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hyperfixingfr · 3 months

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Sector V stim head canons WOOOO

Numbuh One: he has mostly vocal stims... But because of the way the world around him is, he masks it a lot and only does it in private. Sometimes he gets pulled into it by his friends though because Hoagie and Kuki also have a lot of vocal stims and if they start vocally stimming, Nigel will chime in. They even have two-person vocal stims (mostly between him and Hoagie) that are taken from memes or skits. One will say a line, and the other will say the next.

Other than numerous vocal stims, he does some other pretty typical stuff too. Pen clicking, leg bouncing, mostly nervous behaviors.

He repeats stims over and over again due to OCD. Sometimes in situations where he's extremely nervous he gets stuck in a loop of repetitive stimming. It exhausts him.

Numbuh Two: stereotypical autism stims. He stims ALL the time. Wally takes care of the people who make fun of him for it so he doesn't feel like he has to hide it. He has a few "unique" ones though.

Hand flapping/fist shaking, jumping up and down, little dances, kicking feet, chirping, whining/cooing (animalistically), and meowing at people. He gets a lot of shit for it from his grandma unfortunately. "You aren't five!"

He's sound sensitive and doesn't have many auditory stims due to trauma. He does, however, like Nigel's accent so much that it calms him. I guess you can call it an auditory stim?

He's also smell sensitive but more in a positive way. He loves mechanical smells and will take any chance he gets to inhale that scent into his entire body. He also likes the smell of... Mold. If he walks into a room and says, "wow, this place smells amazing!" when you haven't lit a candle recently, it's time to check for mold. He likes the feeling of mechanical stuff, too. Rust is a very soothing texture to him despite most hating it. Like Kuki, he enjoys soft, gentle textures too. He curls himself up in multiple big blankets, even when it's hot outside. He feels safe in them. Can't forget to mention, he has a BUNCH of comfort foods. We all already know what they are tho!!!

Numbuh Three: has lots of visual stims. Also stims a lot. Can often get distracted by visual stims when they're around.

She can be kinda loud with her vocal stims. With help from Hoagie (who usually gets triggered by the volume of her stims), she's working on learning to manage how loud she is. He's very understanding and finds resources to help her with it.

Auditory stims are, as expected, most rainbow monkey tunes! There's a few from the franchise that don't sound quite right and bother her. But many will calm her down and even make her stim in other ways.

She has MANY textile stims. Rainbow monkeys are probably obvious. She has a special rainbow monkey called the super fuzzy wuzzy rainbow monkey, and it's her favorite texture. She can't get enough of it and holds it ALL the time, taking in all the details of its soft, pink texture. She also likes her blankets a lot, and she loves the comforters. She has a big love for gelatin and eats it often. Her favorite flavor is lemon, because she likes sour stuff.

Numbuh Four: he doesn't stim in public but he stims around his friends and at home. Quiet and shy about it, though. He very subtly shakes his fists back and forth (like Hoagie does, but slower). He also taps his temples. Bouncing his leg is also common.

Similarly to Kuki, he can get LOUD! I mean SUPER loud. He's usually in his room so it's mostly not a problem but he has a tendency to send 1 & 2 into fight or flight with sudden and loud vocal stims if they're around. Nigel's working with him on it, although Hoagie's the only one who actually seems to be helpful lol. What makes it worse is that one of his vocal stims is just... Screaming. This one can get really bad because even if being in a different room quiets it down, it'll send Hoagie into a state of panic. He claims that the screams sound just like Tommy, causing him to instinctually run to the location and scream bloody murder at the source. "It was me, not him", "stop it, hit me instead", so on. He finally calms down enough to gain an idea of his surroundings and realizes it was just his friend. Wally found a place where he can scream safely without this happening. It got stressful for them both VERY quickly when he'd scream and that would happen.

He's very sensitive to textures. He won't eat most foods. He won't wear most clothes. His hoodie, however, comforts him. And he loves the texture of Kuki's sweater.

Numbuh Five: mostly visual. She LOVES colorful things, just like Kuki. She does have a few noticeable stims tho. She chimes in when people are vocally stimming and she shakes her fist (yes, FIST and not FISTS).

She loves the aquarium. She also loves bubbles. She has a bunch of stim toys that she watches for HOURSSSSSSS on end. Never ending. She has one of those fake jellyfish aquariums that she watches all the time...

She has LED lights in her room and they're CONSTANTLY ON. She changes the color a lot to fit what she needs. She changes the color sometimes when other teammates walk in, especially the visually sensitive ones.

Only wears bike shorts. She hates wearing pants so badly 😭 she can handle normal shorts but she prefers bike shorts because they allow for more mobility.

CONTENT WARNING: I'M ABOUT TO GET INTO SOME HARMFUL STIMS. AVOID READING IF NEEDED.

Numbuh One: hits himself over the head with pens. Pulls on his ears. Kicks around until exhaustion. He also purposely makes sounds that irritates himself.

Numbuh Two: lots of self injury. At this point, it has become instinctual. He almost always draws enough blood from it to cause him to become, for lack of a better term, sedated. He tends to use this as a sort of harmful stim to combat negative emotions. He also bites his nails so badly that he chews off the skin and occasionally causes bleeding there.

Numbuh Three: throws things. Destroys her room. Pulls her hair. She sometimes even bites her own arms and tries to maul herself. She doesn't have very sharp teeth, so nothing happens. She can't even draw blood, thankfully. She just leaves behind bite marks that fade after an hour.

Numbuh Four: head banging (which is canon btw). He does it a lot. Punches things to the point of drawing blood. Like Kuki, he also pulls his hair. Because Wally is very much "monkey see, monkey do", he also does purposeful self injury just like Hoagie. Although, unlike Hoagie who ends up losing enough blood to become woozy each time, Wally will only manage to just *barely* draw blood from cuts on his upper arms because he uses the tabs from soda cans.

Numbuh Five: head bangs as well. She slaps her leg really hard. She pulls her hair, sometimes even plucking strands from the source. When she was a bit younger, she did self injury. She doesn't do it anymore, and instead does all of these other things as a harmful stim. She's working with a therapist to find a way to learn healthy coping skills and healthy stims.

#knd #codename kids next door

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sukoonify · 3 months

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How to Set Good Sleep Patterns for Your Baby

Establishing good sleep patterns for your baby is not only crucial for their development but also for your well-being as a parent. Good sleep habits from a young age can lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy sleep patterns. In this blog, we'll explore practical steps to set good sleep patterns for your baby, integrating the soothing power of lullabies and relaxing music for kids, an area where our company, Sukoonify, specializes.

Importance

Understanding the importance of sleep in baby care is the first step. Sleep is essential for the healthy growth and development of infants, affecting their mood, cognitive abilities, and overall health. Hence, establishing a conducive sleep environment and routine is paramount.

Creating a bedtime routine is a cornerstone of good sleep hygiene. A consistent routine helps signal to your baby that it's time to wind down. This could include a warm bath, a gentle massage, and some quiet, bonding time. Incorporating lullabies for babies into this routine can significantly enhance its effectiveness. The soothing rhythms and melodies of lullabies have been shown to calm babies, reducing stress and easing the transition to sleep.

The environment plays a crucial role in your baby's sleep. Ensure the sleeping area is cool, quiet, and dimly lit. A comfortable crib with a firm mattress, devoid of loose bedding and toys, is ideal to avoid any risks. White noise machines or fans can also help drown out household noises, providing a consistent auditory backdrop that can be particularly soothing for infants.

Paying attention to your baby's sleep cues is also vital. Yawning, rubbing eyes, and fussiness can all indicate tiredness. Responding to these signs promptly by putting your baby to bed can prevent them from becoming overtired, which can make it more challenging for them to fall asleep.

At Sukoonify, we understand the impact of newborn sleep music and music's role in establishing good sleep routines. Our carefully curated lullabies and relaxing music for kids are designed to create a tranquil atmosphere that supports your baby's journey to sleep. Available on Spotify, our playlists offer a variety of soothing sounds that can be easily integrated into your baby's bedtime routine.

