In July I presented alongside Dr Keren MacLennan in the ‘Sensory experiences and processing’ session at the Autistica Research Festival 2022, on the Sensory Street Oxford University project and we were on a Q&A session after the presentation.
You can watch the session below:
This subscription box was kindly gifted to me by James Dickenson from Adapted James (@adaptedjames on Instagram) and on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AdaptedJames
The boxes explained: The subscription boxes are once a quarter (every three months) and they are themed. There are three tiers, the bottom tier having something to do, something to squish, a neurodiversity badge, a fiddle puzzle, and 2 more stim things.
Tier 2 has everything from 1 and a chew, and tier 3 has everything from 2 and a fiddle mat. You can also buy them as one off boxes from the Adapted James Etsy store for a few pounds more (which means that you can still get the box that I was sent)
Spot the dog…😉Two weeks ago I went to the Royal College of Arts in London to help the very lovely Becky from @sensoryspectacle. I documented my sensory experience within the RCA in order to help Becky later create a sensory map for visitors.
I also recorded my journey into and around London on my Instagram story highlights (which I uploaded to YouTube in the above video) if you’d like to see how a sensory-being got on in the city 👀
I’ve been wanting to write a post on my feelings on medications for a while. Have they helped me? What have I found difficult about them?
Medication is weird. Each time I try a new one it’s like a huge big change and I battle with the pros and cons each time.
Mental health medications:
I’ve tried them all. Well it feels that way. Since the age of 15/16 I’ve tried all sorts. Some with weird side-effects and some that have proven to be helpful enough that I’ve stayed on them for years. I have been/I’m still on a few. I’ve tried anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, anti-anxiety medication, etc. I’m currently on two medications for my mental health. I use a weekly pill box so I know what to take each day.
Annoying side effects I’ve come across:
Cholinergic Urticaria:
Think of it like a rash / hives. I take anti-histamines to control it, otherwise I flare-up and look like a tomato. Think Violet from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (but red) and you’re not far off. If I’m honest I still flare-up and go bright red and develop a nice patchy rash in these places:
Very random. Read more about my cholinergic urticaria in a previous post here: Cholinergic urticaria…and what on earth it is.
Other:
Night sweats. I take a ridiculously accurate amount – 3 quarters of one tablet that’s how sensitive I am to this one. If I take a full tablet I find I don’t pee. Like all day. At all. This is not good apparently. (It’s a tablet that primarily elderly people can take to improve incontinence issues but it is also used to treat excessive sweating. Interesting right?!)
My conclusion:
I think medications have helped me. In the long run. They never seem to kick in for what seem like months and then I feel more stable without realising and wonder if it’s the medication that’s built up in my system and is finally kicking in. Of course I’m no doctor or medical professional. Some people just don’t find medications work for them or have never tried them. And that’s okay too. It’s so hard to tell what’s helping and what isn’t so I totally get that. For me it’s something I think I’ve found beneficial and I have followed my own doctors advice on what he feels is best for me.
One thing I want to mention is that side effects do indeed suck, I 100% feel for all those out there who find their medication is helpful but are then are stuck with annoying and sometimes plain weird side effects.
Why not listen to my podcast surrounding the idea of medications and mental health here
And just a tiny bit of humour to finish:
Illustrations in the slideshow by the epic illustrator: Ruby etc
Hi everyone – this is just a little blog post to let you know about a research study that I’m (and hopeful you will be) involved in.
I’ve been speaking via email to a super lovely student from the University of KOC (Turkey) who is studying Media and Visual Arts and has participated in design research for people with ASD. Now they’ve gone further with research and to specialise in design relating to Sensory Processing Disorder. A survey link was sent through to me this week and I am trying to share it with as many people as possible in order to help with the research!
Below is a link to the survey and it would be fab if you have a spare 5 mins and can fill it out:
http://koc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_032S5XEHYXqKXad
Thanks! Any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below or @21andsensory on Instagram and Twitter.
If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen over the recent weeks I’ve been trying out a new feature on the platform. I’ve been giving my followers the opportunity to ask me any questions they may have and then posting my answers via my Instagram stories. I bought it would also be worthwhile posting the questions and my answers below (all anonymous). You can still access all my question and answers on my @21andsensory Instagram profile page under the ‘highlights’ section. So here are the questions I have been asked…
What sensory strategy have you found most helpful?
