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

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#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.

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    #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.

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    Scott Windsor
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    SentimentAndBadJokes
    SentimentAndBadJokes
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't have ADHD or autism, but I can totally relate to this statement. Swimming is just so relaxing and calm, and it's great to do non-competitively too. Glad that you've got something you enjoy!!

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    #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.

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    Mark Howell
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    #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.

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    BN80
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    Steffen Rehm
    Steffen Rehm
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Funny, i struggle so hart since years to get to fulltime and more money stable. Every time i hit a milestone in my live and got more hours to work, the pressure rises on me, but i need the money. I was happier with 25h a week then now with 30, but if you are a low wage, you have not really a choice. I´m not smart enough to get a higher Graduation. My second language is almost as bad, as my first language. So, i will be happy, if i somehow reach 37h and got finally a proper income.

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    #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.

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    SumoNinja
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    #6

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

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    Your fellow Gay
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    Night Owl
    Night Owl
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Doodling has proven to help with focusing. I'm glad it works for you too

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    #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

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    Goth Mouse (he/they)
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    #8

    Wireless ear buds. With or without music playing.

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    Ilana Appleton
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    Marcia Ferris
    Marcia Ferris
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My son used to use eat plugs when he was doing class work to mute surrounding noise. He now uses head phones.

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    #9

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

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    Chaotic Duck
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    #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. ❤

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    Aimee Lou
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    #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

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    teal&pink
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    #12

    stretching

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    ekBar57
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    #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.

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    Daniel (ShadowDrakken)
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    #14

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

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    Titas Burinskas
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    Phoebe Carter
    Phoebe Carter
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always need something in my hands too, I don't feel right with empty hands

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    #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.

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    ThoughtsAreNotFacts
    ThoughtsAreNotFacts
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really love all of these posts! Walking can be a huge sensory relief for some people. I worked with a woman who had sensory walks in between every activity to help with the transition between tasks. Walking can be a nightmare for others, though. The sounds, sights and sensory Overload of being outside can be very distressing. I feel the key is finding what works for someone individually! There's no "one size fits all"

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    #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.

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    Emery Walters
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    #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.

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    Esther
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    #18

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

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    #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.

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    Steffen Rehm
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    ThoughtsAreNotFacts
    ThoughtsAreNotFacts
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is huge! The mind/body connection can't be ignored. Good for you for recognizing when it's time to be done. Self preservation is so necessary!

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    #20

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

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    Mizim
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    #21

    Food, mainly.

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    Guy MacGregor
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    Stephanie IV
    Stephanie IV
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do this, to detrimental effect on my figure and, subsequently, health.

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    #22

    Metal music, jazz, ambiance video and knitting.

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    deathrose
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    #23

    Reading

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    LivvyPastelGoth
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    #24

    Yoga

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    Juno Roundtree
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    #25

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

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    54
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    #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.

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    Diego
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    deemcelwain777 avatar
    ThoughtsAreNotFacts
    ThoughtsAreNotFacts
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No shame in taking needed medications to help with anxiety! And awesome that you're utilizing therapy as well!

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    #27

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

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    John Topper
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    #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.

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    María
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    #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.

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    Terilee Bruyere
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    #30

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

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    Carol Emory
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    #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!

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    Sky Render
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    #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

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    Dave Johns
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    #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.

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    MaKai Magie
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    #34

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

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    Demi Coro
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    #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.

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    Jen M B
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    #36

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

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    Kathy Thrash
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    #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.

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    pusheen buttercup
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    #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?

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    Margaret Weaver
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    #39

    drawing and French music

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    Lewis Fisher Wells
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    #40

    Drawing, painting, anything art related

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    Audrey Woodall
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    #41

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

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    Falcon on Dizzy
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    #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

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    ugly.porcupine
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    TheAnimalLady
    TheAnimalLady
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Always a good idea, but especially helpful if "normal people" are being too judgemental or abusive. Animals tend to treat us better than most people do. They're not trying to steal our money or control us (except to get treats or more petting).

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    #43

    Tons of walking and no music like in NY

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    Amelia G
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    #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.

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    #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.

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    Susan Stead
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    #46

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

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    person
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    #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!

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    Maja Lykkegaard
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    #48

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

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    #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

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    Lisa Bonnet
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    #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.

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    Meg L
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    Sardonyx_3
    Sardonyx_3
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I'm on the spectrum. I have self-diagnosed Misophonia, and diagnosed ADHD. Not a great combo. :)

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    #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.

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    #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.

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    #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.

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    E Bytes
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    #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.

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    Sardonyx_3
    Sardonyx_3
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    2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How about calming methods? (i.e. if something ~ happens and if you feel a little lightheaded or stressed beyond the max, what do you do?)

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    #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

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    SingularCow
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    #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.

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    basically_bill_cipher
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    #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

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    Angeline Shalyn
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    #58

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

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    Amber swinger
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    #59

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

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    Waterbaby
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    Waterbaby (Submission author)
    Waterbaby
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That should have read if my schedule is thrown off or I have an appointment that day I can't get anything done. It just didn't write the rest for some reason

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    #60

    Earplugs

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    Ashley Lynne
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    #61

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

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    Umi chan
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    TheAnimalLady
    TheAnimalLady
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    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tell mum that it's hand exercises and you're training for arm wrestling or sign language classes? Or that you've noticed that when she stops nagging you, you feel less like doing it (odds are that is true).

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    #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

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    Umi chan
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