Wow this is complicated... but to simplify... Your brother needs supported independence.
There is a lot to unpack in this topic. This book is a good start. Good luck!
https://www.amazon.com/Adults-Autism-Spectrum-Leave-Nest/dp/1843109042
We got this one for our son. He loves it!
I think they are working on for for adult size. I can get in his and lay down fine though.
Peltier cooling an enclosure is a terrible idea:
That's a lot of extra hardware and effort just to end up with a solution that is basically a space heater on low to medium. It's SO much cheaper and easier to build a quiet PC and throw FanControl on it.
While I strongly like and use audio blocking like NC headphones, gun earmuffs, and earplugs, there is another option. Instead of blocking the sound, you can attempt to mask it using a white noise machine. This won't be helpful for all situations, and white noise isn't perfect either - there are times when even white noise is still too much audio input for me. But being able to turn on loud white noise can be a huge improvement when I am already near meltdown or working intensely on something and can't be distracted.
The best white noise machine I'd recommend is something that creates sound through an analogue process vs digital. Something like a box fan or this. As for digital, check out some of the ambient stations on Soma FM. Drone Zone or Space Station Soma are great background low beat ambient sounds with no lyrics / spoken word.
These spiky sensory rings are my favorite right now: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08D3VSRFV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For a soft thing, I would recommend a kneaded eraser. In art class especially, I would be constantly be kneading it and then ripping it in half. The ripped edges would feel soo soft, like fur! And it actually made for a good eraser, you just knead it to "clean" it... https://www.amazon.com/Faber-Castell-Large-Kneaded-Eraser/dp/B012561WIA
I have significant ADHD so this is the story of my life, even when on high doses of meds. I am also a teacher, so feel free to PM me with more questions if you have any!
When I have to sit for an extended time, I benefit from having a physical therapy elastic (basically a strip of GIANT rubber band) tied around the front legs of my chair. I can rest my feet on it and bounce my legs, or kick it by alternating my feet, or place my feet behind it and press forward with my ankles. It basically lets me get movement with all of my leg muscles, glutes, and core while staying seated. *edit: this can also work using the front legs of a desk or table if your legs are too long for it to be comfortable on the chair.
There are also wobble seats available on Amazon for under $15 (other retailers as well, Amazon is just an easy go to for demonstration): https://www.amazon.com/AppleRound-Stability-Cushion-Diameter-Included/dp/B007LX6MPG/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=wobble+seat&qid=1594472470&sr=8-12 You can increase and decrease the inflation until you find the right tension place for it to force you to use your core muscles, which I find to be a good way to keep the bored half of my brain occupied while the focused half continues to work.
I give myself and some kids brain breaks with a timer. Even if they are focused and don’t want to get up, many benefit from forcing themselves to stand up every 30 minutes to do squats or planks, and then get back to it. It helps their mind stay calm knowing a break is coming, in the same way that our circadian rhythm helps our bodies stave off hunger while we’re asleep. Other options are playing a song and dancing your heart out then sitting back down as soon as it ends, or leaning against a wall in a push-up position while reciting an affirmation.
It can sound kinda hokey when an NT makes suggestions to me, but I’m ND as hell so these are coming from personal experience as well as professional expertise. :)
I am sorry to hear you have struggled. I hope that you know that the fact that these organisations haven't lasted is no reflection on you; I guess these have been very difficult times for non profits.
Maybe there are things you can do online to support a community resource such as this page?
I hope you are able to find things that feel meaningful to you. There is a section at the end of this book which I also found helpful in working out what I wanted to proritize in life:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Nobody-Told-This-Before/dp/0241529719
Weighted blankets are usually too much for me, but I found this small one to be a good compromise. I get to enjoy the weight, but my limbs aren't as constricted.
Hey all, my book is now launched and it's FREE now through Wed 11/23 - here's the link to buy it for $0 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMWR2DQG
After you read it, please consider leaving a review. Thank you!
Me! I didn't think it was a sensory issue. It was. I'm now using this toothbrush: Curaprox CS 5460 Ultra-Soft... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W6PAJE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share And this toothpaste: CariFree Gel 1100 (Mint):... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QJA4GB4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share And doing much better!
