Bug

Hello there! This post is for caregivers who care for littles who are autistic. Here's some ways to help with meltdowns or times when autism is being meaner than usual! (All from my personal experience as someone with autism! Not everyone is the same!)

First, let's start with some of the possible warning signs of a meltdown! 1. Sensory Issues worse than usual -> Textures may be described as "wrong" or "bad" -> Things may be perceived as louder than they actually are -> Things may be perceived as brighter than they actually are -> Room feels like it's closing in around you 2. May become more irritable -> May be more prone to snapping or having an attitude -> Could possibly be described as more "stubborn" 3. Trouble communicating -> Being non-verbal for a prolonged amount of time -> Trouble expressing feelings or emotions -> Could also speak faster than usual or slower than usual -> Saying things like "I don't know what's wrong" or "I can't figure out what's happening" 4. Difficulty taking care of self -> Forgetting to eat/not wanting to -> Not sleeping as they normally would -> Not having the motivation or energy to do basic tasks 5. Isolation -> This is a big warning sign! -> Not wanting to go out/leave the house/leave their room -> Struggling when they do leave their space 6. Increase in stimming (whether super noticeable stims, or more passive ones) -> Hand flapping, rocking, mouth popping, hair fidgeting, fidgeting with hands, etc These are some of the possible warning signs, but everyone is different. Now, here's some ways you can help a little experiencing this.

~Be patient and understanding. Autism can be scary outside of littlespace, but it can be scarier when little. Try not to get angry or frustrated. ~Avoid yelling or any other loud noises ~Don't force them to talk or communicate. Sometimes it's better to just have someone there ~Listen if they do try and communicate their needs. ~Going along with the one above, but don't feel hurt or like you did something wrong if they ask to be left alone or tell you they need space. Sometimes having someone around is too much and they might just need to process their emotions on their own. ~Communicate on ways to help once the meltdown seems to subside ~Remember that everyone is different. What you've seen work for someone might not work for someone else. It varies (which is why communication is good) ~Try to give suggestions if sensory issues is something that's a main struggle ("Try changing into comfy clothes" "Try a different blanket" "Turn off the TV?" "Turn off the lights?") Just trying to figure out what helps and what doesn't ~Offer a distraction if that's what they need (Ask about hyperfixations, even if you already know the answers to the questions. One of the good ones for me that always seems to come up is dinosaurs <3)

If you regress/dream to an older age range, you might not play pretend as often, if at all. That said, there’s no reason why you still can’t enjoy your plushies’ company.

Cuddle them as you go to sleep. This one is pretty obvious, but I think it deserves a place on this list.

Make them little Kandi collars with their name in letter beads. You can make a matching bracelet or necklace for yourself too!

On that note, sew clothes for them and dress them up. This one might require some supervision because of the pins and needles, but it’s usually worth it.

Set them up so that they look like they’re doing the same activity as you are. (Putting a controller in front of them if you’re gaming, pretending to feed them bits of your meal, setting them up in front of the TV so they can enjoy the programs with you, etc) This one veers into pretend play, but it’s not as involved so I figured I’d include it.

Put them into your purse/backpack/bag so they can keep you company on your errands or other trips you take.

Set them up in nature or around the house and take photos of them. You can even scrapbook with the photos.

If they are sturdy enough, give them a bubble bath and then either stick them in a pillowcase and put it in the dryer, or air dry them in the sun. This is good for bonding with them, and general maintenance to keep them clean.

Write about them. You can make little character profiles for them, or even full stories! This is good if you have a hard time playing pretend but you still want to feature them in imaginative contexts.

Draw/paint pictures of them and hang them on your wall!

Finally, if this is something you’re up for, set up a side blog for your favorite plushie and document their life online. Make blog posts from their perspective, have them take “selfies” etc!

ꔫThere is a number of reasons that an individual may age regress!

ꔫBecoming familiar with terms “voluntary” and “involuntary” will be very useful in your understanding!

Voluntary: “intentional, done because one wants to”

Involuntary: “unintentional, carried out without one’s own wishes”

ꔫSo, age regression is something that can be done voluntarily or involuntarily. To restate, it can happen because one chooses to or because one unintentionally falls into the state.

ꔫVoluntary regression, oftentimes, is for fun or relaxation! However, it is sometimes also done voluntarily as a choice between different coping mechanisms.

ꔫInvoluntary regression is “triggered”. Despite the connotations of the term “triggered”, this does not always mean something negative! Yes, triggers for regression can be stress, anxiety, fear, etc., but they can also be happiness, comfort, external environmental factors, etc.

ꔫWhen used as a coping mechanism, age regression is commonly defined as “returning to a time where you felt safer, things were easier, and/or less stressed out.”

ꔫRegression is not always a bad experience, but it’s not always a good one either! Both happen, both are real, that’s okay!

ꔫWhether or not you are a voluntary or involuntary regressor, if you regress for fun or to cope — or a combination of all of these things — that is perfectly valid. All that matters is that you are safe, happy, and doing what’s good for you!

Pinkie pie / pan pride stimboard 🩷💛🩵