I reckon the best strategies I’ve found are a combination of: sensory diet (e.g body brushing, weighted blankets, fidget toys) alongside occupational therapy which I’ve found to be the most helpful form of therapy. Basically what I’m getting at is that there’s no one sensory strategy…it’s lots of different things in combination that help me to function. And I can’t always function ‘normally’ which I’m starting to understand more.
Tips for travelling with sensory issues?
Ooh okay. Good question but a bit of a difficult one as I don’t tend to travel that much! I do go on trains and drive places, etc but I haven’t been abroad in years. I would say that distraction is the key 🔑. Using things like weighted blankets and jackets, fidgets, chewing gum, listening to calming sounds or music, etc.
Also I like to travel with my own washing detergent and same sorts of smells like deodorants and perfumes so that everything feels a bit more normal and routine. It’s all about making things more easier and comfortable for yourself.
Do you have any tips for how to help someone who struggles with taste and texture of fruit and veg?
I totally understand how much of a struggle this can be, especially introducing new foods (and weird textures are the worst!) I think just trying new foods little (portion) and often (as much as you can) and just trying to get used to the food in your mouth or even just holding it in your hand is a really good step in the right direction. Equally there’s lots of food/textures I just can’t deal with so I just steer clear of them altogether – this is totally okay and acceptable too.
What would one of your top tips be for supporting someone with SPD?
That’s a very good question 🤔 I think each person with SPD is completely different so it’s key to have a quick chat or conversation with the person to check if they are sensory defensive or sensory seeking or a bit of both! Just understanding what a person can and can’t tolerate means you are taking time to make their environment and experience that much more easier to cope in and this will help them to feel more confident. Also being understanding of the fact that we may use fidgets, body bushes, sunglasses, ear defenders, etc to allow us to cope in everyday environments means you are being super supportive ☺️
I think it’s important to have an understanding of sensory meltdowns and providing a quiet safe space or zone (even if it’s a loo break) can really helps people with SPD calm themselves down to avoid a meltdown.
What advice would you give your younger self in terms of understanding your own needs?
Definitely an interesting question. I think I am struggling to understand my own needs even now 😂 but I think I would say to my younger self to hang in there and that you’ll pick up little coping mechanisms and techniques that survive everyday living. I think I’d also say that sensory processing disorder and autism will become more and more well documented and understood as the years go by – so have faith!
And what advice would you give parents? Ps thanks for everything you post, it’s so helpful and insightful!
Another super question…I know it must be so difficult being a parent because you just want to support and help your child as best you can. I know this is super hard because you are unable to sort of see and hear what goes on in our heads and to understand what it’s like to be sensory seeking or sensory defensive.
I would suggest a great thing to start is creating a sensory bin/box with sensory toys and fidgets and allow your child to stim and explore different things. For example my mum always helped me by giving me opportunities such as having a swing in the garden, allowing me to trampoline and have weighted jackets and ankle weights. Feeding that need for self regulation by building up a sensory diet with your child ☺️
I think it’s so important to remember that your child is different and not less. All of my relatives know of my ‘special quirks’ and that’s okay because that’s what makes ‘me’ me.
Ps: Thank you so so much for this comment – it really does mean the absolute world to me! My aim after starting my blog and Instagram account was: if I can help or support at least one person then I will have done my little bit in this crazy old world!
What recommendations do you have for living with dyslexia and dyscalculia? Especially with schoolwork?
Again another great question! I think concerning school work and dyslexia / dyscalculia I tried to make everything as visual as possible. Lots of drawings lots of A3 posters (which I stuck in my bedroom and around my house!) in different colour pens with drawings so the information would stick in my brain. At uni I used to record every lecture via a dictaphone or on my voice memos on my phone so that I could always go back and re-listen to what they had said. This was especially helpful when it came to essay writing!
Do you ever notice if you’re being overstimulated until later on?
I am quite sensitive to literally the world so I usually become overwhelmed sensory-wise immediately after something like a loud noise or bright colourful environment 🙄 I will either escape to a toilet or outside to just get some quiet and calm or I will bottle up how I feel and have a good cry when I get home!
How do I catch my social mistakes? Or should I ask my peers to correct me?
