ANCA.Spring.2017.Sept.19.final

Styles
PIC
surfaces and the floor are minimalistic; the ‘clutter’ is
organised in clearly labelled boxes and stored out of
sight, so I always know where to find what I need, and
can easily access.
● Daily Gentle exercise, art and music therapy, weighted
blankets, sensory lights, sensory stress balls and routinely
work/Activism.
I cannot express how important it is that living spaces
are tidy and clean. There is nothing more overloading and
overwhelming than living in a space that is unhealthy for
your mind. In this way, mess on the floor, or surfaces, or
having belongings that are disorganised is counter-productive
to those on the Autistic Spectrum like me. When
every detail is noticeable, and distracts you, I’m sure you
can imagine how having loads of stuff, disorganised and
cluttering all space, is incredibly overwhelming, preventing
holistic growth and development.
If I didn’t have these living
arrangements, I would
be having meltdowns every
other minute, with everything
I would try to do
becoming an impossible
task that my problem solving,
lack of connectivity,
shutdowns, social imagination
and poor focus is just
not able to cope with. I
would be unable to leave
the house or develop and
build any new or existing
skills. This is because every
little thing I would try
to do would be so much
harder because I would
be forced to focus on the
mess, and problem solving
issues like where things
are, organising things, that
could be prevented. If a
living space is clean and
organised, then my brain
doesn’t have to focus on
the unnecessary, leaving
room to focus on what as
important—development
and well-being.
In my Autism friendly
little flat, my Jam Jar, I now
feel able, independent
and free, able to leave
the flat when I please, cook, do jobs and live as I wish to.
I can now cope with shutdowns and overloads because
my environment is clear and calming. I feel as if I can just
fly away; can you see my wings fluttering? Inside my Jam
Jar, I have abilities. I have a gift. I am empowered.
I am an Autistic Super Fairy.
P.S…If you wish to discover
more about Asperger’s,
please pre-order my book;
“AspergerWorld: My Fairy
Jam Jar,” which inspires
positive understanding of
the hidden depths and
quirks of the Autistic Spectrum,
from my rare professional
and personal perspective.
Reviewed by
Autism and educational
professionals and those interested in the Autism Spectrum
as “the best book on the subject I have read” and “I
wish I had this book at the start of my Special Educational
Needs Career.” •
Joely Colmer, England
www.aspergerworld.co.uk
www.naturallyautistic.com |
21