I confess I haven't purchased this book, though will soon. I've also made a few recipes here and there. I have to say that food that's 1 month old won't be the best, but it sounds you're like me so most likely it'll do:
I'll see how this works. The US government made one that helped in a similar way by having a. Bunch of binary sliders. (It was made by the government as originally made for soldiers' health, but they don't collect data unless you sohn up to do so.)
Play store link https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t2.vas
Feline Pine is great! Can't smell it and the litter box has a pee pad so the smell isn't bad at all. I find this system the most managable.
Some of the automated litter boxes use crystals with zero scent. Our cat got sick with diarrhea and those boxes are a nightmare if this happens. But if your kitty is pretty regular those boxes would be darn convenient.
That's not a bad idea. I couldn't find the right size bit for something once and wound up doing the whole thing by hand. It was awful.
They don't make the set I use anymore but this one looks pretty much just like it, has lots of other fun bits, and shouldn't have any slippage thanks to the hex shanks.
https://smile.amazon.com/Protorq-Security-61-Piece-Grade-Steel/dp/B07JHK4LY5
this was very nice to read, relieved to hear you are beginning to be reroute yourself.
good on you for preparing your own report. i did the same thing. my psych saw the sarah hendrickx book in my hand, the many sheets of paper in the other and stated she was glad that i did it and even more glad upon reading it. she also stated the book i had was one shed recommend to all of her patients suspecting ASD.
if interested, the book is:
https://www.amazon.com/Women-Girls-Autism-Spectrum-Disorder/dp/1849055475
ive watched all of hendrickx presentations and ive never felt so understood. and this is coming from a woman that doesnt "mask" well.
much luck to you.
Melody Beattie
If I recall, some of the language is a bit dated, and there might be some non-religious God stuff sprinkled in there. I usually hate anything leaning in that direction, but it's pretty easy to just skip over, not part of the core concepts of the book.
https://www.amazon.com/Codependent-No-More-Controlling-Yourself-dp-1954118155/dp/1954118155
Not sure if it counts as fashion but my boss gave me a pen with a sling shot at the end as a gag gift and it is one of the best fidgets I've ever had. No worrying about someone taking your pen on accident at work (because EVERYONE) knows it's your pen and it's a functioning pen and therefore professional so you can have it at work :) (I couldn't find the exact one but kinda like this)
https://www.amazon.com/Sleeping-Machine-Washable-Blindfold-Airplane/dp/B07TQ7JQ9X These block out all light around the nose and stay on even if you toss and turn. They do have a rubbery back that will tug at your hair a little, but it's how they stay in place.
I personally only like down because it's light and fluffy. I love the feel of like.... sleeping back outer fabric, or the fabric of down jacket... I hate furry or velvety feelings, they make me panic.
Something like this might work
​
https://www.amazon.com/Coatology-Womens-Scarf-Matching-Travel/dp/B075QM1KKJ
Mine isn’t the same as OP, but I have this device and absolutely love it. It has very similar features and a lot of customization options (whether the background color moves, how bright, how quickly it moves, whether the “stars” are there or not, whether they are steady or they fade, etc). It also doubles as a Bluetooth speaker.
Star Porjector Night Light Galaxy... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0968348CT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Ideally you'd possibly be looking at ways to prevent the meltdown rather than ways to harm yourself less during them, but both together is a sensible approach perhaps.
I'm currently close to one I suspect, im talking to myself a lot at work at the moment, and I've had a few 'looks' this week from where ive been talking (scripting?) to myself out loud with people around me and not realising I'm doing it out loud.
I've started cbd oil and its possible that making it worse, I dont know, im certainly sleeping better and not waking up in the middle of conversations now, so maybe im just right on the edge at the moment and the oil is genuinely helping.
I have a lot on my mind at the moment.
Im playing rain sounds at night, I love the sound of rain, I carry a fidget chain everywhere with me these days but im considering these, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mydio-Stress-Reliver-Assorted-Pattern/dp/B01MRIKIWW/ref=mp_s_a_1_19?keywords=stress+balls&qid=1660398774&sr=8-19 , maybe something similar would help you.
I think the correct approach to prevent the meltdown, try to identify the triggers and put something into your routine to help manage them.
I wear paper n95s with the angled front? Most of the mask doesn’t touch my face .. and it comes with over the ear OR behind the head fit. Good protection, not too much face touchy feels ..
