Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app

Continue in app Continue in browser

4Kviews

Hey ADHD And Autistic Pandas, Share Your Coping Mechanisms (Closed)

To anyone who is suffering from ADHD or autism or knows anyone with these, share how you het through daily life

This post may include affiliate links.

#1

Making sure I have significant time alone, to help deal with the overwhelming feeling of being around too many people. Once I hit my people-limit, I'm done. So having alone time helps me deal with that. Both my kids have ADHD, and my youngest deals with it in much the same way, but incorporates art into it. It's very helpful.

Final score:

35points

#2

Swimming. I cannot stress enough how calming it is to fill your ears with water and literally drown out the noises and focus on breathing, heart rate, and stroke count. And for those who are going to ask, I swim backstroke.

Final score:

35points

#3

I have found at work, when stress starts to build-up. I take myself off and do stock counts in stores. Senior management realise this both helps me and the company, because stock counting no-one else likes.

Final score:

21points

#4

Changed to part time hours, gives me a day a week to sleep, shut out the world, recover and get ready to do it all again.

Final score:

20points

#5

I got a job with clearly defined tasks and criteria for success. It also allows me to work at home all but 2 days a week so that I can interact mostly through text. I also listen to music or have some other audio on (TV etc.) which helps focus my thoughts and prevent mental wandering.

Final score:

18points

ADVERTISEMENT

#6

Drawing, when I’m in class and get handed a paper to work on I doodle on it which helps me focus more.

Final score:

18points

Your fellow Gay

#7

Tiny plush toys! I wasnt really into them when i was little i wish id known how much theyd help, i take tiny ones everywhere in my pockets and squish them whenever i feel stressed it really helps

Final score:

16points

Goth Mouse (he/they)

#8

Wireless ear buds. With or without music playing.

Final score:

16points

ADVERTISEMENT

#9

Try tapping your fingertips from the same hand together. It helps me focus.
Also, drawing helps to express myself.

Final score:

13points

#10

I chant to bring myself back to center. It's complete nonsense but it rhymes and it's rhythmic.

"Blue flicker
Flicker flicker
Motion picture
Motion picture"

Sometimes I try to add verses, sometimes I lose focus and have to start again but it works every time. ❤

Final score:

13points

ADVERTISEMENT

#11

Right. Putting my hands on my face. It feels like a cave to hide from the world. Reading, I love the feel of paper and the smell of books. Calming. But the best on-the-go discreet solution is to fidget with something. Stones, cloth, my hair, my dad's hands, anything with an interesting texture or look. Proper store-bought fidgets work just as well, too.
A bit of background - I have Autism and ADHD

Final score:

13points

#12

stretching

Final score:

11points

#13

Embracing change has helped me immensely. I seek new experiences, new foods, etc. so that I can broaden out my interests. I still have my core interests that I obsess over like any Aspie, but I've also come to better appreciate and understand other people better.

Final score:

11points

Daniel (ShadowDrakken)

#14

One of my friends has ADHD, and he has to have something in his hand to feel comfortable and get into the flow.

Final score:

10points

Titas Burinskas

ADVERTISEMENT

#15

My daughter has an intellectual disability, with anxiety and depression. Talking helps her the best, but when there's no one around she likes to rub something with a texture that comforts her. If she can, she'll go for a walk to get some space.

Final score:

10points

MyOpinionHasBeenServed

#16

Taking a camera with me when I have to go out. It can distance me from what is around me, and people see it and not always just me.

Final score:

10points

#17

Just like even THINKING about my cat/kitten. (Omg brainstorm real quick a teen cat is a catton!) Also I have a growing collection of small squishy things that help me calm myself.

Final score:

9points

#18

I limit my average face time to under an hour per day, including Zoom, grocery shopping, and all but one friend.

Final score:

8points

ADVERTISEMENT

#19

I tend to not go anywhere. And if i have to, i try to be as fast as possible back home.
If i have to for some reasons, i try to notice my feelings. It´s important to know how you feel in situations, so you can get out of there bevor you start exhausting.
I personally start to get angry over nothing and that's my stop point and i go home.

