Neurodivergent Self-Care

[Jake63]

@tyme @Ru-bee 

As some of the people on the forums knows, I identify as being neurodiverse and on the autism spectrum. And very very proud of my autistic identity. One thing I haven't mentioned, I don't think, is that I wear my sunflower lanyard to help communicate to other people that I have an invisible disability and that I might need a bit of extra time and support. I also have my house keys, a badge with Pikachu on it, and a badge with Hatsune Miku on it (see attached photo!).

Returning to the topic of what I have called neurodivergent self-care, what is that? When I am talking to neurotypical people and they ask me what I might be doing later on in the day for some self-care, nine times out of ten I don't know what they are talking about. But I feel like I am now slowly coming to learn what self-care means for me. I call it neurodivergent selfcare and some examples of neurodivergent self care are as follows: 

1. Getting under my weighted blanket and snuggling with my Dragonite squishmallow in bed.
2. Playing video games
3. Listening to music that fits the mood. For example, if I am feeling very sad and depressed I will listen to my sad songs playlist that I have on YouTube.
4. Having a nap.

[Ru-bee]

Thank you for sharing this @Jake63 

It's fantastic that you're taking the time to consider what self-care means to you, as it is different for everyone! Having a nap and cuddling with a squishy toy are some of the things on my self care list too 😊

[Jake63]

Good morning @Ru-bee,

I just finished up talking to my psychologist. And she said the same thing as you, self care is different for everyone. But as it turned out, me and my psychologist actually have similar self-care strategies; we both love walking!

I am off now to go for my walk down by the river!

HAPPY TRAILS!

[tyme]

Neurospicy self-care for me includes just getting away from the world to unwind. I often find people and the world just too overstimulating and need time to decompress.

Thank you so much for this space @Jake63 

[kase]

So valid… 

I always feel so lazy that I have to sleep so much. My family doesn’t understand how tiring autism is on the brain. 

I’m glad I’m not the only one that needs so time to decompress 🫶

a soft blanket, hot water bottle, and a nice nap for a few hours keeps me sane, I swear by it!

[tyme]

Welcome to the forums @kase ,

Joing the club lol. I feel it!

Anything planned for today?

[Jake63]

Hello there fellow neurokin @kase! 

I totally understand the need to sleep. I don't see it as me being lazy it is moreso that my brain gets overstimulated and I escape to my bedroom to rest and recover! 

That is an excellent idea for the hot water bottle, I use my hot water bottle too. What is it you like about your hot water bottle - mine says "Hot Stuff" on it! 

[kase]

Funnily enough.. rest and cover lol!!

I work 5 days a week, takes a toll!! It’s freezing where I live, so I’m all rugged up!

what are you doing today?

[kase]

Totally! It’s not that I see it as lazy for other people, but I just feel ashamed I can’t just “take life by the balls” 🤣

I just got diagnosed a year ago, so I’m still working on establishing my needs…

but yes.. a nap is definitely good self care to reset the brain!

I think a big part of being newly diagnosed is taking time out for yourself and setting your boundaries, really relearning the way you take things on.

Im grateful that my partner is really understanding, he knows I need naps to reset if I’m having a bad day.

It is a big shock once you finally find out what it is that was causing my mental health to tank! so I guess we’re working it out together… as well as seperately.

trying something new…

as for my hot water bottle, I like the sensation. The warmth makes me forget about all the awkward interactions, and the uncomfortableness of work/socialising etc… throughout the day 

(hahah hot stuff!! Love it!! my hot water bottle is a fluffy bear, with ears that stick out haha!!)

[Jake63]

Well hello there! It looks like you are just in @tyme. 

Today I will be doing some more work on my assignment! To give you a glimpse of my assignment, here are the questions I will need to answer on the topic of assessment: 

Assessment is crucial for autistic and neurodivergent individuals. Beyond diagnosis, assessment helps to identify specific strengths, challenges and needs throughout an individual's different life stages, and across different environments. All people can support autistic or neurodivergent people with assessment.

1. Define the concept of assessment and discuss its role in supporting neurodivergent individuals (150 words, 1 reference, 2 marks).

1. Discuss the importance of the role of monitoring and evaluation within the assessment process (150 words, 2 references, 2 marks).

1. Discuss how assessment is used to support autistic individuals across different stages of life. Consider the changing purposes of assessment from early childhood through to adulthood (150 words, 2 references, 2 marks).

1. Describe the roles that family members, educators, and professionals play in implementing assessment to support neurodivergent individuals (150 words, 2 references, 2 marks).