Layfield Made In Canada 95PFE... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08Z5VQXYF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
My daughter has sensory issues and she likes La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A0NT3D6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share and La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YGVSGMW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I am in Tx, so I can not offer anything local, but I am huge advocate of self education. A couple of books that I found helpful in better understanding ASD were: I Overcame My Autism and All I Got Was This Lousy Anxiety Disorder: A Memoir and Understanding Autism in Adults and Aging Adults 2nd Edition were both helpful to me.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1645585433?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I get these because they aren't overwhelming for me.
A cheap pay of firearm earmuffs help me sometimes when the NC headphones aren't enough. Like when I really need to drown out the world, or I can't stomach sound, out come the earmuffs. Something like this, for example. I got these for like fifteen bucks.
Also, per your other question, these are kind of handy too because they are discreet, and they simply reduce volume without removing it completely.
To the best of the my knowledge, there isn't a perfect silver bullet that works well in all situations, but taken together along with your NC headphones, this should cover most situations.
From a totally different angle (that doesn't solve the bug issue):
Get an umbrella. My wife does that, it's quite cute too.
This does bugs, but it smells 'floral' apparently.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Generation-Repellent-Picaridin-Antiseptics-Environmentally/dp/B09BPWW3BM/
Riemann P20 Sunscreen Spf 50 Spray, 100ml https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00APL4KZA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_HPREH90PJP8QSB38BTR3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
P20 is really good, one application for 10hr protection. After 5mins it doesn’t feel greasy or anything. Comes in various protection levels.
and incognito for bug spray, nice enough scent that fades fairly quickly but is still effective.
incognito Insect Repellent Spray 3 x 100ml - Natural, DEET free formula https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008FRK4XS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PMGYWP6AN61KY3NHJ20W
Seconding the sleep mask, I have this one that I LOVE and use it a lot at home when I need a break. I have an extra one I keep in the car as well. I also wore it in an outside setting recently—I got a tattoo and wore it during the appointment! I felt a little self-conscious but it helped block out all of the sensory stuff that would’ve typically overwhelmed me otherwise.
Best book I've read: https://www.amazon.com/Asperger-Syndrome-Alcohol-Drinking-Cope/dp/1843106094
Manage myself? I am in AA. It's helped.
At this point: Meditate. I am trying to find more here because it doesn't always work and I wind up having bad days. I'm thinking of going back to counseling, but this time for anxiety.
Best recommendation: Do whatever possible to stop drinking. I know this is why you're posting, but whatever it takes.
My two best protips:
Normal earplugs/ear defenders will make music sound very different than it should. I have these and they're really great for me. As a musician, i can notice a slight difference in sound quality, but it's completely acceptable. Earbuds
I always carry these with me, takes the sharp edge of the noise and fairly discreet.
alpine ear plugs Alpine MotoSafe Race Motorcycle Earplugs -
Not exactly what you're talking about, but I struggle a lot with light sensitivity. At some point I found the exact pair of glasses that suited me. I've put the link so you can see a picture. They're amber-tinted.
What I like about these is that they completely cover my field of vision. Most other types of sunglasses have gaps above, below, in the middle and to the side, which I find very distracting.
Wrap-around sunglasses come in and out of fashion, but I just decided that I don't care what they look like to other people. They do exactly what they need to do for me. If feel a bit rude wearing them indoors, but in Australia it's very common to just park sunglasses up on your head, and to keep wearing them for short periods when coming indoors or going outside. I'm just quicker to put them on and slower to take them off than most people.
https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B000NL5SC6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
-I would suggest getting some pool noodles for when your kid may need to hit something. -It may also be advisable to try to get her into sports or scouts. -I also have chew toys (example link below), because I need to chew. It's generally just a hunk of food grade silicone on a necklace. -A weighted blanket and compression clothes always help too. -The screaming is a non-verbal reaction to being overstimulated. You may need to do trial and error testing to figure out what is the cause. It is most likely a brightness or sound related issue. Bluntly asking what caused her to have a meltdown AFTER it occurred.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VV9BCFT/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_FCMT7SQJ95MKSSYR3FJZ
I really love my sony over the ear headphones, I'll link 'em below. They never fall off for me at least, and I walk, hike, do household chores, run errands... I do pretty much everything with these on. I've definitely run & done yoga with them. I wear them constantly. Their noise canceling is great - just wearing them on without any music keeps the world pleasantly muted for me, but with your sensitive hearing it would probably be best to play comfortable white noise. I play the sound of rain on a tent in mine when I go into grocery stores and I can't hear much of anything! They're definitely pricey, but I've had mine about two years and I definitely got my money's worth
SONY WH-1000XM3 Wireless Noise canceling Stereo Headset(International Version/Seller Warrant) (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H2DBFQZ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_QE5BF8QG1XEJBJZABR77
NeuroTribes talks about how the DSM was written by a bunch of white Protestant dudes who were describing people left in their care. So it is not surprising that it does not have much culture context.