Final score:

8points

#20

My youngest has ADHD and anxiety. She finds listening to music helps her when out and about.

Final score:

8points

#21

Food, mainly.

Final score:

7points

#22

Metal music, jazz, ambiance video and knitting.

Final score:

7points

#23

Reading

Final score:

7points

LivvyPastelGoth

ADVERTISEMENT

#24

Yoga

Final score:

6points

#25

i just ignore everything. i just put on some headphones and play something, such as MCR. it helps distract me

Final score:

6points

#26

I count in sets of threes, everything has to be in threes. I have intense therapy twice a week and am in a support group. My anxiety is always super high so unfortunately I do use medications often to help level me. The only downside is I tend to close myself off.

Final score:

6points

#27

Bassy music. It's like the rhythmic thumping is shaking out all the bad stuff.

Final score:

6points

#28

ADHD here. I have two ways:
- Just being at home all day. Being outside in the city brings lots of stimulation (people, conversations, cars, loud and sudden sounds, a lot of processing and thinking your next move) Being at home at alone means I choose what has my attention.
- Focused entertainment. A webnovel, a serie, a movie, a manga, a book. You name it! I just need my entertainment to be focused in order to not to get stressed.

Final score:

6points

ADVERTISEMENT

#29

Not me but both of my children are on the spectrum. My son has small stuffed animals (the kind that are filled with that slow rise foam) that he takes everywhere. Pushing the cart while his sister is in it helps him regulate as if he gets stressed she gets stressed. My daughter has a compression vest, chewies, and wears sunglasses in bright rooms. Both use sound dampening headphones. Going for walks helps my son wind down while my daughter uses wiggle boards and exercise bands to work out the nervous energy.

Final score:

5points

Terilee Bruyere

#30

My son listens to Lo-Fi music on his headphones. I have to admit, it very calming. He also draws and creates stories.

Final score:

5points

#31

Aspie here. My primary coping mechanism is writing. I can't be how I really am to the wider world, but nothing is keeping my writing in check!

Final score:

5points

ADVERTISEMENT

#32

I found by accident...that weight training helped alot, also using omega 3 oils also, i use flaxseed oil myself.
I am 57 now and age seems to calm it all down also , my mind still races at times but i try and make that a positive, make it work for me.
I dont use any meds...anymore
Davey australia

Final score:

4points

#33

I took up sweep rowing and now I just scull. In rowing you have to be totally focused on each stroke or you end up in the water. It is great exercise and being outside alone on the water is incredible.

Final score:

3points

#34

Lots of little mental breaks, and other various pauses. Doodles. Crossword mini, sudoku, two dots. Which ever works for you.

Final score:

3points

#35

I have ADHD and Sensory Processing Disorder. I made myself a weighted lap pillow that is covered with fake fur. A little pocket holds a sachet of dried lavender. It is surprisingly calming as soon as I put it in my lap.

Final score:

3points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Dutch Swimmer Goes Viral For Super Revealing Trunks During 2024 Olympics: “Is This Legal?”

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

Thrill-Seeking Diver Jumps Down Extreme Waterslide, Ignoring The Strict Ban For Women

#36

Fidget toys and adult coloring for me. I have ADHD and have learned methods instead of pills. I also do word puzzles.

Final score:

3points

#37

Chillstep music, holding my friends hands, chewing gum, wearing a fuzzy sweater to grip or necklace to fidget with, a purse with fringes (the fringes help but also the weight is soothing) knowing the difficulty will pass, thinking ahead to more pleasant things, forgiving myself when I can't, having a network of good friends and family, having a small part of my day be routine, hopping into the bathroom for a second to cool off, and when all that fails... The hilarious memory of Katy Perry and her cupcake boob dress.

Final score:

3points

pusheen buttercup

#38

Noise cancelling headphones and datacleaning. If I can't get my head to cooperate, I just turn the world off altogether with strawberry haze and binge Attenborough's documentary catalogue. Either way, once I hit redline I need to leave society for a few hours. There doesn't seem to be a reliable way to predict which sensory straw will break my back, however, which really drives me nuts sometimes. I just want to be NORMAL, you know?

