Personal space ~ Autism

openheart said:

Does anyone know how to protect there cognitive and physical space to lower stress from others?

Yes.  When in a group of people do not make eye contact. Read a book/magazine, or look really interested in your mobile phone (play a game on it if you have to).  I have realised that NTs feel the urge to make small talk just to pass the time of day even though it serves no useful purpose.  Do not even look in peoples' general direction and don't day dream or look wistful as they seem to take that as an invitation to talk.

When in a queue I always have my shoulder bag sticking as far out behind me as possible as I get incredibly stressed when people stand too close or brush against me.  Likewise I stand as far back as I reasonably can (whilst still making it look like I am part of the queue) from the person in front of me.  If they shuffle backwards I do too.

When you go into a waiting room, where possible choose a seat with empty other ones around it.  This is difficult because NTs will often come and sit either right next to you or with one seat space in-between so you cannot always avoid it.

If you get on a bus/train, if possible sit on the outside empty seat alongside another empty one.  If the bus/train gets full you may have no choice but to move over but if you have no qualms about making yourself look a bit weird people will avoid you anyway.  So you could rock or stim to dissuade them as they will usually avoid you like the plague if you don't appear normal.

When making GP appointments try to make them at the quietest time possible, preferably last one of the day and you will hopefully get an empty waiting area.

Go to the supermarket at the most unsociable hours you can or better still order shopping online.  Order clothes online too.  If cost is an option you can use eBay to get bargains and shop during sales on other sites.

Work (if you do) is tougher, all I can suggest is choosing work that enables you to work as solitary as possible or ask for reasonable adjustments.

openheart said:

Does anyone know how to protect there cognitive and physical space to lower stress from others?

Yes.  When in a group of people do not make eye contact. Read a book/magazine, or look really interested in your mobile phone (play a game on it if you have to).  I have realised that NTs feel the urge to make small talk just to pass the time of day even though it serves no useful purpose.  Do not even look in peoples' general direction and don't day dream or look wistful as they seem to take that as an invitation to talk.

When in a queue I always have my shoulder bag sticking as far out behind me as possible as I get incredibly stressed when people stand too close or brush against me.  Likewise I stand as far back as I reasonably can (whilst still making it look like I am part of the queue) from the person in front of me.  If they shuffle backwards I do too.

When you go into a waiting room, where possible choose a seat with empty other ones around it.  This is difficult because NTs will often come and sit either right next to you or with one seat space in-between so you cannot always avoid it.

If you get on a bus/train, if possible sit on the outside empty seat alongside another empty one.  If the bus/train gets full you may have no choice but to move over but if you have no qualms about making yourself look a bit weird people will avoid you anyway.  So you could rock or stim to dissuade them as they will usually avoid you like the plague if you don't appear normal.

When making GP appointments try to make them at the quietest time possible, preferably last one of the day and you will hopefully get an empty waiting area.

Go to the supermarket at the most unsociable hours you can or better still order shopping online.  Order clothes online too.  If cost is an option you can use eBay to get bargains and shop during sales on other sites.

Work (if you do) is tougher, all I can suggest is choosing work that enables you to work as solitary as possible or ask for reasonable adjustments.