I have chew toys for myself that I got off Amazon for like $15. It's pretty much just a chunk of food grade silicone, and it really helps with my need to chew. It's also on a necklace, so I can just spit it out if I need to.
Basic example is in the link
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088T7Q739/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_3VFGQEFBVFJFA6P25XN1
omg i do that with scissors! Anything with an uneven mass distribution that can be twirled in my hand... yeah i am totally doing that!
For those looking for one of these: google bike chain spinner / fidget or amazon link. I just punched 'gear fidget' into google and clicked on image search and there are several people who make these. As well, I have no doubt there are some guys (I'm under no illusions: as an autistic lady, I know I'm trapped in endless poverty but not everyone is) with 3d printers: you can make them. There are dozens of different fidgets available for 3d printing, although they won't have the same satisfying pulling sensation as you whip it around because 3d printing can't really make plastic foam or variations in material density, but hey... toys are toys right? :)
This what I have. I've been pretty happy with them. Battery life is good. ANC dulls a pretty substantial amount of noise down. Dual blue tooth, so I can have it paired with laptop and phone at the same time. Automatically turns off when the device closes out.
Just plain polyester shower curtains are the only ones I can tolerate. I highly recommend that!
Because it’s a clawfoot tub you might have to get two separate curtains, I’m not sure.
They do come in a lot of different sizes, though N&Y HOME Fabric Shower Curtain Liner Solid White with Magnets, Hotel Quality, Machine Washable, 70 x 72 inches for Bathroom https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B078YNC9G9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Y9Z578K3ZETWZC51CESB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
SoCozy Curl Shampoo | For Kids Hair | Ultra-Hydrating Cleanser | No Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Colors or Dyes, Sweet-Crème, 10.5 Fl Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01APLULUC/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_EWC8VEZHFFPD03DKCTXX?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is what my 6 year old uses and it doesn't upset her eyes. It brought her curl back! Maybe try a visor? My daughter is also on the spectrum and won't use one, she doesn't like things on her head.
This is the only one that's ever worked for me:
It was unbeatable. Then someone found out a way to get around it, but then they updated and now it seems to be unbeatable again. You could probably get around it if you wanted to (it does load with safemode, although, you might be able to fuck with the settings more in safemode), but i haven't tried very hard.
Anyhow, I like it because you can either block sites completely or allow yourself X amount of time per day before it cuts them off.
We've been using these for years:
Have you tried extra soft earplugs? I prefer them to the silicone ones and the regular foam ones.They are pretty comfy. I roll them in my fingers and then press them almost all the way in. Honestly I wear one of them 24/7 sometimes. I'm pretty sure they are these: https://www.amazon.com/Macks-Ultra-Soft-Foam-Earplugs/dp/B0051U7W32/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=extra+soft+ear+plugs&qid=1649103750&sr=8-5 but I bought a smaller container at a farmacy. When I sleep in hostels I wear them and then place my over the ear headphones over my ears and then wrap a coat over my face which also presses the headphones into my ears.
I use the Loop quiet earplugs, they work great for me!
Loop Quiet Noise Reduction Earplugs – Super Soft, Reusable Hearing Protection in Flexible Silicone for Sleep, Noise Sensitivity & Flights - 8 Ear Tips in XS/S/M/L – 27dB Noise Cancelling - White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MFD55NH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YDX46NJ6E46BFZKSFF7G?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Chiming in with a strong recommendation for the book and audiobook Ido in Autismland, by Ido Kedar, a non-speaking person with autism who was a kid at the time that he wrote it.
It’s clear that you care about Nate - this book can help you gain a sense of how he might be experiencing the world. (I’m autistic, and I’m a support worker for a non-speaking autistic adult; we’re listening to this audiobook together, and it is by far the best resource we have come across, in 7.5 years of working together, to help me understand what she is experiencing.)
