Self-care for Neurodivergents: How I navigate my Autism and ADHD

I used to seriously wonder why I was always feeling burned out constantly.

I’ve always been a huge wellness advocate. My favorite wellness activities are: yoga, journaling, gardening, and acupuncture. But, no matter how much time I spent doing self-care I still always felt incredibly burned out and stressed. It was a constant cycle. This changed after my autism and adhd diagnosis. I learned about something called overstimulation. I didn’t realize how overstimulated I was at all times. I get easily overstimulated by background noise, bright lights, and temperatures. I would go through out my day like the energizer bunny and then I would completely crash at the end of the day. Once I started accommodating myself, I was able to get out of autistic burnout much faster and My nervous system as a whole feels a lot more regulated. These are the things I do to keep my nervous system in check:

Sensory Aids

Sensory aids have been a game changer for me. I always make sure I have my noise cancelling earbuds. My favorite ones are from Loop. They come in all sorts of colors and levels of function. My favorite are the Loop Switch, I can easily switch my same earplugs on a different setting that helps me stay present in conversation, enjoy loud music at concerts, and get me through the witching hour when caring for a toddler after my shift at work. You can find them here .

Compression is my friend

I also love compression, it helps keep me regulated. I like to wear a light compression tank underneath my hoodies when I go to run errands. I have them in different colors and the material is very buttery soft, you can get them here! I also like to use my weighted blanket when sleeping and I cuddle with a weighted stuffed animal when I sleep. I always feel more relaxed when I’m squeezed or carry something heavy. Even on days when I don’t need a backpack, walking around with a backpack helps me to feel more grounded.

Say “No”

I’m a people pleaser, I’ve been that way my entire life. I will bend over backwards for people and just suffer in silence when I’m all finished helping that person. Since learning my neurotype, I’ve gotten better with boundaries and I will say No more often now. This has helped to save my spoons where I’m not as depleted by the end of the day. Here is a great article about spoon theory, you can read it here.

Engage in my special interests

Special interests are a life line for Autistics. We need our special interest to regulate our nervous system and bring joy in our lives. A lot of my special interest may seem childish but I love them and it has helped so much with my emotional regulation and self-care. My favorite special interests are squishmallows, star wars, sloths, a little mermaid, and gardening/plant care, and candle making.

What do you like to do to practice self-care as a Neurodivergent?

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