Since coming home from the OCD conference in early July, I have been swamped with my internship at my local newspaper, family responsibilities, grad school applications, health issues and preparing to start my courses on August 16th.
Whenever I get busy--too busy--I tend to push my sensory and autistic self care needs to the bottom of my priority list. This, of course, leads to autistic burnout, more autistic shutdowns, increased anxiety, communication difficulties---the list goes on.
I am working with my insurance to get my occupational therapy services covered---where I work on executive functioning skills, sensory integration and motor skills. I have found OT very helpful.
I also have a sensory area in my basement---I got most of the items thrifted and hunted down deals for the other items. I need to make time for sensory breaks---proactively managing my stress level instead of only taking a sensory break when I am close to meltdown.
Have you found a way to proactively manage potential meltdowns / shutdowns / burnout? Have you also found success in therapies like OT and speech? I'd love to hear about it.
Wishing everyone a happy weekend,
Max
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