I deeply empathize with you. I've literally come close to physically poking out my own eardrums due to sound sensitivities and living in a loud metro city with lots of housemates and loud neighbors.
I'd add earplugs to the mix too. I like Flents. The earplugs plus the fan/brown noise should help a lot.
But it's also helpful to do regular "noise sanitation maintenance" - take a bus to a park that has huge field during low-visitor times. Bring your earplugs. Just chill in the middle of the field away from all noise. Find whatever frequency you need to do a "reset".
​
Also, your partner is being abusive (gaslighting). Find a local social group ASAP so you can get support, and have an exit path if you end up needing it.
​
If you want to stay where you are, see if you can put soundproofing materials in a small space - even half of a closet, just large enough to fit yourself into.
​
You're currently having a meltdown - get a reset, and you'll be able to assess better options for dealing with such assholes!
Connecting with the Autism Spectrum is a good Autism 101 book. I feel like it's fairly short--only about 100 pages without the various citations. It's pretty to the point and no one sub point goes past a page or so. And the author is Autistic too!
These are the ones I got:
The brush comes with this foam toothpaste stuff which IMO was absolutely foul. It tastes like a hospital. But it does work with normal toothpaste, you just have to kinda smear it in lol.
Also, yes it's not as good as brushing your teeth normally. But it's way, way, way better than not doing it at all. Which is where I was at before. I would literally cry while brushing my teeth and could only do it once every few days. I'm still looking for a good tongue brush that doesn't make me want to throw up and bash my head on the counter :S The scrapers are worse. For now I'm just sucking it up and brushing my tongue with an electric toothbrush as fast as possible.
And yes the toothpaste is for children. But that doesn't really matter, from what I understand. That's why dentists recommend like every toothpaste ever lol.
Are you already carrying a larger power pack and just need your phone to last the full day? If so, second external powerpack that's integrated into a case like this so it effectively just augments the phone's stock battery without the need to take it out and connect it to charge might do the trick.
Not sure if it will work for you, however I'm really sensitive to the blocked feeling of ear plugs and noise cancelling headphones. The way they can amplify not just my voice but even my pulse. Because of this, and the need to be aware of my surroundings, I use Google buds when listening to music.
I use these cheap made for swimming ear plugs, that allow me to still hear my surroundings, and I like that they are connected, so I can't randomly lose one. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07DBWFGQX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I tried calmer by flare and I hated them, maybe not everyone has this, but I couldn't get over the sensation of where they sat in my ear, it felt really painful.
I feel like my ADHD provides me with the potential for flexibility. I'm just scratching the surface trying to wrap my head around all this stuff we have to learn how to manage because of how disrupting it can all be. There are two workbooks I recently picked up that I haven't yet jumped into but were recommended and do look really helpful/useful. If you are interested,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1886941394/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1641522720/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
i bought these and they were cool i really liked the smooth one, the other textures were nice but that one is my favorite so i always wear it
I have a sensory tent in my living room - with the small apartment I couldn't use a whole rooms. But what I have in there is...
1) a soft thing to sit on! I actually got a giant dog bed 🤣 but it works perfectly 2) fuzzy blanket, which is a huge comfort item of mine 3) squishmallows! Also a huge comfort item, and I love to lay on them 4) a sand frame (I can link one below) to stare at when I'm overwhelmed 5) a notebook for journaling, complete with a feelings wheel I printed out 6) a couple of books on my special interest, foxes 🥰
I think that is it for me! Like I said, my space is much smaller so it needs fewer things, but I love it!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LYY5NTN/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_NGE858RMS6ZFQ1HZ6DET
The Horn of the Moon cookbook by Ginny Callan is great for a variety of recipes. I love making her mushroom and barley soup, leek and potato soup, mushroom stroganoff, vegetarian shepherd's pie, and bean and vegetable burritos; they're all delightful. If you can eat dairy but hate meat, this is the perfect cookbook: gooey cheese and creamy things abound!
https://www.amazon.com/Horn-Moon-Cookbook-Ginny-Callan/dp/0060960388
There is a fairly substantial Meetup group (through meetup.com) for adults with HFA/Aspergers in Los Angeles that meets fairly regularly. I realize this doesn't help if you're not in L.A., but maybe your city has something similiar?
https://www.amazon.com/Vremi-Electric-Blanket-Settings-Controller/dp/B07XCYFV35
I bought this for my autistic stepdaughter and she loves it. I mean, so do I for that matter. The material is a soft minky that’s very nice and smooth. You can wash the blanket if needed (it detaches from the cord). We wrap her up like a burrito in it and she loves it- very snuggly.