This is always a difficult one. I think it’s okay to ask your family / relatives to maybe comment and suggest where you might be going a little wrong. I find peers and friends can be too critical and not always understand what difficulties I actually have. Much better to ask people who really know you well. I also think ‘neurotypical’ people make social mistakes too – so dint be too hard in yourself because it’s great that you are being social and meeting up with people ☺️
So there you have it – I tried to answer as best I could and I was really surprised and impressed at the amazing range of questions I was asked! If you ever have a question for me feel free to message me on Instagram, here in my blog comments or via my email: 21andsensory@gmail.com and I’ll always try my best to get back to you!
Why on earth am I writing a blog post about a Fluorescent jacket I hear you ask…just bear with me and read on:
Picture the scene: I am working away at my desk and at around 9.05am one of the company directors get into work. All normal and well so far. He then proceeds to hang up his fluorescent bike jacket on the hook by his desk. Now this jacket is visually brighter than the sun to a sensory being like me…(I realise this sounds utterly ridiculous but stick with me).
This jacket is in view just behind my laptop screen and is immediately screaming at me visually. It is so loud almost like a noise to me and is instantly distracting and grates on my mood.
I think back sometimes on how I feel when things like this affect me. They seem so big at the time and engulf me, taking up all my thoughts and feelings. How crazy is that? A bright neon jacket can affect me that much! In hindsight it’s a teeny tiny small insignificant part of my life – it affects me but I learn to cope and move on (through distracting myself and repositioning to face away from the indoor sun…!)
How do you feel about bright coloured objects, clothing and environments? Comment below with any stories and coping mechanisms!
And for more of my ramblings why not check out my podcasts? Links below!
Firstly I just want to say a big thank you to the lovely Bec for nominating me. I would definitely recommend popping on over to her blog here. Her blog focuses on anxiety/mental health and she shares some amazing thoughts and ideas on it!
This award was started by Okoto Enigma on her blog, it’s an award “for amazing bloggers with ingenious posts.” Click the link to the blog for details!
Here are the rules of this award:
Okay here goes…3 things about me:
If you could have the perfect 3 course meal, what would it be?
Ooooh. Okay erm…I’d say dough balls and garlic butter for starter (I love bland meals!) Veggie Spaghetti Bolognese for main meal and then definitely some form of ice cream for pudding!
What’s your biggest fear?
Now this is a tricky one. At the moment my biggest fear is socialising with people and loud noises! I am more then happy with great heights, rollercoasters, bugs, etc!
What would you say is your best characteristic?
Hmm. I love helping people out and problem solving things for people so I would say hopefully my best characteristic is being helpful 🙂
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I love anywhere by the sea so I’d either say maybe somewhere in Devon or Cornwall or even somewhere on the coast in Italy!
How are you today? (Strange question, but I want to know how you’re doing)
I think I’m okay today. I’m also excited because it’s Friday tomorrow which means the weekend and less work stress!
Okay here are my 10 nominations:
And my 5 questions for the nominees to answer:
Lastly my five favourite blog posts I have written:
I was lucky enough to go on a little adventure a few weekends ago to the Isle of Wight (UK). It’s a lovely little island with loads to see and do – so much so I already want to go back and explore more!
Whilst I was there I went to an AWESOME water show called Waltzing Waters which I thought I would do a little review about.
Here is some more information:
“The world’s most elaborate water, light and music production. “It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before”…a triumph of artistry and engineering. Visitors are overwhelmed by thousands of dazzling patterns of moving water synchronised with music in spectacular fashion.”
Anyways: it was SPECTACULAR. So kind of think of it as awesome music throughout the ages coordinated to a water display. There were hundreds of nozzles spraying ridiculously high-powered jets of water so high and then falling and twirling into phenomenal shapes.
I know these sorts of water shows can be quite popular at resorts in America and especially in places like Dubai in shopping centres and public places. Somehow I had never really come across one before and because this show was based on the Isle of Wight only a handful of people turn up to each set time – which was fab as no crowds and lots of seating to choose from!
I just wanted to do a little write up to almost sort of say as a sensory being how lovely I found the whole show and that I really recommend seeing a show whether you have sensory problems or not 😊
One of my next blog posts will be a Q&A on all things sensory! Feel free to comment below with any questions you might have – tweet me or comment on my Instagram!
21andsensory 