Hi everyone – I thought for the next post in my Sensory Series I’d discuss how difficult it can be as an Autistic person to manage change.
In my Sensory Series I’ll be sharing text slides on different aspects of Sensory Processing (in between my regular posts of illustrations) so I can share my own outlook on all things sensory. I thought it would be interesting to share my own experiences, tips and tricks along the way.
Slide 1: Why it can be very difficult to manage change
Slide 2:
Changes can be big or small. Yet they still feel totally overwhelming and life-altering…even if they aren’t really.Something as small as not being able to find your normal shampoo or your favourite brand of cereal at the supermarket can honestly feel like the end of the world in that moment.
So imagine how big things like social occasions let alone life events can be to an Autistic person. They can be utterly huge and hard to process.
Slide 3:
It’s very difficult to describe how scary change can be as an Autistic person with sensory issues. I strive for normal, sameness and routine and when this is messed with I can’t cope.
The thing is…I might look like I am coping well with change. But I (and many autistic people) have mastered the art of ‘masking’ where we are very effectively able to keep up an ‘act’ or ‘front’ of managing when inside we are extremely distressed and overwhelmed. It’s so draining.
Slide 4:
This is something that can come flooding out once we reach our own safe environment like home. This might look like a shutdown or meltdown which can be worrying for surrounding family, friends, etc.
Sometimes we just need the space and time to decompress and process what has or is going on. And that is okay. It sucks in the moment when you can’t manage what is going on but I’ve learnt…the feelings do pass and life does carry on.
Slide 5:
If you like my work and you are able to, please consider supporting me via my Kofi page. Or why not have a listen to my 21andsensory Podcast – there’s a new episode every two weeks
Please do share this post and feel free to comment down below how you cope with change and any tips you have!
21andsensory 
Awesome post, Emily! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww thank you!
LikeLike
I need change just to be spread out over much more time. It’s not change so much as getting used to it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This made me tear up a little. I disclosed my diagnosis to my work a while ago, and there were many negative changes. Recently things have become more positive, but they involve big changes again so I’m still processing what happened months ago, struggling and feeling guilty for not just being able to appreciate the recent positive changes. I know things will get better, and reading things like these make me feel less guilty and alone. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww bless you! Thank you so much for your comment. That’s a huge thing to work up to disclosing and I’m sorry to hear there were lot of negative changes 😦 Exactly just knowing that things will pass and that they will get better is a positive to hold onto. Please don’t feel guilty (I know that’s easier said then done though)
LikeLike