Tips

Daytime naps are an integral part of baby care, contributing to the overall sleep quota your baby needs. While it might seem counterintuitive, well-timed naps can actually help improve nighttime sleep. Avoiding long or late naps can ensure your baby is ready for bedtime, maintaining a balance that supports their natural sleep rhythms.

Diet and activity levels are also essential components of good sleep patterns. Ensuring your baby is well-fed and has had adequate activity during the day can help them sleep better at night. Be mindful of the timing of feedings and active play, keeping stimulating activities to the earlier part of the day and quieter activities closer to bedtime.

Flexibility is key when it comes to baby sleep. Growth spurts, teething, and developmental milestones can all temporarily disrupt sleep patterns. Being adaptable, while maintaining as much of the routine as possible, can help navigate these periods without fully derailing established sleep habits.

In recent blogs and studies, the link between baby sleep and music has been increasingly highlighted, reinforcing the benefits of incorporating music into bedtime routines. The gentle, repetitive nature of lullabies for babies can significantly soothe and relax your infant, promoting easier and more restful sleep.

In conclusion, setting good sleep patterns for your baby involves a combination of consistent routines, a conducive sleep environment, and tuning into your baby's needs. The integration of infant sleep music and relaxing music for kids, like those offered by Sukoonify, can significantly enhance these efforts, providing a comforting and familiar auditory cue that it's time for sleep. Remember, patience and consistency are key. Each baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be prepared to adjust and adapt your approach as your baby grows and changes. With these strategies in place, you can help lay the foundation for healthy sleep habits that benefit your baby's development and the well-being of your entire family.

#baby sleep music #sleep music for kids #baby music to sleep #music for kids to sleep #sleep music baby #infant sleep music #bedtime sleep music #newborn sleep music #sleep time music for kids #best baby sleep music #Relaxing Music For Kids

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blake25537-blog · 3 months

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How Can LoFi Music Videos Relieve Stress and Anxiety: A Deep Dive

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety are common challenges many of us face regularly. Finding effective ways to manage these feelings is crucial for maintaining mental health and overall well-being. LoFi (low fidelity) music videos have surged in popularity as a soothing solution for those looking to alleviate stress and anxiety. This comprehensive article explores the therapeutic effects of LoFi music videos, backed by scientific insights and practical examples, to offer a fresh perspective on their calming capabilities.

Introduction to LoFi Music

LoFi music is characterized by its simple, unpolished sound quality, often incorporating elements like ambient noises, vinyl crackles, and subtle imperfections. This genre aims to evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort, making it an ideal backdrop for relaxation, study, and stress relief.

The Science Behind LoFi Music's Calming Effects

Psychological Impact

LoFi music's repetitive, low-tempo beats can have a profound psychological impact, promoting a state of mindfulness and present-moment awareness. This effect is akin to the principles of mindfulness meditation, where focusing on the present can significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Physiological Responses

The soothing qualities of LoFi music can trigger the body’s relaxation response, slowing down the heart rate and reducing blood pressure. These physiological changes are crucial for counteracting the body's stress response, offering a natural remedy for anxiety and stress.

Cognitive Benefits

Listening to LoFi music while working or studying can enhance cognitive performance by improving concentration and reducing distractions. The ambient nature of LoFi music provides a non-invasive background sound that supports task engagement without overwhelming the listener.

Exploring LoFi Music Videos

LoFi music videos add a visual dimension to the auditory experience, often featuring calming animations or serene landscapes. These visuals can enhance the music's relaxing effects, offering a holistic sensory experience that encourages mental decompression.

Key Features of LoFi Music Videos

Aesthetic Visuals: Soft, aesthetic visuals complement the music, providing a visual escape that can help viewers disconnect from their stressors.

Continuous Streams: Many LoFi channels offer live streams, providing endless, uninterrupted music that viewers can rely on any time they need to unwind.

Community Aspect: The chat feature accompanying live streams fosters a sense of community among viewers, adding a layer of social support that can alleviate feelings of isolation.

Practical Tips for Incorporating LoFi Music Videos into Your Routine

Background Music: Play LoFi music videos in the background while working or studying to improve focus and reduce stress.

Relaxation Routine: Include LoFi music videos in your evening routine to unwind before bed, promoting better sleep quality.

Mindfulness Practice: Use LoFi music videos as a backdrop for mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, to enhance the calming effects.

FAQs

Q: Can LoFi music help with anxiety? A: Yes, the calming nature of LoFi music can help reduce symptoms of anxiety by promoting relaxation and mindfulness.

Q: Is it effective to study with LoFi music videos? A: Many people find that LoFi music videos improve their concentration and study efficiency by providing a soothing background noise.

Q: How long should I listen to LoFi music for stress relief? A: There's no set time limit; listening for as long as you find it helpful and relaxing is recommended. Even short periods can be beneficial.

Conclusion

LoFi music videos offer a unique blend of auditory and visual relaxation techniques that can effectively alleviate stress and anxiety. By promoting mindfulness, enhancing cognitive performance, and fostering a sense of community, LoFi music videos serve as a versatile tool for mental health management. Incorporating these videos into daily routines can provide a simple yet powerful way to maintain balance in today’s hectic world.

For more information, Click Here!

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worldrankmusic · 1 year

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Harmonize Your Mind and Soul with Soothing Meditation Music In today's fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become a common phenomenon. From work pressure to personal conflicts, the daily grind can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. While there are several ways to manage stress and improve your mental health, one of the most effective methods is meditation. Meditation is a practice that has been around for centuries and has been used to help individuals achieve a state of calm and relaxation. It involves focusing on your breath and clearing your mind of all distractions. Many people choose to meditate in silence, but if you find it challenging to focus, meditation music can help you achieve the desired state of inner peace and harmony. The power of music has been extensively researched, and studies have shown that music can have a significant impact on your mood, emotions, and physiological responses. When it comes to meditation, music can enhance the experience by creating a soothing and calming environment. Here's what you need to know about harmonizing your mind and soul with soothing meditation music. Why Use Meditation Music? Meditation music is an excellent tool for beginners who struggle to maintain focus during meditation. The music helps to drown out external distractions, such as traffic noise or people talking, and creates a peaceful atmosphere. Additionally, the sound of music stimulates the auditory senses, creating a pleasant environment that encourages relaxation. Another reason why meditation music is beneficial is that it can help sync your brainwaves with the music's rhythm. Different types of music have different frequencies, and studies have shown that some frequencies can induce a state of relaxation and reduce stress levels. When your brainwaves are in sync with the music's rhythm, it becomes easier to achieve a relaxed and meditative state. Types of Meditation Music There are several types of meditation music to choose from, and each has its unique qualities. Here are some of the most popular types of meditation music: 1. Nature Sounds: Nature sounds, such as chirping birds, rustling leaves, and flowing water, create a peaceful and calming environment that helps to relax the mind and reduce stress. 2. Binaural Beats: Binaural beats are two different sound frequencies played simultaneously at different volumes. This type of music is believed to help synchronize brainwaves, leading to a state of relaxation and meditation. 3. Instrumental Music: Instrumental music, such as flute, harp, or piano, can create a tranquil ambiance, helping listeners feel serene and relaxed. 4. Chanting Music: Chanting music, featuring repetitive chants or mantras, can help to clear the mind, promote relaxation, and increase focus. How to Use Meditation Music Using meditation music is simple and straightforward. Here are some tips to help you get started: 1. Choose a quiet and peaceful location: Find a quiet and peaceful location to meditate. It could be a room in your home or a secluded spot in nature. 2. Wear comfortable clothing: Wear loose and comfortable clothing that won't restrict your movement or cause discomfort. 3. Choose your music: Choose your preferred type of meditation music and make sure it's at a volume that's comfortable for you. 4. Sit in a comfortable position: Sit in a comfortable cross-legged or kneeling position with your back straight and shoulders relaxed. 5. Set a timer: Set a timer for the desired length of your meditation session. 6. Focus on your breath: Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. 7. Let the music guide you: Let the music guide you into a state of relaxation and calmness. While listening to the music, try to clear your mind and focus on your breath. Conclusion Meditation music is an excellent tool for individuals who want to achieve a state of relaxation and inner peace.

