milk), tea mugs should be large and pretty wide (but not so wide that they're hard to drink from), hot chocolate mugs should be cylindrical (to stir easily). Of course they should have the right type of handle, too. Bonus if I like the colour and pattern but it's not strictly necessary for me. Cups and mugs that don't fit in these categories never get used by me 😂

[@laneybug4201]

!! In the last few years I have been realizing that the tasks that I tend to avoid or dread is because there's sensory aspect of them that I hate! But that wasn't obvious to me before...I just knew I really didn't like to do that thing. One example is the dishes. I just got cleaning gloves and it made a HUGE difference. Thank you for making this video!

[@marielavau2325]

I will absolutely buy wooden cutlery after seeing this, the sound of metal ones is SO awful most of the times i am reluctant to eat or i prefer to eat just slices of bread with stuff on it. Also will buy ones for my boyfriend too so i can eat besides him without being stressed and without being stressful to him 💛

[@autumnramble]

I'm just the opposite - even thinking about eating with a wooden cutlery or bowls make me sick - the thickness, the facture, the low heat conductivity, the sounds, simply disgusting.

[@TheStitchWitchPodcast]

I am super particular about water and vessels too; I love ONE particular Zojirushi bottle that was the hello kitty collaboration because the mouth is softly curved and coated. I CANT stand metal lips to cups or bottles and a bunch of other Zojirushi containers dont have the curved mouth and ive wasted so much $$$ on expensive bottles only to find out that its a stupid rim that I care about :')

[@tjzambonischwartz]

The tendency towards motion sickness MAY be a vestibular system hypersensitivity. I'm the opposite; my vestibular system is super hyposensitive so most of my big stims are motion related and I've never experienced motion sickness in my life. I find rollercoasters paradoxically relaxing. I only learned about vestibular stims a few days ago and it was super eye opening. Led me down a bizarre research rabbit hole into the vestibular system. I'm very late diagnosed. Only learned a few years ago and I'm forty now.

[@TeddyLaTeddy]

Almost got a heart attack by that sigh at 0:57, thought someone was in my room or that I had a ghost with me. >_< I Really love your videos btw, they are so calming and you’re helping me understand myself and be able to voice my experiences that I couldn’t put into words before!

[@inactive120]

me too I looked over my shoulder like I was in a horror movie

[@MouthwashTyphoon]

Same 😂

[@lilianalin8592]

i have this brush for years, i never buy another brush because it is just perfect! and i also notice that, same items different sizes for different needs is also very important for me, such as bags, notebooks.

[@Hopie_T]

When it comes to motion sickness (from boat or car) I realized a couple of years ago that it had to do with my... what do you call it? The balance system in our bodies, something that has to do with the ears. So first when I sensed myself becoming nauseous, I would wear earphones or headphones and close my eyes. But sometimes it still didn't work. And somehow I found out that it was because I was trying to stay still in a moving vehicle and that was throwing me off. So I started letting the motion take me wherever it wanted, with my eyes closed and I've avoided getting nauseous ever since. Now that sounds nothing like what you described... Of course I wouldn't know because I've never had surgery, I've only had motion sickness and sometimes getting dizzy by fast moving objects but not to the point of throwing up. But it's pretty hard for me to throw up anyway, I'll just keep being nauseous for forever before I actually throw up. I just thought maybe that trick might help someone else. Just sway with the motion. Become one of these wind blow ups outside fast food chains.

[@TheKaliedescope]

Omg the motion sickness. I made myself motion sick playing Stardew Valley lol. I've heard this is associated with migraines. I'm definitely find that being migraine prone and being easily motion sick go together for me.

[@shmosolittle]

Omg. Yes to the lotion thing. Can’t have lotion on my “inside” skin - the skin that’s going to be touching other skin I guess (?)

[@1o1Sabby]

I have the exact same needs as you! I also had a deodorant that smelled like a warm vanilla cupcake and I loved it but my skin is too sensitive unfortuntely. Going to look for the bergamot scented lotion for when i'm stressed. Can't wait for part 2 :)

[@thethoughtspot222]

I hate all deodorant! The only one I can stand is a specific kind of spray. Will share on my next show and tell😊

[@haxe1313]

Omg I love this!!! I’m soooo particular about my water vessels (and every other thing ever), and it’s really cool to see what works for other autistic people.