[Research] Investigating the best methods to support students with ASD as they transition out of high school
Hi guys!
I’m currently working with a team on a project for students with ASD as they transition out of high school. We are looking to create communities for students with ASD or parents/family members of students with ASD. We hope to provide a platform to build strong bonds and share advice with one another. However, we are not restricting to only parents and students, since we welcome volunteers and will be creating a separate community for them. We hope to gain more input from the ASD community to create a customer-driven solution that can truly benefit the students.
If joining our community is something you would be interested in, we would really appreciate it if you could please shoot me a DM or fill out the air table survey linked below! Confidentiality is guaranteed, and you can choose to remain anonymous
https://airtable.com/shrCju6IWdfBwtNwe
Thank you!
As luck should have it, my partner just bought one of these as a door stopper. Might want to check them out too, there's a few of them to choose from. Might not be quite what you are looking for, but good to have other options...
Oh - also: my ex (man, also with sensory issues) hated the feeling of underwear waistbands also. But he found that if he wore super low cut underwear, that it was fine. Most men's underwear are very high waisted. Here's an example of still-waistbanded, but low cut:
Try searching for undies for hypoallergenic skin. They can be pricey, but I've come across 100% cotton boxers that use a drawstring before.
Here's an example:
Cottonique Men's Hypoallergenic Ribbed Drawstring Boxer Brief with Fly Made from 100% Organic Cotton https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H4KHL4W/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_E9E4HCCGCZVXSJK9DS1S
Hi! Sadly it is going to be a lot harder to find men's underwear like this, than women's. For no good reason! But alas.
Honestly though? Would you be interested in just giving women's underwear a try if they were plain enough? Because there is a type of underwear called 'seamless' that I think is very much like what you're looking for.
Try this site- https://mynoise.net/ some of the noise generators on it are specially calibrated to be set to have similar frequencies as voices. The advantage of this is that you don't have to put it on as loud as other white noise things.
The are a bunch of sounds to choose from from a typical noise generator, waterfalls, winds, fireplace, etc.
Funny thing is that I find htis site superior to actual noise cancelling technology in headphones since noise cancelling technology DOESN'T"T block voices at all well.
Hi, I relate hard to all of this. Im not NT (I have ADHD) but I’m not autistic and my husband is. He doesn’t work, we just had a baby. Been trying and trying to figure out what is fair to all of us, what can be changed and what shouldn’t, ableism etc etc on top of normal marital and parenting issues. I don’t really have any answers but if you want to talk ever you can DM me. I’ve also been surprised at the lack of answers and good information out there. I did find one book that I’m sure you’ve already seen: https://www.amazon.com/Marriage-Relationships-Aspergers-Syndrome-Spectrum/dp/1849059993/ref=nodl_
She recommends therapy with someone who is familiar with / treats autism. Sounds great but is hard to find and personally my husband is against therapy - he thinks I should just be able to listen to him and give him what he wants in regard to his autism and says he’s not going to change. So. But he’s newly self diagnosed so maybe that will change over time. Anyway good luck, you aren’t alone!
They went up a little since I bought them, looks like they're $20 now, but they come with a really nice metal carrying case. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K2T3XRX/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_5YFGFN0MKZVFCDVZKXC3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I've been using these for the last year and a half. Good sound quality, the battery lasts a long time, and they are relatively cheap. They are good entry level NC headphones in my experience. I can't really justify $300 for those Bose ones.
It’s designed for skin, not clothes, but Avon’s skin-so-soft towelettes with Picaridin are the best I’ve ever used. If I put it on any exposed skin, I’m good for a few hours. And you can use one towelette for multiple people or save it to reapply in a few hours. Amazon link
Consider these too.
They aren't earplugs per se. They basically just cut the amount of sound back 20db or so. You can still hear, there's just less volume. And they are less visible than the big earmuff NC headphones.