It can create a soothing and calming environment that helps to drown out external distractions and synchronize your brainwaves with the music's rhythm. With its ability to enhance the meditation experience, meditation music is an excellent addition to any meditation practice. So, take some time, find your quiet spot, put on some soothing meditation music, and let the music guide you into a state of harmony and peace. Harmonize Your Mind and Soul with Soothing Meditation Music

#Featured #meditationmusic

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babymusicintune · 1 year

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Benefits Of Classical Music For Special Needs Children

We've known that listening to track benefits kids' improvement for years. CD collections like those from child Einstein have become extremely famous with mothers and fathers of infants because specialists have identified that paying attention to the classical song isn't always the handiest engagement to very young kids but increases their brain's potential to perform spatial reasoning.

While an infant is born, he has billions of mind cells. Because the child develops, those mind cells shape connections with different brain cells. Babies who pay attention to tracks, specifically classical tracks, make sturdy music-associated connections inside the brain. Over the years, persevering in listening to classical song honestly changes the way the kid's thoughts works by means of developing mind pathways that would no longer have been there in any other case. Being attentive to track does now not grow IQ, per se, however, it could make the thoughts perform many critical responsibilities extra easily and with extra ability.

Attention to music has been proven to top our brains for spatial responsibilities like putting together puzzles. Even adults who did now not concentrate on frequently tracking as an infant can experience a brief-time period burst in spatial competencies after paying attention to the song.

Why Classical song?

Classical Music For Babies has been proven to have the maximum impact on creating brain connections in kids due to the song's complexity. The classical song has a complicated musical shape.

This complexity leads researchers to accept that the classical track is exceptional for building those pathways inside the mind. However, all tune is good for the brain. Studies have also shown that children with early and common exposure to the song are better at math, emphasizing the connection among pathways constructed by paying attention to tune and the brain's characteristics.

Special benefits to kids with special wishes

We are completely privy to music's blessings to all youngsters. But, researchers have become increasingly more privy to extra capacity advantages for children with getting to know problems like Down's syndrome, Autism, and different studying disabilities.

Youngsters with Autism

Autism is a neurological disease that influences socialization and verbal exchange. It's far a spectrum ailment that affects kind of zero. Six percent of the populace, taking place four times more regularly in adult males.

There has long been a connection between autism and music. Autistic children, though poor in language, are commonly capable of system music, and youngsters their age are no longer afflicted by gaining knowledge of incapacity. This regularly makes songs of a special hobby for autistic kids, and there have been many case studies regarding autistic youngsters who are musical savants.

In very realistic terms, many mothers and fathers of autistic youngsters have determined that listening to classical songs can calm and soothe their kids during bouts of appearing out. Like repetitive motions, consisting of swinging and rocking, the tune can occasionally save you from outbursts by using supporting youngsters to calm in advance of a potentially worrying scenario. The classical tune has been proven to, without a doubt, calm the anxious system.

Kids with Down Syndrome

One of the most vital remedies for Down syndrome youngsters is the auditory remedy. Down syndrome kids have tremendous issues in auditory vocal processing. They have got the hassle of getting to know to coordinate the movements of the lips and tongue, which can be required for speech. Further, they are noticeably liable to ear infections, frequently resulting in hearing loss. When kids go through listening to loss, it similarly impacts their ability to talk.

The tune is a key element of auditory therapy for Down syndrome children. Maximum tune therapists use a classical track in auditory therapy due to how it stimulates the mind and calms the worried system at the same time. Further to how classical track can assist in enhancing cognitive features, it enables improved auditory feature, that's of unique concern to those children. Kids with Down syndrome can certainly enhance their potential to respond to the overall range of sound frequencies thru sound therapy using the classical song.

Other mastering Disabilities

Studies suggest that classical music presents gain to all kids because of its capability to create pathways in the brain, stimulate the mind, and calm the apprehensive machine. These functions are especially vital to children with any mastering disability. Stepped forward capacity to focus, pay attention, and remain calm are positive effects for kids with hyperactivity problems, Asperger's syndrome, and upload. Further, stimulating the mind and introducing recent pathways can also help these children improve their capacity to carry out certain tasks, especially spatially related obligations.

Music holds a special location within the lives of many humans. Most people have unique songs that trigger responses and memories every time we pay attention to them. So, it is no surprise that tune profoundly affects our minds. We additionally now recognize that these outcomes can enhance our minds and cognitive skills, specifically in children with learning disabilities.

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chaotic0night0witch0 · 3 years

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Masterlist of stims

i have brainstormed every possible stim (not every single one but most i can think of) throughout the entire day

first of all, stimming is a healthy and important way for autistics and other ND individuals to regulate their emotions. stimming helps us to express and understand emotions. We stim when we're happy, upset, angry, overwhelmed, anxious, scared and even when we're bored.

it is very important that we are allowed to stim freely because suppressing them can be painful.

i hope this list will help you discover the different ways you can express yourself. stims don't always come naturally, and sometimes we need to discover sitims that work for us. Browse them, try them out, see what works for you.

what is stimming?

- any type of repetition using any senses of the body

- it is fluid and infinite

- it's quiet and loud

- unique to each person

- voluntary/intentional and involuntary/instinctual

why do we stim?

- to communicate

- to regulate emotions

- to express emotions and feelings

- to understand what we're feeling

- to distract

- for fun

- and sometimes just cause we're bored

Physical stims

hand flapping

hand waving

waving your arms

arm flapping

shaking your body from head to toe

wiggling

dancing

tapping on a surface or yourself

touching each finger to your thumb one at a time

running your tongue over your teeth

rocking back and forth or side to side

swaying

cracking your knuckles or toes

wiggling your toes or fingers

bouncing your legs

clicking your teeth together

snapping

clapping

pacing

tapping your feet

jumping

spinning in circles

rapid or hard blinking

bouncing while sitting or on your toes

running a hand through or over your hair

pulling your hair (in a safe, gentle way)

twirling your hair

squeezing your hands together

tensing and relaxing muscles

nodding and moving your head and neck

moving your jaw side to side

opening and clenching your hands

tapping fists together

rubbing your palms of your hands together

rubbing fingers together

rubbing lips together

giving yourself a hug

smacking your lips

rubbing your skin

moving your ankles in a circle

running or jogging

deep, meaningful breathing

rubbing your feet together

Stimming with aid of objects

playing instruments

swinging

rocking or spinning in a chair

going down a slide

clicking pens

drinking liquids

bouncing on an exercise ball

messing with jewelry

fidgeting with a stim/fidget toy

using chewelry

opening or closing things

painting or drawing

being under a weighted blanket

building Legos

splashing water

typing on a phone or computer

petting or scratching an animal

playing with playdough, slime, etc

jumping on a trampoline

messing with flip sequins

running your hands over soft and sensory friendly surfaces and fabrics

using the app "antistress" (an incredible app honestly)

Vocal stims

humming

singing

whistling

repeating a word or phrase out loud or in your head (echolalia)

counting out loud

clicking your tongue

Auditory stims

listening to music

listening to the same song over and over

listening to a stim toy

Visual stims

watching rain fall

watching kaleidoscopes

watching a ceiling fan

waving your hand in front of your face

watching yourself stim

staring

watching the light dance on the walls

calm down jars

sensory jars

watching liquid stim toys

watching an hourglass

watching soothing videos

watching ANY type of pleasing thing

Olfactory (smelling) stims

sniffing the air

using bath bombs

lighting a candle

wearing a necklace/bracelet that holds a scent

lighting incense

smelling food

putting on perfume or lotion

Gustatory (eating) stims

eating

chewing gum

sucking on a mint or sweet

sucking on a lollypop

#autism #adhd #anxiety #ptsd #ocd #stims #stimming #happy stims #freedom #neurodivergent #neurodivergencies #actually adhd #important #have fun #even if you're not neurodivergent #you stim #actually autistic

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alex2xander · 3 years

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Quick Essay Stimming Edition:

Neurodivergent people have different ways of managing sensory input and by allowing their body to stim (repetitive movements and vocal noises that reflect/vent the person's internal feelings feelings) they function significantly better.

