Category: Asbergers

Coping with Autism

Posted on by Gregory Wood

by Greg Wood

Years ago after being diagnosed with Autism I accepted the fact that I had a hidden disability and to many people I looked normal. Today on my Facebook feed there was a list of traits of the autistic employee.  I identify with many of them.

  1. Needs their breaks
  2. Recharges best alone
  3. Prefers to work independently
  4. Has a lot of questions
  5. Meets deadlines and holds high personal expectations
  6. Misses company parties
  7. Speaks their mind
  8. Works at unexpected times and goes in early
  9. Takes requests literally
  10. Reads the energy of the room but misses social cues
  11. Feels mortified when they make a mistake.  

Support Group Notes

Posted on by Gregory Wood

For several years I have participated in a support group for adults on the spectrum. The group is though an organization is called AANE. The group meets on Zoom. For 8 weeks 4 times a year. In each meeting people share their weekly struggles and successes. My goal is to learn from others and make a contribution to the group. This is from Sept 1, 2026 group.  – Greg

Resources re: our discussion topic (Anxiety as an Autistic person) 

Resources/suggestions:
Strategies focus on immediate physiological grounding, sensory management, and reducing cognitive demand.

1. Shift to Physical Grounding (Proprioceptive Input)
Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
Wall Pushes
The 5-5-5 Breathing Method

2. Aggressively Cut Sensory Input
Isolate Your Senses
Change Your Environment

3. Lean into Regulating Behaviors
Allow Safe Stimming:
Engage a Special Interest:

4. Implement a Radical “Brain Freeze”
Stop Making Decisions:
Use an Exit Strategy:

  • Ashwagandha
  • Medical Marijuana
  • Calling someone to verbally process (or talking aloud to self)
  • Nonverbal communication (sign language)

Kelly Urban is the group leader.