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Transitions and Skin Picking Advice

s08

Hi everyone, my name's Sophie and I was diagnosed on the 14th of September (2 days before my 21st Birthday).

I'm knowledgeable about Autism already as I studied it specifically at college and have worked with many Autistic children. Though when it comes to myself I'm unsure where to start!

Are there any aids or tools that help/ed you when you discovered you were Autistic? 

A few of my main difficulties include transitions e.g getting ready for bed etc, and skin/nail picking.

Any advice would be so appreciated!

  • in reply to s08

    Yeah, I worked on a few TV productions as a runner between 2019 and 2021 but nothing since. Writer's strike doesn't help, mind!

    Ooh I hope your authoring goes well and you're able to get your work out there.

    Thank you, I wish you well on yours too!

  • in reply to HMO

    Ahh jobs are so difficult aren't they. I completed 2 years of college and did ASN School placements which I loved but when it came to actually getting a job I was just exhausted from it. 

    I decided to become an Author instead so that I can work on my own terms and around my needs instead of accommodating in the workplaces but I realise that's not for everyone!

    I wish you well on your journey!

  • in reply to s08

    Yeah I'm still trying to form a routine of sorts (finding a job is difficult when it comes to finding something you actually want to do) and I'm still trying to understand myself, and I got diagnosed 17 years ago.

    There's so many things I wish I knew earlier, and I realise how I made life more difficult for myself.

  • in reply to HMO

    I'm so glad you've found some things that work for you!

    I'm hoping that over time I'll figure it out, I find it very hard to stick to routine even though I thrive off of it, which is just chaos to say the least!

  • in reply to s08

    Oh I feel you on PDA, I struggle with it a lot too. With waking up in the morning, sometimes I would literally count down from 5 and that gets me up. 

    Maybe an arbitrary goal/deadline? Not a super strict one but a sort of guideline.

    I have eczema so I really have to be distracted to not itch. It's difficult, but I'm not as bad as I used to be.

    I'm sure you'll find things which work for you.

  • in reply to HMO

    Thank you for your reply!

    I've yet to receive my diagnostic letter, however I'm sure I meet the criteria for PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) which means if I set deadlines or goals it becomes a demand and I'm more likely to avoid it. It's a bit of a nightmare!

    I have so many stim toys and ones I enjoy, but if I start skin picking I can't seem to replace the behaviour. It's such a learning journey!

    I appreciate your ideas and advice so much

  • Hello! Firstly congrats on the diagnosis.

    I wish I had a straightforward answer! But I think the first thing is to ensure that those around you (friends, family, work etc) are aware of your needs, if you're able to identify them.

    Regarding getting ready for bed, maybe an arbitrary deadline of sorts? Like if you gave yourself a strict instruction to get off by 11pm or something? 

    As for skin picking, are there stim toys which might work for you?