• Replies 6 replies
  • Subscribers 82 subscribers
  • Views 1725 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Tools/Links for a panicking Aspergers man

AnAnxiousAspie

Hi all

I'm new to these discussions and forums, but I need some help. I have Aspergers Syndrome (am 23), and I just read that the government in England is going to mandate that masks be worn in all shops from July 24th.

I am freaking out, as I suffer with serious sensory overload when anything is in contact with my mouth/nose (public transport has been hell, been walking almost everywhere where possible), I'm wondering if anyone has any advice as I rely on doing my food shopping in store (I can't get delivery slots anywhere near me). I haven't asked for help before now as I've been scared of people in public looking down at me but now it's too much.

If anyone has links to any places/websites that are able to help with some kind of (preferably discreet) way for people to identify that I have a hidden disability, I'd be more than forever grateful.

Parents

  • Hey,

    I felt pretty much the same way when I read the news report about masks. So far I've found them to be hell, and the only way I manage is by shutting off my other senses (e.g. sitting in my Dr's office with my eyes closed). This is less than ideal when attempting to shop.

    So far, my only solution is to order a mask that's more rigid, so that there's not a tonne of material directly touching my face, just the bit around the edge. It's not arrived yet, so will have to see when it does. I don't know if that'd help you at all. 

    Wrt food shopping, if you drive, or have someone who will drive for you, you could try 'click and collect' (this is Tesco's version, but other supermarkets offer it too), where you pick up food from a van in the supermarket car park. That way you wouldn't have to enter the store, and they're generally easier to get slots for I think. 

    I hope you can find something that works for you.

  • in reply to FishareFriends

    I'm at a loss regarding shopping. I have no family support, nor anyone who drives and is able to be helping with click and collect. Do you have any particular mask(s) which have helped in any major way?

  • in reply to AnAnxiousAspie

    Sorry for the late reply, it's been a crazy few days.

    Was wondering if maybe asking around on this forum, see if there's anyone local who would perhaps be willing to help. Or seeing if there's a Facebook group for your area (I know a lot were set-up in the initial COVID period). I've also seen people suggest meetup.com, as a place to just find more people in your area. Would depend on where you're based, but I think it's likely there are people nearby that are willing to help.

    Re masks: This is the one I purchased a few days ago. It's not cheap, but it's reusable. It's been better for me because it doesn't touch my mouth or nose when I breathe, so I'm not having to deal with a constant change of feeling on my face. But it's still a mask, and still leaves me feeling weird when I take it off, and I definitely stim more when wearing it to compensate. It does also tug at the ears a little, but that could probably be countered by adding a length of fabric into the straps to make them a little longer. 

Reply
  • in reply to AnAnxiousAspie

    Sorry for the late reply, it's been a crazy few days.

    Was wondering if maybe asking around on this forum, see if there's anyone local who would perhaps be willing to help. Or seeing if there's a Facebook group for your area (I know a lot were set-up in the initial COVID period). I've also seen people suggest meetup.com, as a place to just find more people in your area. Would depend on where you're based, but I think it's likely there are people nearby that are willing to help.

    Re masks: This is the one I purchased a few days ago. It's not cheap, but it's reusable. It's been better for me because it doesn't touch my mouth or nose when I breathe, so I'm not having to deal with a constant change of feeling on my face. But it's still a mask, and still leaves me feeling weird when I take it off, and I definitely stim more when wearing it to compensate. It does also tug at the ears a little, but that could probably be countered by adding a length of fabric into the straps to make them a little longer. 

Children
No Data