Life hacks for autistic brains
Being autistic, whether a child or an adult, can come with its challenges. Because autistic brains experience the world differently, certain everyday situations can be unpleasant or uncomfortable. At Cali & Caro, we strive to empower all types of brains, which is why we’ve put together this list of awesome life hacks for autistic brains.
Many common difficulties for people with autism derive from sensory regulation issues, or sensory overload. Fortunately, there are plenty of tricks and remedies that can be used to make daily life that much more comfortable and enjoyable.
To learn some useful life hacks for autism, keep on reading!
Sensory Hacks
Sensory over or under stimulation can be the cause of discomfort or problems for an autistic person. These sensory hacks are ideal for getting the balance just right.
Lights for Stimming
Self-stimulating behavior, or stimming, can be carried out with lighting to relieve stress and worry. Switching ordinary bedroom lights out for colored ones, or ones that cast patterns, is an easy way to get some visual stimulation into your home.
Stim Toys
Having stimulating toys, like fidget spinners or fidget cubes, at the ready can be a helpful tool for regulating stimulation on the go. These can be easily stored in a bag or pocket. Using sensory friendly stationery can help regulation whilst at school or work.
Sound Stimulation
Too much noise can be problematic for a person with autism. Noise-cancelling headphones work to reduce ambient noise, creating a calmer environment. Loop earplugs work too, and are much smaller to carry around.
Socializing Hacks
Social settings can sometimes bring a person with autism out of their comfort zone. Being prepared with these hacks can provide some confidence, and make socializing more enjoyable.
Pack a Bag
Before heading out, pack a bag with all the things that will make you feel comfier. This could be stimming toys, food and drink, a book, headphones. Try to keep a packed bag ready so that you don’t need to think about packing it from scratch each time.
Carry an Autism Card or Badge
If you don’t feel confident explaining to someone that you are autistic and may need extra time or assistance, you can wear a badge or show a card. This takes any difficult conversational element out of the equation.
Don’t Focus on People’s Eyes
Eye contact can be awkward for everyone. Many autistic people find it particularly difficult to make eye contact. When talking to someone, focus on another part of the face instead.
Hygiene Hacks
Having autism means getting distracted or not always noticing certain things. Sometimes, that means hygiene routines can fall by the wayside. These hacks help to prevent that happening.
Change Shower Heads
The feeling of water in the shower can be an uncomfortable sensation for some people with autism. To reduce discomfort on the skin, try a range of different shower heads. This will help to change the pressure and make showering more tolerable.
Softer Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes can feel a bit intense, and some manual toothbrushes can have overly hard bristles. To avoid any discomfort, whilst maintaining good dental hygiene, try to find softer bristled toothbrushes. Smaller sized ones that fit in the moth easier work well too.
Alcohol Free Mouthwash
The feeling of plaque buildup isn’t the most pleasant, but lots of mouthwashes are flavored strongly, and contain harsh alcohols. Opting for alcohol-free mouthwash can take the sting out of rinsing your mouth.
School & Work Hacks
Schools and workplaces can present a whole host of challenges for someone with autism. Not everyone is the most autism aware, meaning appropriate accommodations aren’t always made. Here’s how you can make your school or work day easier.
Set Reminders
Becoming distracted by inner thoughts can mean forgetting to do important tasks. Whether it’s your phone, tablet, computer, or even a sticky note, setting reminders can keep you on schedule.
Plan for Breaks
Setting aside time for breaks in the day can help keep your mind on track and focussed when it needs to be. Knowing when you can let your mind wander, and for how long, helps maintain some structure throughout the day.
Stay Organized
Too many thoughts can lead to a chaotic mind, which isn’t conducive to work or study. Using helpful desk supplies to help organize your workspace can promote a clearer mind.
Autism Life Hacks with Cali & Caro
Life with autism doesn’t have to be a constant challenge. With the right tools and ideas, school, work, socializing, and everyday life can be fun and simple.
At Cali & Caro, we’ve designed our range of neurodivergent friendly products with the goal of empowering all brains in mind. Check out our online shop to find some cool items that can be used with these life hacks for autism!