[@realbartsimpson]

Thank you for recommending the patches. I didn't even know they existed. Usually I take some kind of pills for my motion sickness and they work but they also make me drowsy and, as a result of that, grumpy. I'll give them a try.

[@tineputzeys]

I've recently gotten into perfumes as a kind of stimmy thing. I have several of Le Labo and they are indeed lovely and special. I also like that they have a roll-on applicator, because I hate the alcohol sensation when you first spray on a perfume and those rollers don't have that.

[@cloudie6845]

I LOVE your lamp, it makes my brain happy! Where did you get it? c:

[@Brightwolf1111]

Palo Santo is over harvested in its home land. Please choose a source that uses sustainable harvesting methods. The same holds true for white sage. Let's keep it sacred.

[@CLord-gs7nj]

Scopolomine is a potentially dangerous drug. I also can get motion sick very easily. I shift my focus to a stationary point outside the vehicle and / or I use acupressure Seabands.

[@autumnramble]

I really don't know what to do with water bottles. I've bought dozens, they were awesome, but month in use, they become unhygienic to me and the water starts to taste awful, even if i know they are pefectly clean. It doesn't matter if they are glass, metal or plastic, magical dirt consumes them all.

[@sarahstudies8149]

Interesting that you said your best friends Dad is autistic because, I don't know if your friend is neurotypical, but the few neurotypical friends I have, when I told them I think I am autistic, they told me a very close relation of theirs is autistic. I think that's how they are able to understand me so well as they were brought up with an autistic relative. Irrelevant to what you are saying but I thought it was interesting.

[@emberluna]

Super useful video, especially the nausea patches I can recommend to my family (brother with auDHD, sister adhd) and friend (definitely with adhd) who get it severely at certain times. I would like to say though, as a latinx person, that it's not good to use palo santo wood since it's used for closed spiritual/cultural practices and the area/habitat it grows in is suffering from deforestation. There are other issues with it being harvested and sold globally, but I'd rather not write a whole essay lol. I do love the smell of it myself, so I understand the calming effect. In the long run though, incense or essential oils that give off the palo santo scent are just as good, but the wood itself shouldn't be bought and burned just for aesthetics or mindfulness/mental health practices. I'm not sure if you addressed this before, but I just wanted to post this info just in case since I do love your videos that I've seen so far.

[@kathyborthwick6738]

Brilliant 🌟 and so useful!

[@AllineWork91]

Smell is so intense and enjoyable for me as well but never thought about using it to ground myself. Can't wait to try it!

[@kathyborthwick6738]

Just found your channel - love it 🦢💜🦢👵🏽✌🏾 Autistic /ADHD/Dyslexic - Thank You!

[@inactive120]

Thank you for the suggestions, I'm sure you boosted the sales of all these products by a tonne. I was wondering if there's any effective unscented lip balms that are autism friendly? occlusive lip balms and salves make me feel suffocated and I just end up taking it off because it's so uncomfortable I've had some success with the dear klairs unscented range, the packaging is also very calm and clean to look at which makes it an overall enjoyable experience

[@autobotdiva9268]

i got my 22 year old with adhd a pack of hydration powder in flavors. he's doing much better

[@miandeb]

LeLabó is the best thing that has ever happened where I live

[@laraysabel1611]

omg i have the same exact hydroflask and you just reminded me to drink water haha

[@grandmasgopnik9642]

I just want you to know. I have only discovered recently another person talking about ND and you talking about your wooden spoon made me feel so seen 🤣 I was like its why I only use the little spoon and I don't like those as much. I used to use the plastic kids utensils up to highschool when I lived at home. I almost brought them with me but my mom made fun of me so I left them behind all those years ago😅. I wish I hadn't tbh. My Dad was like bro that was your fav why u let your mom throw out ur fav spoon and chopsticks lol As a chemo nurse we actually recommend chemo patients avoid metal spoons because they also alter the flavour of your food depending on your meds. Wood spoons and plastic spoons allow a more neutral taste.