Hi, I can offer my own perspective as an autistic adult living alone.
Depending on what kind of city/county you live in there might not be any supportive housing options for autistic adults. It all depends on your local government and any nonprofits in the area. In Tennessee where I live, there are very few options.
I agree with F3reeSpirit about the importance of your son having a stable occupation. Also having that strong social network of friends and acquaintances can bring lots of stability and quality of life.
It's hard to give advice on such a complex topic but here is mine:
If at all possible, move to a city. Your son will have many more resources and options for employment and friendship. If this is not possible, consider setting up your own group home for your son and other autistic adults. I realize these things are not attainable for everyone so I can also recommend this book which helped me and my parents tremendously.
Good Luck!
Adults on the Autism Spectrum Leave the Nest: Achieving Supported Independence - by Nancy Perry
https://www.amazon.com/Adults-Autism-Spectrum-Leave-Nest/dp/1843109042
To be fair to me, you wrote:
>If drilling a hole in the wall is completely out of the question, a dedicated sound proof box can be built for the computer
The preceding paragraph wasn't specific to laptops, either.
Reducing the heat load to a mere laptop does improve the situation a great deal, but thermally coupling the laptop to the outside of the box while eliminating all acoustic coupling will still be a challenge.
Using a portable fridge could be a good option. The linked model doesn't use Peltier cooling, but also doesn't use a compressor. No word on how well it isolates noise, but presumably it has enough cooling power. The largest size has an input power of 90 watts.
I made a Facebook post asking my teacher friends (since they have to wear it for hours each day) what their favorites were for this very reason. I didn't see any from their suggestions that seemed like they would work beyond getting disposable surgical masks (which I feel so guilty about). I saw these Underarmour ones in some Buzzfeed article, and I'm tempted since they are held away from the face, but I worry about how the ear part would feel since I do best with masks that have the adjustable ear loops
I got these through Amazon. They are the first NC headphones I've ever had, so I can't attest to how good they are compared to others. But the price is right, way way cheaper than many out there. The battery life is ridiculous, like forty hours on one charge. More than enough, I only charge them like once a week.
They work well for me, but caveat emptor.
These are the ones I use. They're cheap but seem to be good. Not great on bluetooth because I think that's how they cheaped out, but it also comes with a cable to plug in and it's amazing with that setup.
Since another user covered a lot I just wanted to mention what I do to help myself get stuff done.
I have an app on my phone: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.isoron.uhabits
Can use it to make a scheduled habit for any set time frame(everyday, once every 7, and so on) and can have it remind you to do them. I have mine for some of the simplest things like brush teeth in the morning and another for brush teeth before bed. I also have stuff like "exercise for 10 mins" every other day. and take a vitamin daily. I also have one that's just "clean a bit" daily. It lets me check off something and feel a little more positive in my day just for throwing a wrapper out or putting a dish in the sink rather than allowing for stuff to pile up. It's kind of a reminder that every little bit helps and splitting things across multiple days is ok.
I also have an easy access note pad on my phones home screen for any one off things I need to remember. like looking up a song I heard, putting something away, or to get around to reading a book I want to read.
Also if you want to read something more: https://www.reddit.com/r/NonZeroDay/wiki/the_four_pillars?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=usertext&utm_name=NonZeroDay&utm_content=t5_2z1yj
No more zero days helped me be less hard on myself. So maybe that can help you too.
I’ve stacked three 20 pound blankets before and concluded my toes hurt if I do that if I sleep on my back. One 10-20 lbs is a good compromise between maneuverability and comfort. These are the ones I have and theyre of acceptable quality, but not exceptional (the compartments had the string unravelling since its a straight stitch so it doesn’t really hold a load/stress, in my opinion). They get the job done though: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CBNYXYP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-lKMFbSMF3M1H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I'm a fellow anti-bluetoorh person who found the perfect medium.
I spent hours looking for an affordable pair of NC headphones. For me, I needed them to be Bluetooth capable for when I was out in public but also have good sound quality in both BT and corded settings.
Hands down the best bang for your buck that gives you a corded experience but also BT capability if you so choose to use it is the Anker Soundcore Life Q20. When you want a cord, you just plug them in and use as such, or if you need BT, you can set it up as such. It provides about 28-30 hours of life and it automatically turns off when you plug in the cord to save battery.