Based on how frequently neurodivergent people stim, they can handle sensory input for different periods of time. Stimming is key to handling large amounts of sensory input, filtering it through our brains, and releasing tension from absorbing so much information from our surroundings. Stimming helps us release the internal pressure that comes with functioning.

Stimming can be anything from movement, to vocal sounds, auditory sounds, visuals, touch/rubbing objects and textures, etc.

Some people only stim when upset, some people only stim when happy. Stimming is a behaviour and an action. Not all Neurodivergent people can comfortably stim due to years of repressing their behaviour. Stimming is shamed and repressed by neurotypical adults due to their brain lacking the need to stim while filtering through sensory input and emotions. Stimming should only be redirected if it is directly harming the person to continue doing it. Do not shame people for how they stim. This is one of the best coping mechanisms the autistic community has.

Stimming is a necessary function of autistic life.

Examples of stimming: Rubbing clothing, rocking, spinning, deep pressure, repeating movements, tapping, humming a song, echoing lyrics, repeating movie lines, listening to the same song or audio clip over and over. Jumping up and down. Walking on tippy toes. Playing with hair. Fidgeting with pencils, pens, and other desk objects. Playing with slime. Tugging on clothing. Chewing on objects such as plastic. Rolling side to side. Staring at patterns. Staring at color changing lights. Staring at colours. Stroking animal fur. Petting soft objects. Scratching themselves. Playing with running water. Waving hands in the air. Sitting infront of fans. Listening to rain. Bouncing legs to the beat of the music. Applying pressure to objects. Flicking lights on and off. Pacing back and forth. Cracking knuckles. Rubbing soft fabric against the face.

All of these actions and behaviours are things the neurodivergent brain can choose to do to help soothe itself.

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stygiantarot · 4 years

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Tactile Witchcraft

(taught on The Alexandria Archives 5/16/2020)

Today we shall be exploring witchcraft from a specific sensory perception- touch. While there is absolutely no wrong sense to use to experience and practice witchcraft; I would say that sight and hearing are the most common; followed by scent. I’d like to offer an alternative inspiration with tactile focused witchcraft and show that it can be intermingled with a witch’s routine quite easily. This is especially helpful for those of us who have trouble with the common “visualizing” side of witchcraft.

Using my own experiences, I’ll explain how tactile witchcraft can be incorporated into the following routines and practices:

raising energy/charging

grounding and cleansing

meditation

divination

protection

ritual framework

Raising Energy and Charging Objects

Raising energy is used for almost any focused activity in witchcraft. The act of awakening your focus and intention in a ritual way. Many use visualizing for this- imagining energy flowing upwards into their hands or outward from their body like an expanding bubble. There are some common tactile methods that you may not even be aware of! Such as:

rubbing your hands together until they’re warm

posturing in a certain way (a certain standing or sitting position)

stomping or dancing

touching certain favored objects (like on an altar or other tools) 

This can be expanded on further into a more intense tactile action to raise your energy. Certain complex hand motions (think like the show The Magicians!), or physically connecting with objects that help you raise energy. You could run your fingers through a pot of dirt or sand, put your feet in the tub or a basin and run water over them, toss a special stone or coin from hand to hand (carefully of course), rub a particular lotion or oil on your face, arms, shoulders, or feet.

Notice tactile sensations rather than visual ones to know that your energy is being called forth. Feel the heat, the goosebumps or tingles, a tightening or adjusting of your body’s muscles or stance, a small breeze or touch perhaps.

When it comes to charging objects and tools- get into using your body to do so! My personal method is called “massaging the bones” and can be read about here.

You can also use your lips to kiss or blow your breath onto the object. You can jump or dance with it. You can hug it, cuddle it, wrap it in a special blanket, stroke it with a brush, feather, leaf, etc. Just the act of focusing your attention with this activities imbues the object with energy. It might be harder than raising energy to feel a direct effect but you can still get the temperature change or goosebumps/prickles sensation when charging objects like this. Especially if you take it slow and give it emotional depth during the process.

Do you have any special things you do to welcome a new special object into your home? Especially something emotional like a stuffie or sentimental decorative object. What about things you enjoy yourself when visiting a close friend or family member? Think about how you can incorporate those kind of actions in altered ways to charging objects and ritual tools.

Grounding and Cleansing

The act of grounding frequently involves a tactile element already. Touching the floor with your hands or feet is the most common. You can add onto this with having a bowl or pot of soil, sand, marbles/stones, or other substance (you could use salt or flour!) that you run your fingertips through. When you use food or drink to ground, incorporate observing the tactile element along with the taste- the texture and the temperature.

Grounding is basically using deliberate observation to bring ourselves gently back into focus with the mundane world. Stroke a pet, a blanket, a stuffie. Shuffle a deck of cards or shake and roll some dice. Stack or unstack a favorite pile of books. Flip through one of those books. What do the pages feel like? What about the cover and binding? And there is nothing wrong with branching out to include multiple senses at once when focusing on tactile grounding- while flipping through the book and observing the pages, notice what they smell like. What does the book smells like? You can also focus on your own limbs and body, give yourself a brief massage limb by limb (lotion optional). Or trace your skin with a brush or fingertip, even a pen if you like to draw or write.

What actions tend to help bring you back to yourself when emotions overwhelm you? That’s mundane grounding! Think about how to incorporate some of those into a practice for grounding after a ritual or working.

When it comes to cleansing, the easiest way to do it tactilely is to literal clean the space (or your own body) that you are wanting to cleanse. Create a floor wash with particular correspondences and ingredients and then wash your floor, walls, and doorways with it. Mix a scented powder to sweep into corners to collect negative energy and then vacuum it up after a couple days (make sure to check if it’s pet safe ingredients if needed; they love to lick their paws after walking all over!). But you can also do variations on this if you don’t have the ability or spoons to physically clean a room.

Take a small scrap of fabric and charge it with the rooms energy. You can do this by walking around wiping down surfaces or just by sitting in the room or area needed to be cleansed holding the cloth and focusing on how the room feels, smells, sounds, and letting it “collect” into the cloth. Now get a small bowl of water, add some cleansing herbs or even just a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle of salt. Now wash that cloth gently but thoroughly. Let the energy of that washing spread outwards from the cloth to tie to the room. The cloth is the space’s taglock. And it can be reused- hang the fabric to dry as the room is cleared of bad energy and then gently fold it and place it in a safe place until needed again. This can be stacked on in other purposes- painting or stitching protection sigils on it to protect the space.

It’s important that the tactile cleansing action is something you associate personally with removing debris and dust but otherwise be as creative as you like!

Meditation

So much of mainstream meditation books, articles, and videos focus on auditory meditation. If any of you are like me, that can get old or lose it’s effectiveness on some days. I’m not a big meditator personally; especially of the type that’s “zone out and don’t think of anything” so this section will be short but here are a couple ways I do focused tactile meditations for inspiration:

Walking path meditations: I like to do cemeteries, but it can be parks, hikes, even just a walk in your neighborhood or in a shopping/urban district. The goal is mostly to not focus on any one thing too long and to observe your surroundings, especial natural ones. The weather, the vegetation, the structures/architecture, creatures, even energy/ vibes/feelings.

Strand or String based mediation: this involves knotting a long strand of string or rope, crocheting/knitting, braiding (even your own hair), sewing or embroidering, etc. Basically anything semi-repetitive that involves a fabrics, yarn, or string-like materials. It’s not about entirely zoning out, but about noticing the feel of your activity and how it makes you feel. You can include music as well if you like, again it’s okay to combine senses.

