It sometimes seems that the world is set up to make kids and adults with autism jump out of their skins. Loud music, bright lights, unexpected noises, multiple transitions - they're all part of our daily life in the modern world. Like most autism parents, we've come up with a few of our own "tricks" for managing the environment - here are a few:
- Noise-blocking earphones for attending 4th of July fireworks (and the dentist)
- Sunday morning (quiet time) visits to museums and zoos
- Family changing rooms at the YMCA (yes, a surprising number of teens wind up there with their parents and younger siblings!)
- BYO videos (and DVD player if necessary) during dental visits
This morning, I discovered a really terrific tip for avoiding that dreaded automatic flush toilet at the mall, restaurant or airport: Just place a sticky "post-it" note over the sensor until you're all done doing your business, then pull off the post-it as you leave the stall!
Do you have (or need) more tips for making life easier in the wide world? Share your ideas here, and check out these articles!
A visual countdown timer app for our iPad is very helpful indeed!
Dee, We also found “reverse clocks” very helpful. Ours was not attached to a computer device but worked like any cooking timer. It had a red area that “disappeared” slowly as the various deadlines we set on it approached. It helped my son learn to anticipate transitions much more calmly.
For kids with sensitivities to certain kinds of lighting, which is a major cause of distraction and even meltdowns in schools (which tend to use the absolute WORST light fixtures for people with issues with certain kinds of fluorescent bulbs), I recommend sunglasses. Yes, it’s slightly obvious, but if anyone complains, in the classroom, you make it an accommodation on the IEP. If they complain elsewhere, tell them to stuff it.