Like I said, I did hours of research and these are the best quality you'll find that's reasonably priced. Most of the really awesome ones are hundreds, sometimes even thousands of dollars. These are seriously awesome and worth every penny. Plus, I had an Anker BT speaker that lasted me for years so I know it's a good brand.
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Headphones with BT/corded
Edit: Amazon is currently running a $10-off coupon. It essentially pays for the protection plan which you definitely want. It's through Asurion I believe.
If you have android phone there is Google's live transcribe app https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.audio.hearing.visualization.accessibility.scribe
Also this one from Google too (but I think it might only be available on their pixel phones). It does great job matching the the transcripts text to the audio. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.recorder
Everyone in my house uses one of these white noise machines:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HD0ELFK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's an electric fan vented through vanes. I also use foam ear plugs.
White noise heck no, that would instantly trigger me into overload, I hate those damn things.
You might want to look into something like these ISOtunes, they block out external noise very well and will stay put in your ears while you sleep. https://www.amazon.com/ISOtunes-Headphones-Durability-Cancelling-Professional/dp/B081K5RXR2
I bought it here for $10.99 for 10pcs. It makes me breathe more easily while wearing a mask. you can try it.
https://www.amazon.com/3D-Mask-Lipstick-Internal-Breathing-Smoothly/dp/B08H21PPHD
It can definitely be overwhelming, your not alone in feeling that. Breaking things down into smaller steps helps so much.
Like I started out by making a Pinterest board, because when you can Literally make anything you want to, knowing what you actually like is kinda half the battle.
I was gifted this book when I was starting out and found it super helpful. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1907030735/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RyejFbSXPT1CG
It covers all the basics in a good ammout of detail and includes a few household projects and clothing patterns so it gently guides you from the how to straight into making an actual thing.
I also really like 'The dress makers technique bible' it's just laid out really well so it's super easy to find the specific thing you need. The pages themselves are super visual like 70% ilistrations and very minimal so your never looking at to much info at once.
I hope you find a starting point that works well for you, starting is always the hardest part :)
hmmm... I wonder if you could use something like a bendy snap bracelet like this https://www.amazon.com/Snap-Savage-Jewelry-Womens-Bracelet/dp/B07YKJFPBC/ref=pd_sbs_197_6/131-9722039-3621565?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07YKJFPBC&pd_rd_r=c7400b25-81c4-4122-b7e3-e1b2a23f7cd7&pd_rd_w=tTun9&pd_rd_wg=o3CL6&pf_rd_p=52b7592c-2dc9-4ac6-84d4-4bda6360045e&pf_rd_r=D22TAPDPKV279NWCCDFJ&refRID=D22TAPDPKV279NWCCDFJ ?
Somewhat similar to a tangle. You might be able to think up some other jewelry that could double as a fidget, as well.
Yay!
Also, I just remembered that I'm also fond of hand therapy putty. It comes in one container that has 4 levels of firmness. I keep snack sized zip lock baggies in different places with balls of each color/firmness. It's neat because I can squish it, but also stretch it when I am extra anxious.
FlintRehab Premium Quality Therapy Putty (4 Pack, 3-oz Each) for Hand Exercise Rehab. Fidgeting, and Stress Relief https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BLYNWIU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_I8EM7BnQ6K41E
since you are in Australia, Amazon would be your best option as they offer international shipping to Australia. Here is the one I got off of Amazon. The zippered cover and smaller pockets were the determining factors for me. Mine came with a warm/cozy cover for winter & I also bought their own cotton cover separately for summer time & it worked out great year long. Now its starting to get chilly again so I will be switching back to cozy cover this week I think.
I wouldn't bother. Who cares about the "judgement" of some doctor? Things get incorrectly diagnosed all the time. They don't have any solutions aside from medication. In addition it could affect your health insurance premiums.
If you're interested in understanding autism, read Simon Baron Cohen's work, especially this: https://www.amazon.com/Mindblindness-Essay-Autism-Theory-Mind/dp/026252225X/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=simon+baron+cohen&qid=1560445537&s=gateway&sr=8-2
For anxiety this book helped me massively: https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-New-Translation-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/0812968255/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=aurelius+hays&qid=1560445472&s=gateway&sr=8-1
Don't worry about who other people think you are. Instead, be the best you that you can be.