Kitchen based mediation: Kneading dough, mixing batter, combining a soup or stew, stirring a drink, chopping ingredients (safely of course), shaping cookies, tenderizing meat, rolling out and cutting pasta, etc. So many aspects of creating a dish in the kitchen have a meditative quality to them. Again, the idea isn’t to “think of nothing”, especially when working around heat and sharp objects. The idea is the almost repetitive action that you know is going to lead to nurturing sustenance. This can also be a good way to teach kiddos a gentler version of meditating without it being a huge chore. It was while kneading dough that my grandmother taught me to reflect on my day and what I wanted from the upcoming one- a version of focused meditation.

Self-care meditation: Soaking in a bath, smoothing on lotion, applying a face mask, brushing hair, massaging aching muscles, mixing up a favorite cuppa, etc. Give yourself that well deserved attention and gentleness while you let your mind also be soothed. Focus on the texture of your products on your skin, the feel of tea in your mouth and belly, the way you feel after giving yourself that treat.

Divination

Even divining has a tactile component that can be expanded! A deck of cards being shuffled is already about the feel, but you can also take the time to feel each card facedown before you turn them over. Do you notice anything different when you touch each one? If you take the time to truly shuffle your cards slowly and deliberately as a focusing activity to help get you in the zone of divining (before you even start considering a specific question or inquiry), you may be surprised to notice your ability to shuffle improve, especially if you do this daily. I encourage shuffling a deck at least once or twice a day regardless of whether you actually do a reading. Bond with that deck physically. Let your fingertips become so familiar with your deck(s) that you could pick it out of lineup, merely by the touch.

Other ways to divine with tactile focuses are:  

casting objects (throwing the bones: the feel of each piece should go into what associations it gets ascribed.

aleuromancy: toss, mix, or knead the flour with your hands. The shaping of dough for the paper slips is tactile. And you can use physical differences in each cookie in your interpretations as well.

wax divination: there is a variation on fire scrying that specifically uses wax and the way it melts. There is a physical aspect to this in holding the candle, feeling the wax when it’s still warm or after it has cooled. I’ve even kept interesting shaped drippings as charms or offerings on shrines

dowsing: using the touch and movement of an object in your hands to divine location of specific things (classically water).

palmistry: taking the feel and texture of the skin and lines into account

astragalamancy: feeling the dice and the act of throwing them

Protection

The act of protecting one’s practice and self is quite a varied one but most witches do practice some form of protection work in their practice. Whether for a space, self, or other persons they care about. It’s another practice that has a common visualizing methodology with imagining stacked bricks, hammered shields, pricking thorns, biting teeth, etc.

Much like what was discussed in the raising energy section, there are a lot of actions that can be done to focus your energy on protection without needing to invoke a sense that doesn’t work as well for you. Braiding a belt or bracers with protective colors or materials and affixing to a taglock or poppet. Creating a sympathetic magic wall of legos or blocks for a personal shield or property ward. Stitching protective sigils onto your clothing or on curtains in your home. Sympathetic magic is when a “stand in” object or representation of your goal or person is used to connect the will of influence. It’s very useful for tactile witchcraft and I find it especially effective in protective magic.

As with the gentle massaging mentioned in the charging objects section, the emotional side of your tactile action is important. When it comes to protection, if you need to smash, squish, stab, tear, flush, or stomp your sympathetic magic object during this process, go with that desire! (safely of course) Using a nail to puncture a potato over and over before you pour a withering potion over it is doubly effective at hex or curse breaking.

Protection doesn’t have to be something violent either; you can tap into loving feelings and give a protective bath or massage to a popper or taglock. You can gently weave a protective square of material as a shield. You could sculpt something out of clay or dough. Feeling where your protective strength and comfort stems from and build upon it!

Ritual Framework

This last section will outline how to tie a lot of what has been discussed together into a longer ritual framework. Multiple tactile actions during a ritual when it something you find effective in raising and directing your energy will only pack a stronger punch, so to speak.

Start by choosing a method of energy raising that involves touch and texture but relates well to your ritual goal. For example; if doing a ritual to heal a friend I wouldn’t choose something like stomping or throwing objects. The lotion or oil anointing would work well; or even the running water over the body. It might be hard to do with a faucet since I’d have to move from my bathroom to my ritual space afterwards but this can be accounted for either in mindset or by altering it. Bring a large basin of water and bowl or cup to your ritual space and pour the water over your feet and hands.

Then you might use some sympathetic magic to send healing energy to your friend. Create a poppet for the loved one that you can literally massage or give a soothing bath to. You might go beyond simple tactile actions and tuck the poppet into a comfy spot to sleep, read it a favorite story or sing a favorite song. Paint a healing sigil on the scrap of fabric you use as a blanket.

Use some tactile divination if needed to help guide you and your friend to the most ideal way to deal with this time while they heal. The fortune cookie variation of aleuromancy would be a good choice; you and your friend can reap the rewards of the baked goods together.

Grounding yourself after is important- don’t forget! This ritual would take a lot out of your, especially emotionally, with it being focused on healing a loved one. You might stroke a special blanket, stuffie, or pet to bring that soothing connection along with your grounding. Or stacking some favorite books that you might even pick from to unwind is a good choice too.

You can see from the example laid out how building on all these suggestions can work in tandem together for various forms of witchcraft and intentions.

What sort of ritual do you think could be built with a tactile focus? If you don’t usually do traditional rituals, what sort of working have you been inspired to add a new tactile element to?

#witchcraft #witchy #witchblr #witchcraft 101 #tactile witchcraft #sensory witchcraft #alternative witchcraft #spoonie witch #spoonie friendly witchcraft #witchcraft lessons #TAA #baby witch #beginner witchcraft

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portraitoftheoddity · 4 years

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God, some of those “incidental symptoms of autism/adhd/neurodivergence” posts hit hard because I do A LOT of those things, even though I know I am not on the autism spectrum or ADHD, but I think a lot of my anxiety disorder (with associated obsessive-compulsive tendencies) and some of my bipolar manifests similarly? But it’s always so weird to look at those posts and think “I do all of this but it’s not about me” and feel like I’m... weirdly coopting someone else’s experience just by having weird sensory tics like needing pressure to sleep, or self-soothing with repetitive movements, having auditory processing issues, and my tendency to fixate on things or have weird emotional overreaction or total emotional flatness... I dunno, maybe that’s tumblr getting to me in a weird way.

#not for rebagels #lena's personal crap #mental health #neurodiversity

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eddieeatsass · 4 years

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The Truth Is That I Think I've Had Enough

Summary: For the first time since Stan developed feelings for his best friend, Richie was finally single on Valentine’s Day, and Stan was fully planning on taking advantage of it. He invited Richie on a camping trip, just wanting one night where he could pretend, but Richie had different plans. Pairing: Stozier Rating: E Warnings: Eventual smut, explicit language

Read on AO3

When it came to the list of things Richie wanted to be doing on Valentine’s Day, Stan knew camping was not high up on the register. Richie was a city boy through and through, but he was also a loyal friend, so when Stan suggested they go camping for the weekend, Richie had gone along with it.

They were both single, after all, and it’s not like they didn’t hang out every other day of the year… so why should Valentine’s Day be any different?

Well, as far as Richie was concerned, it wasn’t. But Stan may have been indulging in his yearning just a little bit. For the first time since Stan developed feelings for his best friend, Richie was finally single on Valentine’s Day, and Stan was going to take advantage of it. So sue him if he wanted to pretend for one night that things were different.

But the truth still stood that Richie knew nothing of Stan’s pining, and nothing about camping, which made the trip a little tricky. They’d gone camping a few times when they’d been kids, tagging along with Stan’s parents who had done most of the handy work. All Richie and Stan had worried about was how toasted to make their marshmallows in pursuit of the perfect smore.

But now Richie was standing before him, gazing between the crumpled tent on the ground, and Stan’s awaiting expression, clear confusion boggling his mind.

“You gonna help or am I doing this all on my own?” Stan asked with light laughter.

“Uhhhhhhhhhh…” Richie drawled, unsure of how to proceed. “I mean yeah, of course, I just don’t quite... know... how.”

Richie picked up one of the objects sitting atop the tarp-like material. He jumped back when what started as a small bundle of sticks suddenly snapped out into a series of rods.

