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4 Self-Care Strategies For Autistic Adults
Some advice from my personal experience
Self-care matters, even more so when you’re autistic.
In one , autistic adults “reported significantly elevated levels of perceived stress” compared to neurotypical adults. We face increased difficulty with emotional regulation, sensory overload, social situations, and more. To cope with these stressors, we need self-care strategies that meet our unique needs.
So, here are four examples of self-care strategies I’ve found to work for me.
1. Embrace Routines
Most people benefit from routines, but for autistic people, they’re especially important. They provide a sense of stability and give us an idea of what to expect so that we can more easily prepare for it. And when our routines are disrupted, we often feel a loss of control over our situation. For many autistic folks, this causes stress and anxiety.
Sometimes, it’s easier said than done to put routines into practice. For example, you may also have ADHD or an unpredictable life. Still, even small routines can help, so don’t be discouraged.