Holistic Health: Wellness Strategies for Autism

As an autistic person, you might struggle more than neurotypical people to stay healthy and well, especially if you have eating-related issues or problems with executive functioning. If this is the case, and you would like to feel better about yourself, here are some wellness strategies that you can follow as an autistic adult.

·  Eat Well

Eating enough as an autistic person can be hard, especially if you do not like the texture of most foods or if you go off foods easily. To combat this, you should try to create a food routine, eating at the same time every day. You should also try to find easy-to-cook meals that you can consume when you are burned out, and you should always keep stock of your safe food. Even if this safe food is not particularly healthy, eating something is always better than eating nothing. You might also consider trying new foods gradually in a safe and comfortable environment and trying not to worry about it if you do not like any of the new foods that you choose.

·   Rest When You Need To

The world can be overwhelming and tiring for autistic people, especially if you spend the majority of your day masking. Some autistic people also have sleep issues. This means it is important to listen to the needs of your body and rest when it requires you to, even if you need to rest more than neurotypical people. It is also important that you take rest breaks throughout the day and spend some time alone or in a safe and comfortable space when you would like to. You should also take yourself out of situations that are troubling you, such as stepping outside if you are in a room full of loud children. This will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to face the world and can prevent you from going through a meltdown or experiencing autistic burnout.

·  Download an App

Another more modern strategy that you can try to stay well with autism is to download an app that has been specially designed for autistic adults. Apps for autistic adults can give them all the support that they need to combat the major challenges that they experience. For instance, these apps can help you to set goals, track your behavior, or build up life skills. They might also help you to express your mood and needs to others who might be able to help you. A great advantage of these apps is that you can carry them around in your pocket and access them whenever you need to.

·  Look for Aids

There are also many aids available for autistic people that can enable them to better cope with the stresses and triggers of daily life, and you should not be afraid or ashamed of using them in public. These aids include noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys, as well as comfort items such as plushies. You might also try to look after yourself by advocating for your needs and for certain accommodations within the workplace and educational environments, such as extra time on tasks, written instructions, or a quieter workplace.