3 Good Things (again)

1. Got my selection of YA books from the book exchange (telephone box)

2. Reserved 4 Library books -Barrington stoke publisher

3. Back to normal Saturday routine :)

1. No fish, today, as I overslept. But did eat less, today.

2. Had confession, this afternoon, at Portglenone Monastery.

3. Lit a fire, tonight.

1. I started packing my things to move! 

2. I put loads of stuff in bags to take to charity/ sell - I’m proud of myself for not keeping loads of stuff 

3. Had a bit of a panic attack earlier but managed to calm down pretty quickly which was good, and I didn’t let it ruin my day :) 

1. I had a nice day in work, I’ve gone slightly up on my hours and although I hate change I’m handling it well

2. I let myself just rest tonight instead of do extra work bits because I have a big appointment tomorrow 

3. Been writing more articles on Substack which is really fun

I hope so too! Please let us know how it goes if you feel comfortable I am!! I figured I’d write what I know haha! It’s been nice to just focus on a bigger project than lots of little assessments too 

1. Day one, of new food plan; bought some things on the list, but missed my usual Thursday Fish Stall; due to sleeping in, but there'll be one in another local town tomorrow.

2. Gave my cleaner the contact details of the Man I get computer appliances from.

3. Drove safely, today.

1. I have a roof over my head (it’s really raining)

2. An Amazon parcel to open 

3. just started ‘u masking for life’ Devon Price   

Oh thanks so so much! Let me read this slowly! This is magical for me!

Here you go Ma.ra. , hope this helps! :) 

Requested accommodations / Identified needs

Based on personal experience and professional guidance, I have identified the following needs. Individually or combined, these adjustments support sustainable performance and reduce the risk of overload:

Predictability and planning

• Advance notice of meetings, changes, and new tasks

• Avoidance of tight or last-minute deadlines

• Clear timelines to allow for planning and pacing of work

Predictability reduces stress and makes it easier to deliver consistently over time.

Clear expectations

• Clearly defined tasks, scope, priorities, and deadlines

• Explicit delegation rather than implicit expectations

Unclear or vaguely defined tasks create uncertainty and significantly increase cognitive load.

Written communication

• Written communication (email/messages) as the primary mode of communication

• Limited reliance on phone calls and spontaneous verbal communication

Written communication allows me to process information at my own pace, reduces misunderstandings, and lowers social and sensory strain.

Reduced interruptions and protected focus time

• Ability to work without frequent interruptions

• Respect for signals indicating need for focus (e.g. closed door, headphones)

Uninterrupted time is essential for deep concentration and high-quality output.

Ability to withdraw when overstimulated

• Access to quiet space, breaks, or a calmer work environment when needed

• Flexibility in the workday to regulate sensory and cognitive load

This helps prevent escalation into exhaustion or burnout.

Defined role and limited scope

• A clearly defined area of responsibility

• No expectation to step into ad hoc roles such as customer-facing or reactive tasks

Clear boundaries reduce overload and increase predictability.

Limited and clear contact points

• Fewer, well-defined points of contact in daily work

• Clear ownership of tasks and decisions

This improves overview, reduces competing demands, and supports better focus.

Structured meetings

• Meetings scheduled in advance

• Clear agendas and purpose

• Avoidance of frequent or spontaneous meetings

Unstructured or excessive meetings are highly draining.

Flexible participation in social and demanding settings

• Participation in social activities on my own terms

• No expectation to take responsibility in unpredictable situations

• Ability to step away or regulate intensity when needed

This makes participation sustainable rather than exhausting.

Flexibility around capacity

• Recognition that capacity may vary from day to day

• Planning and expectations that allow for this variability

This supports long-term stability and consistent contribution.

Thanks so much! I am a bit nervous, I hope they will be nice and the leaders helpful! You write your dissertation about autism? Ohh wow!

1. My little Spock figure came !! Yippee!! He is so cute 

2. I sent off a huge bit of writing for my dissertation today! Feels so cool to be an autistic researcher doing research in my own community :) 

3. I got out of the house today and have been keeping my anxiety steady this is a huge achievement for me 

Omg Ma.ra.  Good luck! Hope it is a good experience for you and you are met with friendly people

1. Got new chocolate brown ankle boots!

2. Going on a hike today in the snow into the forest near by. That is my gym!

3. The neuroaffirmative group leaders got me an initial interview for their ASD group therapy this Friday. It’s only 20 minutes, but wish me luck!

_Poetchi said:

the longer you sit with it it almost settles deeper within you

Hello _Poetchi ! Hope you are all good! I got calm reading your letter! Many thanks! Go with the purple!

1. I had such a productive day/ meeting with my dissertation supervisor !! Feeling really motivated to write more 

2. Started a new book after shelving the one I was originally reading- life is too short to read books you don’t like!! Hopefully this next one will be better

3. Making plans to go to IKEA some time soon so I’ve been looking at stuff online! 

Ooh congrats this all sounds fab!!!  

1. Managed 35 mins on the treadmill at the gym - of course may not be able to walk tomorrow. 

2. Having spag bol for dinner.

3. Thinking about applying for a new job that pays more than minimum wage. 

Picked up my 2 library books. 

Started my 1st jigsaw puzzle. 

Phew had a pain free night as taken painkillers for my frozen shoulder. Ouch. Frustrating with limited mobility. 

1. Was my first day back at Uni of 2026! Kind of forgot I had to go back but I got through it haha 

2. I had a major breakthrough in therapy today, figuring out more the stem of my anxiety which has made me feel a lot of relief! 

3. Someone in my work said I was brilliant today and I made lunch plans with them 

Thanks so much for sharing this! I am getting such calming vibes when you are talking about being in the mountains, drinking tea and reading ️it seems so idilic ! 

That’s really cool you have characters you see yourself in too! And I think what you said about coming into your autism is so true, the longer you sit with it it almost settles deeper within you if that makes sense. Also, I’ve never seen Dune so I’ll definitely need to check this out as I love sci-fi! 

Being an adult and connecting with your inner child can be really hard to do especially when we have jobs and houses etc… that’s why I’m starting small with purple, maybe getting myself a little treat every now and again to say I’ve done a good job! 

this community has been really nice, I never thought other people shared the same experiences with me- I feel stronger knowing that there are others out there