Final score:

3points

Margaret Weaver

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

Woman Put A Water Fountain With A Camera In Her Yard, Here Are 24 Photos Of Regular Visitors (New Pics)

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

“Ma’am I Live Here”: Woman Refuses To Back Out Of Driveway, Learns A Lesson The Hard Way

#39

drawing and French music

Final score:

2points

Lewis Fisher Wells

#40

Drawing, painting, anything art related

Final score:

2points

#41

petting my dog, playing easy videogames, online chess maybe...

Final score:

2points

Falcon on Dizzy

#42

I'm not diagnosed so I never say for sure if I have something but I have a pretty good friend/neighbor who is on the autism spectrum and he has multiple pets, just not the normalized ones. I'm not sure if he just has a passion for snakes, lizards, and fish, but he seems to love them with every ounce of his being. He also has 2 cats.

Basically, having alone time to spend with pets/animals/in nature

Final score:

2points

#43

Tons of walking and no music like in NY

Final score:

2points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

50 Of The Most Incredible Shots That Were Submitted To The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

French Diver’s “Jewels” In Tight Swimming Trunks Become Talk Of The Town At Olympics

#44

I'm on the spectrum. I go to museums or museum sites to immerse myself in the art. I try to avoid museums that may be crowded, disruptive or that have groups of children visit frequently. I'll visit botanical gardens, waterfront parks, beaches and natural areas. I seek quiet places with bursts of visual stimulus to re-set myself.

Final score:

2points

#45

I hate to say this, but I have to discourage people from exacerbating it. For instance, my daughter, who inherited ADHD from me and my husband, will interrupt me constantly while I'm trying to relay a thought. I have to stop the conversation and walk away. We're both trying to learn together how to maintain consistent focus of thoughts. Unfortunately, it hasn't been until she's gotten to adulthood that we can really work cooperatively.

Final score:

2points

#46

I have ADHD and i just sit down with my favorite book and just calm down when I get to hyper or upset.

Final score:

2points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Woman Moves Out Of Parents' Home After They Asked Her To Give Her Space To Brother, They Freak Out

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

Mom Leaves $250k Inheritance To Son, Throws A Fit When Daughter Stops Looking After Her

#47

Podcasts! Wireless earbuds at work, somehow it helps me concentrate better than music. Used to listen when falling to sleep as well, to keep out my brains overthinking, but started using sleepcasts instead. I actually fall asleep within 10 minutes every day now!

Final score:

2points

Maja Lykkegaard

#48

Listening to music, especially nightcore. Idk why, but music helps me relax.

Final score:

2points

#49

I color mandalas. The back and forth motion of the markers and making something beautiful helps my brain chill out for a minute or two

Final score:

2points

#50

Educate yourself on your illness as much as possible. And remember - YOU are not "the problem". The PROBLEM is the problem. Be kind to yourself.

Final score:

2points

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

Woman Refuses To Chip In For Babysitting Because She Doesn’t Even Have Kids, Asks If She’s A Jerk

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

“This Breaks My Heart”: People Stunned—And Angry—After Woman Buys Lost Luggage From Airport

#51

Besides taking time alone and wearing noise canceling headphones, I just watch my plants. Even if we have guests and I realize it's too much I just watch my plants be. It is my special interest and I have about 100 of them, so theres a lot to see.

Final score:

2points

#52

Writing songs. Either a movie or a random thought i fixate on. Then expand it into a poem/song. It helps when I go to band practice and get to sing it out.

Final score:

1point

#53

I have a few. Sometimes I eat my safe foods : Applesauce/fruit cups or Mac n Cheese.

I have safe toys/fidgets which I can touch or rub between my fingers that provide a soothing and comforting feeling.

I will sometimes distract myself with my safe shows/movies/games.

If I’m having sensory overloads, I lay on my bed and make sure everything is off. No lights or sounds and close my eyes.