“Careful Rich! I didn’t plan on losing an eye today. We don’t have the medical equipment for that.” Stan warned, making sure to keep an ease to his tone so Richie knew he was teasing.

Richie nodded earnestly, taking more precaution as he began to snap the sticks into one long rod.

Stan knew what he was doing well enough to not need instructions, but Richie’s every move was a gamble between helping, or causing the whole tent to deflate. Stan finally took pity on him and assigned Richie the easy task of getting their blow up mattress out of the car, figuring it would be easier to finish the tent without Richie’s helping hands.

Their tent was generously sized, large enough for a twin person air mattress, and then a little extra room for their cooler and bags. Stan assured Richie that there were no bears in the area, so it was safe to sleep with their food alongside them, but Richie was still hesitant. He soothed himself by insisting that Stan sleep on the side closest to the cooler. If a bear attacked, it would be Stanley’s job to keep Richie safe. Stan’s heart fluttered a bit at the trust Richie instilled in him, no matter how hypothetical, or how unlikely he’d be to actually win a fight against a bear. Stan chose to keep both of those hypotheticals to himself and let Richie think him brave.

When Richie trekked back from the car, heavy box in one hand and air pump in the other, Stan was all done setting up the tent.

“God, why is this so heavy!?” Richie complained, plunking the box with the air mattress at their feet.

“It’s the price we pay for comfort.” Stan said, amused.

“At least we don’t have to blow this thing up with our mouths.” Richie conceded, giving the box a swift kick in retaliation for making his arms hurt.

“Psh, you don’t have enough air in your lungs.” Stan teased, taking the pump from Richie’s outstretched hand.

“But I have the blowjob lips to make up for it. One wrap of these puppies around that nozzle and it would blow itself up.” Richie made obnoxious kissing noises, too distracted by his obscenity to notice the way Stan’s cheeks heated up. His pulse pounded in his ears as thoughts of Richie’s lips wrapped around something else crept into his mind.

“Richie, I hate to be the one to break this to you, but blowjobs don’t involve any actual blowing.”

“And how would you know that, Stanley?”

“I’m a virgin, not an idiot.” Stan deadpanned.

Truth be told, Stan wasn’t as much of a virgin as his friends thought he was. He hadn’t done much, but because of his religion and strict parents, they’d all assumed Stanley hadn’t even kissed anyone yet. Low and behold it was at Jewish summer camp that he had experienced his first kiss, and his second, and so on. He’d even gotten to second base on the very last day of camp with good ol’ Patricia Blum.

But Stanley was a private man, and as respect for Patty, he hadn’t gone around spreading word of their affairs, even though he was secretly dying to tell Richie and see how far his jaw dropped when he found out Stan had gotten more action than he had. Trashmouth never shut up about sex, but they all knew he’d never had any. Stan wondered if Richie would ask Stan for tips, or ask him to demonstrate how he’d groped Patty down by the lake that day. He could show Richie a thing or two, teach him how to be soft and gentle with his fingers.

“Looks like the sun is already starting to go down.” Richie noted, peering off towards the cliff that overlooked the valley. They’d gotten prime real estate thanks to Stan’s knowledge of the woods. He knew exactly where to go where they wouldn’t be disturbed by other campers.

“We should start a fire.” Stan decided. He’d had enough training in the boy scouts to know it was always better to start your fire before the sun went down. It saved you a lot of annoyance, frozen fingertips, and a much harder time finding resources by flashlight.

“Rich, can you gather some twigs for me? About this big,” Stan picked one up that was by his foot. “and make sure they’re dry.” He handed the stick to Richie, who immediately brought it to his forehead in a fake salute.

“Aye aye captain!” Richie stiffened his limbs, swiveling around and doing his best army march impression as he wandered off in search of sticks.

While Richie was away, Stan got to work on setting up a makeshift pit for the fire to be contained in. He gathered as many rocks as he could find nearby and set them up in a neat little circle. Once Stan was satisfied with his work, he moved on to blowing up the air mattress inside their tent.

As he connected the pump to the mattress and began the repetitive motion that would surely leave his arms aching, he let his mind wander.

In hindsight, there was probably a much subtler way Stan could have found to spend Valentine’s Day with Richie. He’s sure if he’d offered up their usual Chinese food and ‘The Princess Bride’ (Richie’s all time favorite movie no matter what he says to the contrary), Richie would have pounced on the idea. So why had Stan felt the need to make it into a whole thing?

Well, he knew why, but he didn’t want to admit it. The knowledge was coated in shame and guilt, but it was still buzzing in the back of his head like a bug he couldn’t squish. Stan wanted this to be a date. Maybe he even liked pretending it was. He knew that wasn’t fair, but he didn’t have much control over it. If they’d done the same thing they always did, it wouldn’t have felt special.

Once the air mattress was completely inflated, and the pump tucked back into its box, Stan let himself fall forward on to the air filled PVC with an auditory oof.

Face down in the uncomfortable fabric, Stan felt like it was where he deserved to be. Lovesick, lying, dirty little-

“Yo, Stanny, I got your sticks!”

Stan steeled himself, tucking away his intrusive thoughts in favor of less intimate ones.

When Stan exited the tent, he wasn’t expecting to come face to face with a mountain of sticks. Standing before him, Richie was covered in dirt, twigs sticking out from his bush of hair, and arms full of branches towering high enough to shield half his face.

“Get in a fight with a tree?” Stan teased, hurrying forward so he could take half the stack from Richie’s shaking arms.

“Yeah, the tree won.” Richie answered with a matching tone, causing Stan’s heart to flutter traitorously.

“We didn’t need this many, you know.”

“I know, but I figured better safe than sorry, right? What if we suddenly need to build two fires? Or three? Or maybe even a fourth? What if we get stuck out here forever and need to provide heat to the village we create to survive. Our children deserve fires too, don’t they Stan? Don’t they?”

“We’re having children?” Stan questioned, beginning to place the sticks in the small fire pit he’d made.

“Yes.” Richie answered definitively as he plopped down beside Stan.

“I’m not sure that’s anatomically possible, but sure, I’ll play along.” Stan delighted.

“Okay, so we’re gonna have two kids. Twins.”

“Of course.” Stan nodded seriously, entertaining Richie’s wild imagination.

“One girl and one boy, or, you know, whatever gender they wanna be. We ain’t gonna be those kind of parents.”

That roused a laugh from Stan, knowing too well how strongly Richie’s opinions on parenting styles were. Richie had thought long and hard on what kind of parent he wanted to be in the future. You wouldn’t think Richie Tozier was a sap when it came to children, but tiny tots had him wrapped around their fingers. Richie had been dreaming about starting a family since they were kids, and Stan was no stranger to being ‘the wife’ in the equation. Richie had organized many imaginary weddings for them when they were young. They’d been married seven times in total, and had played house more times than Stan could count. It was almost enough to fuel Stan’s late night thoughts that Richie might actually reciprocate his feelings.

“We’ll name them Pizza and Macaroni.” Richie declared.

“Why in hell’s name would we do that?” Stan scoffed, grabbing the box of matches from his pocket. He ignited one and flicked it into the center of the pit.

“We’re creating a new society, Stan. There are no rules, no norms. Pizza and Macaroni could be the new standard for names. Imagine.”

“I don’t want to.”

Richie wrapped an arm around Stan’s shoulder and pulled him in close, leaving little room between their faces for Stan to breathe.

“Imagine.” Richie repeated with extra vigor.

“Fine.” Stan closed his eyes and paused for a moment. “I’m imagining it.”

“And? It’s beautiful, right?” Richie asked excitedly.

“Oh, oh god, Macaroni just stabbed Pizza with a fork. He’s bleeding everywhere! There’s no paramedics around, the town consists of just us and we never got any medical training. I’m holding our son, Richie. I’m holding him in my arms, oh god, his blood tastes like tomato sauce Richie-”

“Shut the fuck up!” Richie laughed, wrestling Stan to the ground and pinning him in place. “Take it back! Do not eat our son, Staniel!”

