this post was submitted on 16 Aug 2023
21 points (100.0% liked)

Autism

6829 readers
4 users here now

A community for respectful discussion and memes related to autism acceptance. All neurotypes are welcome.

We have created our own instance! Visit Autism Place the following community for more info.

Community:

Values

  • Acceptance
  • Openness
  • Understanding
  • Equality
  • Reciprocity
  • Mutuality
  • Love

Rules

  1. No abusive, derogatory, or offensive post/comments e.g: racism, sexism, religious hatred, homophobia, gatekeeping, trolling.
  2. Posts must be related to autism, off-topic discussions happen in the matrix chat.
  3. Your posts must include a text body. It doesn't have to be long, it just needs to be descriptive.
  4. Do not request donations.
  5. Be respectful in discussions.
  6. Do not post misinformation.
  7. Mark NSFW content accordingly.
  8. Do not promote Autism Speaks.
  9. General Lemmy World rules.

Encouraged

  1. Open acceptance of all autism levels as a respectable neurotype.
  2. Funny memes.
  3. Respectful venting.
  4. Describe posts of pictures/memes using text in the body for our visually impaired users.
  5. Welcoming and accepting attitudes.
  6. Questions regarding autism.
  7. Questions on confusing situations.
  8. Seeking and sharing support.
  9. Engagement in our community's values.
  10. Expressing a difference of opinion without directly insulting another user.
  11. Please report questionable posts and let the mods deal with it. Chat Room
  • We have a chat room! Want to engage in dialogue? Come join us at the community's Matrix Chat.

.

Helpful Resources

founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 

We're going over sensory issues in adult-diagnosed autism therapy. The therapist suggested I find ways to feel squeezed/hugged. So far, I've intuitively been using:

  • a weighted blanket (I use blankets whenever I can)
  • a backpack with my laptop zipped up tight nearly everywhere I go

I can't stand tight clothes, so that's not going to be helpful.

Any other ideas?

I'll note ideas up here as users comment.

Edit: I really appreciate everyone's suggestions. I, a man in my early 40s, bought a 4 lbs dinosaur plushie. It is AMAZING!! I sit at my computer desk, place my legs on the desk in a lounge position, put the plushie on my lap, and use my desktop computer. I feel so much more comfortable and secure. It's impressive. Thank you!

Other recommendations:

  • weighted vest - I want to find one in person before I purchase it. In the meantime, I've been going everywhere with my backpack which helps a little.

  • posture corrector - I haven't tried it yet, but maybe I will later on.

  • hoodies/coats - I definitely love hoodies, but can't use them right now. It's wayyyy too hot, but come winter, I'm going to be Mr. Hoodie.

  • the therapist - She's too professional to violate ethical boundaries, which is why I like her. I mean, if she got risque with me, I might like that too (sensation seeking), but it might cause problems with my mental health and social boundaries down the line. It's probably best to not think of her that way and stick to the roles we're playing. This recommendation and response to it are a joke.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Would a weighted vest be too constricting? They come in different styles and the ability to add or subtract weights.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

that's what she said she suggests to kids, but then said that may be inadequate for an adult.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

There seems to be two choices: compression vests, which do come in adult sizes, and weighted vests for working out, which is what I was thinking of. It looks like you can get one at Walmart for $26 or so that can be weighted up to 110 lbs. Hope that's helpful!

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

I'm gonna have to go to a store and try one on to see how it feels. Until now, I've been intuitively attempting to meet this need by always carrying a backpack with me.