10 SIGNS THAT AUTISTIC NICK IS GETTING OVERWHELMED

10 SIGNS THAT AUTISTIC NICK IS GETTING OVERWHELMED

It’s not often always clear or obvious that I am feeling overwhelmed as an Autistic person.

I don’t stand up from my chair at work and yell out “I’m feeling overwhelmed.”

So, if you see me in the office at work or at home and I’m displaying any of the following signs then rest assured I’m feeling overwhelmed.

Here then are my top ten signs that I am feeling overwhelmed, so you know what to look out for if you one of the observational types who notices everything and everyone around you.

Like someone called Jessica Fletcher perhaps, who for some inexplicable reason is unable to sit still at her typewriter and punch out those works of fiction, rather she steps into the role of sheriff and solves the towns crimes!

How does she fit it all into her day?

Well I’m not here to write a thesis on this.

Let’s get into my top ten signs blog post.

ONE

I start to yank on my staff pass, threading it through my fingers numerous times. I will also pull on the string bit and let it go snapping back and forth again numerous times. I may also wrap the cord part around the pass itself and then let it unravel.

TWO

Stretching my fingers. This is a very soothing thing for me to do in order for me to prevent myself from heading into a potential meltdown situation.

THREE

Twirling my hair. I will grab with my finger some of my hair and twirl it around my finger and then let it go and repeat that whole process.

FOUR

Banging out a rhythm on my chest with my hands. I will get a beat going with my hands and that is very soothing for me.

FIVE

Going for a walk. I’ll mention it to someone in the office If I see them or I’ll just say that I’m heading out for a short walk. I don’t feel in that moment that I’ll need to offer an explanation it’s just a heads up to you from me.

SIX

Stretching. I may do some stretching type movements like bending forward and swinging my arms back and forth. Or just shake my body continually.

SEVEN

I may not speak to you or remain silent at my desk. I may not answer you if you speak to me. I am not being rude rather I am trying to surround myself in the silence and remove myself from the noise around me. I may also put on my noise cancelling headphones if you see me doing that then that’s a very defiant warning sign that I am feeling very overwhelmed and I need to be left alone.

EIGHT

I pull out my wordsearch book and start to solve the puzzles in that book. This is something very soothing for me to do. I am able to be in the zone and focus all my attention on the word search puzzle.

NINE

If I am at home, I will in some instances jump into my pool and embrace the water however cold that maybe. I can spend some time under water and be alone in that calming moment.

TEN

Getting into bed and having a nap. I’ll wrap myself up tight in my bed linen and enjoy the peace and quietness.

CARRY ON THE CONVERSATION

As always, I can also be found on Twitter:@AutisticNickAU and on the Official Autistic Nick Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/AutisticNickAU/ Thank you for reading and I will see you next time for more thoughts from across the spectrum.