“But he tastes so good.” Stan giggled, his eyes still squeezed shut.

“Spit him out! Spit him out or we’re getting a divorce!”

Stan finally peeked one eye open, seeing Richie’s bright smile hovering over him and dark curls falling into his eyes.

“You’ll have to divorce me seven times then.” Stan challenged with a quirk to his eyebrow.

“Huh?” Richie’s face contorted as he tried to pinpoint Stan’s line of thought.

A piece of Stan’s heart detached from itself and fell into the pit of his stomach. Of course he didn’t remember, why would he?

“Nothing, never mind.” Stan laughed shallowly, shrugging Richie off and rolling back on to his feet. He stopped to check that the fire was successfully catching and was moderately pleased with the small flames he saw licking at the sticks. It should continue to grow if they left it.

“Are you hungry?” Stan asked over his shoulder, using it as an excuse to detach himself from what had just happened.

“Uh, yeah, I could go for some food.” Richie answered, mild confusion still evident in his voice.

“Cool, I brought hot dogs and beans-”

“I think I want smores.” Richie’s voice suddenly rang from beside Stan, causing him to jolt. Richie just laughed at the reaction, cutting in front of Stan and jogging towards their tent.

“You can’t have smores for dinner, Richie.” Stan chastised.

“You’re not my mom!”

Stan once again found himself fighting back a smile as Richie’s figure disappeared into the tent.

An hour later Stan found himself sitting on a log they’d rolled over from a nearby fallen tree. He was holding a stick over the fire, a marshmallow precariously hanging from the end of it. The sky had darkened to a navy blue, pin pricked with stars and constellations they had yet to discover.

Stan moved the marshmallow a little farther above the flames, keeping it from getting charred like Richie’s own marshmallow, which was engulfed in flames.

“I can hear you judging me.” Richie quipped, keeping his eyes on his marshmallow as he brought the flaming gelatin towards himself and began erratically blowing it out.

Stan kept his laughter locked behind his lips.

“It’s just… so unnecessary.” Stan responded.

“It’s not unnecessary! It’s fully necessary! This is the only way to get the perfect marshmallow!” Richie defended.

Stan looked over at the gooey black orb Richie was shoving between two graham crackers. He made a fake gagging noise while sticking out his tongue, finally letting his laughter free when Richie punched him playfully in the arm.

“The perfect marshmallow will never include scorch marks.”

“Boo, you’re no fun.” Richie took a stubborn bite of his smore, reaching out with his free hand and tapping Stan’s stick.

Stan watched in horror as his flawlessly roasted marshmallow disappeared into the flames of the fire, immediately disintegrating into nothing but sticky residue.

“Saboteur!” Stan yelled, pointing an accusing finger at Richie’s chocolate covered face.

“Moi!?” Richie gasped, throwing a hand to his chest dramatically. “I would never! But, I am not a heartless man. Please, as condolences for your loss, will you accept the other half of my smore, monsieur?”

Stan wanted to cringe at the terrible french accent Richie adorned, but his cuteness won over and Stan was just left smiling.

“I suppose I’ll eat your ash-cookie.”

“I’d rather you eat my ass, cookie.” Richie shot back without pause, winking slyly as he scooted closer to Stan on the log.

The air around Stan began thickening, heating him up from the inside out and causing his brain to melt just slightly. He watched in slow motion as Richie’s fingers brought the half eaten smore up to Stan’s lips. It should have been gross; Richie’s face and fingers had remnants of chocolate on them, the smore was falling apart and showcasing the awfully burnt marshmallow, and Stan had a strict ‘no-sharing-food’ policy because he didn’t like sharing germs. But regardless of all of those reasons to pull away, Stan found himself leaning in closer.

As soon as Richie’s fingers brushed Stan’s lips it was like something inside him took over. Stan raised his hands to hold Richie’s wrist, and then cocking his head so he had a better angle, he raked his tongue over Richie’s fingers as he gathered all the chocolate he could. It was a lewd gesture, one Stan would never imagine doing any other time, but something about the flickering campfire and the stillness of the wind made him feel like he wasn’t in this world anymore. He was in a world where he could make Richie want him.

“Uhm…” Richie’s shaky breath brought Stan hurtling back to reality fast enough to leave him dizzy.

Stan quickly let go of Richie’s arm, pulling away both physically and emotionally as he chewed his smore with vigor.

“You’re right.” Stan said through a mouthful of goo. “It’s not as bad as I thought it’d be.”

Richie just stared in awe as Stan tried to swallow past the sticky chocolate and marshmallow that stuck to his teeth in defiance.

Once the residue of his humiliation was all swallowed down, Stan stood abruptly, stretching his arms high above his head and producing a fake yawn.

“Jeez, I’m tired already.” Stan lied, hoping Richie would go along with it.

“Makes sense, we did have a long day of travelling.” Richie answered towards Stan’s turned back.

Stan let out a sigh of relief he hadn’t been aware he’d been holding. As he let his arms drop, so did his shoulders, and some of his tension along with it.

“I’m gonna go change into my pajamas.” Stan stated, leaving hurriedly before Richie could respond.

Once in the tent, and hidden behind its nylon walls, Stan was finally able to process what he’d just done. As he slowly changed into his pajamas he went over the course of events in his head, wincing as he recalled the way he’d indulged so passionately in such a platonic touch. It had felt so good in the moment, convincing himself he saw lust in Richie’s eyes, but the remorse he felt now settled over him like a blanket. He didn’t want to ruin his friendship with Richie, he couldn’t, he had to keep himself together.

Stan was startled out of his stupor as the zipper of the tent began to open. Stan quickly pulled his sleep shirt the rest of the way down, hiding away his body and his thoughts alike.

“You decent?” Richie asked teasingly before opening the zipper any wider.

“Yeah.” Stan responded, warmth already licking back up his chest.

Richie opened the tent the rest of the way and as he climbed in Stan could see that he’d put out the fire. He felt a weird swell of pride that Richie had remembered at least some of the camping basics Stan had taught him.

He’d averted his eyes as Richie changed, had curled in on himself as Richie leaned over him to reach their stuff, but now he was laying next to Richie’s warm body with no way to escape. Their proximity seared into him like a burn that he was far too aware of.

“You know, this was way more fun than my usual Valentine’s Day.” Richie offered into the silence, gazing up through the skylight that allowed them to see the stars.

Stan’s heart threatened to break out of his chest.

“The past few years I’ve usually spent it with some equally lonely one-night-stand. The sex was never good enough to make the next day worth it.” Richie admitted.

“Why not?” Stan piped in.

Richie thought for a moment, allowing the silence to lull them a little bit deeper into the comfort of night.

“I’d wake up feeling disappointed because the person next to me was never who I wanted it to be.”

Stan’s ears perked up. He angled his body towards Richie, cushioning his head in the crook of his bent elbow as he contemplated his friend’s profile. This was the first time Richie had ever alluded to having a crush.

“Who did you want it to be?” Stan asked shakily.

Richie turned his head towards Stan, locking eyes with him and seeming to search for something.

“What about you?” Richie asked, flipping the question around without answering it.

“What do you mean?”

“Who would you choose to wake up to every day?”

The question leered above their heads, threatening to fall and crush the thin veil of tension that had formed between them.

Stan gulped audibly, wanting nothing more than to shy away from Richie’s gaze, but he held strong.

“It doesn’t matter, they don’t want the same thing I do.”

“How can you be sure?” Richie murmured challengingly.

Stan’s mouth gaped open and closed like a fish out of water as he tried to wade through the chaos in his head.

“All I know is I’m glad I’m waking up next to you tomorrow.” Richie said, turning his head back to the sky.

Blood pounded in Stan’s ears as he tried to decode Richie’s words. Was he saying what he thought he was saying? Or was Stan just reading into things, spurred on by his unrequited feelings and juvenile hope?

“I’m glad too.” Stan breathed out.

Richie didn’t miss a beat before answering.

“Glad enough to kiss me?”

Stan’s entire body froze, something inside him shattering as the butterflies finally escaped his stomach, filling up their tent until Stan couldn’t see anything but Richie.