Final score:

1point

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

"I Didn't Start The Dryer": Karen Gets Taught A Lesson After Throwing Out Neighbor's Wet Clothes

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

College Student Does Exactly As Told After Roommates Demand They Keep Their Stuff In Their Room

#54

I have ADHD and narcissistic parents. Coping.... well, I have a bunch of bouncy balls that I can easily put in my hand to keep me busy. I also like to do hands on things and keep busy. I love playing online games and meeting new people as well. I also zone out a lot. How I cope with getting yelled at is different. I usually go to my room and text someone, mostly my friends, about the situation. Anyway, if you need anything else, lemme know.

Final score:

1point

Hello Earthlings

#55

I have ADHD and in class, I fiddle with one of those rubber bracelet things and one of my friends who's Autistic also finds this a good coping method

Final score:

1point

#56

I have adhd, it helps if you're sometimes just away from people, it doesn't matter what type of people at all.
The silence is extremely refreshing.

Final score:

1point

basically_bill_cipher

ADVERTISEMENT

See Also on Bored Panda

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

Guy Divorced 3 Years Ago Drops Off 3 Y.O. With His Ex-Wife Completely Out Of The Blue

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

“All Three Shot Out Pink”: Triplets' Baby Shower Turns Sour, Pregnant Wife Wants A Divorce

#57

Spending lots of time alone, my husband thinks it’s weird that I don’t like to socialize but I’ve just naturally had a hard time making friends my whole life, but being alone builds my battery up enough to where I can force myself once or twice a week to be social

Final score:

1point

Angeline Shalyn

#58

I have a thing about smells. Roses calm me, wet dog relaxes me and ao on

Final score:

0points

#59

Spending time in my workshop. Getting creative helps me focus. But if my schedule is thrown off

Final score:

0points

#60

Earplugs

Final score:

0points

#61

I can't help but twitch my fingers and my mum says if I keep on doing it I will dislocate them

Final score:

0points

ADVERTISEMENT

#62

I do roller skating it just helps me express my self
And every one doesn’t judge u normally and you just pull on those skates that feeling

Final score:

0points

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.

Titas Burinskas

This dude right here? He works as a Community Manager at Bored Panda. Has no back-story, cause his spine works just fine. He writes about himself in third-person, and in first-person about others. Fell in love with storytelling and cannot let that love go. Now, he's here to help you make your own story simply beautiful. Secretly makes cute music samples and writes stories in the dark that nobody has ever heard of before.

This dude right here? He works as a Community Manager at Bored Panda. Has no back-story, cause his spine works just fine. He writes about himself in third-person, and in first-person about others. Fell in love with storytelling and cannot let that love go. Now, he's here to help you make your own story simply beautiful. Secretly makes cute music samples and writes stories in the dark that nobody has ever heard of before.

What do you think ?

Amber swinger (Post author) 3 years ago

Wow so many good answers i was only needing one or two thank you so much I will definitely try and use some of them

6points

pusheen buttercup 3 years ago

It may not work for everyone but I find caffeine helps me process sensory input without as much pain. Also the smell of coffee blocks out the smell of people for me which is a plus. Above all be patient with yourself.

3points

Amber swinger (Post author) 3 years ago

Makes sense as caffeine is a stimulant so can mellow Autistic people out

2points

Load More Replies...

Mylène Asselin-Soucy 3 years ago

Daily hicking to manage physical hyperactivity and gardening to manage mental hyperactivity

1point

Load More Comments

Amber swinger (Post author) 3 years ago

Wow so many good answers i was only needing one or two thank you so much I will definitely try and use some of them

6points

pusheen buttercup 3 years ago

It may not work for everyone but I find caffeine helps me process sensory input without as much pain. Also the smell of coffee blocks out the smell of people for me which is a plus. Above all be patient with yourself.

3points

Amber swinger (Post author) 3 years ago

Makes sense as caffeine is a stimulant so can mellow Autistic people out

2points

Load More Replies...

Mylène Asselin-Soucy 3 years ago

Daily hicking to manage physical hyperactivity and gardening to manage mental hyperactivity

1point

Load More Comments

Back to Homepage

More about Ask Pandas

Next in Ask Pandas

Related on Bored Panda

Related on Bored Panda

Trending on Bored Panda

Also on Bored Panda