[@ashmac87]

How funny! I also have a very specific water bottle to help me drink enough water. I won't drink water out of anything else. Is holding your breath an autism thing? Because I have always done that as well and now I do breathwork and meditation to help me. Love your videos!

[@kathyborthwick6738]

Oh no 😆 I have 3 full of water sitting on my night table!

[@melissabennett6571]

I have gone through to many water bottles trying to find the perfect one. “Perfect” for me seems exactly opposite of “perfect” for you though. Funny how that works.

[@Hi_Im_Akward]

I wish I could use anything other than headphones. Anything in my ears is uncomfortable and I hate how obvious headphones are.

[@sahirahvasquez6211]

Hi there! I personally love Loop earplugs instead of headphones. Their "quiet" ones are what I use for my everyday, and they have lots of colors and stuff...they have been a game changer in my life and they're super comfortable. In my experience. Sorry if you've already heard of them before, but I thought I'd throw it out there! I don't like headphones either so these are very important in my life, you never catch me without them lol

[@christianagorenflo3698]

There's also over the ear headphones that can be subtle but not in the ear. I'm not sure if there are some that are actually bone-conduction, rather than just small right into your ear, but that style has been great to discover. Hope this helps :)

[@LL-et3yk]

Do you have any travel tips and items you recommend for autistic people? I’m still figuring out a lot about myself (late diagnosis AuDHD) and nervous for my first longhaul international trip to see family. Thank you!!

[@colleenk6495]

I have found out 6 months ago that I have autism, also a late diagnosis. I currently on my first international trip since the diagnosis. For things, I suggest to bring your favourite comfy clothes, your headphones if you are a headphone user, as the essentials. For non material things, try to stick to your routines as much as you can, eg your sleep routine or your waking up routine, or if you know you need to go for a walk every day, make sure you incorporate that as best you can into your travel schedule. That way, you are maintaining some familiarity with what already helps you in your daily life. Another tip is to read/research as much as you can so you have an idea of what you could expect, or how you might navigate transport or shops, etc. Finally, if you feel yourself getting overwhelmed in any circumstance, find a way to take a break to regather your thoughts, play with a fidget toy, take some slow, deep breaths. You’ve got this.

[@LL-et3yk]

@@colleenk6495 thank you so much for this helpful and sweet comment 💛 I leave for my trip next week and feeling a bit better about it. Going to make sure I have space for some comfort items I usually wouldn’t have packed before out of convenience 😵‍💫 Wishing you safe and fun travels! 💜

[@ciararose9019]

hi im autistic and adhd too, and recently flew 10 hours on my own. i agree completely with what's been mentioned already but another tip that really helped me is to get in touch with the disability/assistance team at the airport to see if they can offer support, either at the airport, or before the trip via the airport or airline website usually. for example, i flew from london heathrow airport and was able to get fast track through security with assistance, and assistance walking to my gate/getting on the plane, in addition to being one of the first on the plane. (you can also ask the staff at the desk at the gate, if you can preboard because of your autism, if this is easier). i kept my noise cancelling headphones on as much as possible and if i needed to get away from everything for a bit, i would go to the restrooms where there was a lot less noise and people. i watched a lot of videos about flying alone for the first time, and travelling tips when autistic in the days leading up to travelling which really helped too. also looking up a map of the terminal at the airport is a good idea so you know what shops/facilities will be there and it can help familiarise you with where you will be. i hope this helps and i hope everything goes well! 💛💛

[@LL-et3yk]

@@ciararose9019 thank you so so much💛 really appreciate you sharing these tips 🙏 Did they happen to ask for documentation about your autism? Is there anything you would do differently (in terms of requesting/utilizing accommodations or supports) the next time you fly?

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

I am wondering, because you are a woman, do you get labeled “high maintenance” because you have very specific requirements for things? I kind of feel like a guy might get labeled eccentric where a woman would be called high maintenance.

[@crashtestbunny6649]

watching all of your "autism friendly" vids except for the one about jobs...

[@kathyborthwick6738]

The cacophony of noises is so distracting !