Change and autism do not go well together. Right now I have lots of big new changes happening all at once, from moving house to changing jobs to change in career. It’s alot and I have never felt good with change transitions or new things but I have some tips and things I do to help prevent a meltdown when it comes to dealing with change so maybe they can help someone else.

Making fun plans with friends. This is something that helps me both focus on something on the future and gives me something to look forward to. For example at the minute, I am planning pottery painting in a month or two with my old work friends and having a movie day with my best friend, both once I have settled in my changes and figured out work schedule etc.

Talking with my mum. I don’t feel like this one needs much explanation but chatting with your mum is magic, and hugs from mum as well heal everything, no matter how overwhelmed and stressed I am a chat and hug from my mum and I feel like I can do anything.

Allowing myself rest time. This is ever so important to allow this time to prevent meltdowns and overstimulation, especially in stressful times like moving house and changing jobs and anxiety is rocket high.

Keeping creative/focusing on special interest. Both a good distraction tool and anxiety relief. For me, my special interests and creative outlets are Lego (just built Wednesday and Enid’s dorm room, one of my favourites!) and my favourite creative outlet of writing on this blog. Which yes writing this post about change being hard is a way of me distracting myself from the big changes I have going off right now.

Keeping a daily routine. In a world where alot is out of control, being able to keep some control helps keep the anxiety smaller. It’s nothing big, just making sure I wake up at same time, going to sleep at same time, showering and doing usual night time routine and eating regular meals and doing skincare and medication. All things that give me small senses of control.

These are just a few ways I help control my anxiety and overwhelm when it comes to big changes and autism in order to prevent meltdowns. What are some ways you help your autism when it comes to change and transitions?