Slowly, as if scared one wrong move would make Richie run, Stan propped himself up on his elbow, peering down at Richie’s expectant face. He kept his pace steady as he slowly dipped down and braved a single kiss.

It wasn’t much of anything, just a chaste peck, a quick dip into the pool to test the water. But that one kiss was enough to erase all of Stan’s trepidation, leaving him as bare and open and vulnerable as Richie was. And it felt liberating.

The next few minutes passed by in a flurry. Richie surged up to reclaim Stan’s lips, no longer just a peck but now a full-blown kiss that left Stan’s legs shaking. Richie flipped them over so he was hovering above Stan, using his leverage to kiss up Stan’s neck, the line of his jaw, and back to his lips. It was quick to turn feral, their teeth clanking against each other as desperation took over. Stan had never felt so terrified and turned on at the same time, his hand trembling as it fisted into Richie’s lush curls and pulled him closer.

Stan’s breathing was labored, his swallows dry as he tried to steady his quickening pulse. Richie was everywhere, blanketing all of Stan’s senses. The smell of Richie’s laundry detergent swirled around them, melding with the lingerings of their campfire. His tongue tasted sweet like the chocolate they’d eaten, and the sound of Stan’s own meek noises were swallowed up by Richie’s own deep growls. If all that wasn’t already over-stimulation enough, Richie’s was consistently rutting himself against Stan, causing his arousal to become less and less subtle with every passing moment.

Stan broke away with a heaving breath, peering up at Richie through hooded eyes.

“I’m a virgin.” Stan blurted.

Richie stared deeply into Stan’s eyes, churning his gut with intensity until what felt like several minutes had passed. When Richie finally spoke again, the sound nearly startled Stan.

“Me too.”

Stan smiled, thankful that Richie felt safe enough to be honest with him. He reached a hand up and gently cupped Richie’s cheek, who immediately leaned into the touch.

“We don’t have to, uh, do anything.” Richie stuttered out, his eyes gently closing as he relaxed into Stan’s hold.

“I know. But if you wanted to…” Stan trailed off, leaving the offer open-ended.

Richie’s eyes popped back open, searching Stan’s face for further explanation.

“I brought stuff… uh… just in case. I guess I was kinda hopeful about tonight.” Stan admitted, averting eye contact. “Can I make a confession?” Richie whispered, his voice going a bit rough at the end. “I was kind of hopeful myself…”

“What do you mean, exactly?” Stan asked.

“I sort of fantasized about the way tonight might play out. I’ve had some… personal experience with receiving, so I made sure to clean myself in case my wildest dreams suddenly came to fruition. But I can also top! Uhm, if that’s your preference.” Richie rushed in addition.

“Personal experience? I thought you were a virgin?” Stan’s tone held a lick of jealousy, which he tried to cover up by clearing his throat.

In response Richie held up his hand and wiggled his fingers, hoping that Stan got the message.

“Fuck that’s so hot.” Stan groaned, letting his head fall back against his pillow. He felt open mouth kisses being peppered down the column of his neck and keened embarrassingly loud.

“I’ll be honest, the thought of splitting you open on my cock does sound appealing.” Stan murmured.

Richie’s head shot up, his eyes wide like a deer in headlights. Stan thought he’d said something wrong until Richie was suddenly shucking his clothes as quickly as possible, dizzying Stan with his pace.

“Slow down! Rich- Richie- there’s not that much room in the tent!” Stan laughed, trying (and failing) to get Richie to sit still. When he finally stopped moving, Richie was stripped down to his underwear.

It’s not like Stan and Richie had never seen each other in their underwear before, but apparently context did a lot, and in this context Stan’s whole body was thrumming at the sight.

“Fuck, we’re really doing this, huh?” Stan whispered, trailing his gaze down Richie’s lean torso.

“Only if you want to.” Richie assured.

Stan wanted to. He wanted it more than anything. But words were failing him as he took in this brand new Richie, bathed in moonlight from the tent’s open skylight, eyes wide and vulnerable with lust.

So instead of talking, Stan took action. He locked eyes with Richie as he began stripping off his own clothes, doing so much slower than Richie had. It was purposeful, a confirmation that he was all in. Their gaze didn’t break until Stan was bared to the same degree as Richie, his navy blue boxer briefs a stark contrast to Richie’s hot pink flamingo print.

Stan was the one to surge forward when their tension peaked, knocking Richie on to his back and giving himself room to straddle him. Richie’s hands were slow burning coils against Stan’s skin, lighting him up everywhere they touched. Stan rolled his hips down experimentally, feeling Richie’s responding twitch between the thin fabric that separated them.

“Off.” Stan demanded, pawing at the waist of Richie’s offending boxers.

Richie complied, but did one better. In the same fail swoop, Richie hooked his thumbs under both of their waistbands and pulled them down in conjunction.

The action resulted in a collective moan as their oversensitive cocks finally broke free and rubbed against each other.

It didn’t take long for Richie's hands to slither back up their thighs and in between them, grabbing them both in one hand. Stan hissed at the contact, clenching his teeth in an attempt to hold back the wave that already threatened to crash over.

“Fuck, Stanny. Who knew you were packing?”

The comment was so un-sexy it made Stan puddle into laughter, his head falling to Richie’s shoulder as the chest underneath him rumbled in tandem.

“Sorry, I don’t think I’m very good at this whole dirty talk thing.” Richie admitted between giggles.

“I don’t want dirty talk.” Stan murmured, placing a gentle kiss on Richie's temple. “I just want you.”

Richie nodded, evidently calmed by the notion that he didn’t have to perform, he just needed to be.

Richie experimented with another flick of his wrist, causing Stan to jerk away instinctively.

“Rich- if you keep doing that I’m not gonna last.” Stan admitted.

“Damn, I’m that good?”

“Shut up and teach me how to finger you.” Stan smirked as he wiped the smile right off Richie’s face.

“It might be better if I just… show you.” Richie shifted out from under Stan and got to his knees.

“You said you have lube…?” “Oh!” Stan exclaimed, bouncing up and reaching for his backpack. He immediately procured the lube and condoms he’d brought.

“Thanks babe.” Richie said casually, missing the way Stan spluttered at the pet name.

Richie reached for the lube as Stan tried to recover, but he didn’t have much time to do so as he watched Richie squeeze a little bit of lube on to his fingers and immediately reached behind himself.

Stan’s heart went mad, bouncing against its confines like it was a prison. He couldn’t help but stare at the way Richie’s face contorted into an all new type of expression, one Stan had never seen on anyone’s face before.

His eyes trailed down Richie’s torso, stopping to admire the way his thin body strained around muscle, how his pale chest flushed pink with arousal, and the delicious way his cock stood to attention just begging for praise. But it was the space between Richie’s spread thighs that mesmerized him, where he could see his hand moving behind him.

Without thought, Stan’s hand drifted to his own cock, acting on instinct as his mind went hazy. He held it gently, not stroking it so much as just giving it the pressure it craved. He watched as Richie’s index finger disappeared inside himself, making Richie moan lewdly.

Richie didn’t take long to get all three fingers inside himself, getting more and more into it as the minutes ticked on. Richie now had his eyes shut and his head thrown back as he fucked himself down on his digits. Stan almost didn’t want to stop him, wanted to see how long Richie could ride himself until he made himself cum, but even more than that, he wanted to feel Richie’s tight heat constricting around his shaft. “So are you gonna let me fuck you or what?” Stan’s voice seemed to jostle Richie out of whatever place his mind had gone to, causing him to look around the tent for the culprit of his ceased pleasure.

“Stanny, fuck, please-” Richie’s voice was completely hoarse as he crawled towards Stan eagerly. “Come here, let me take care of you.” Stan ushered Richie forward, pulling him flush against his chest and kissing him as passionately as possible.

“I want you to ride me.” Stan whispered against Richie’s lips.

“Yes, please.”

Stan laid back down, pulling Richie on top of him for the second time that night.

They kissed for a while longer, grinding into each other as Stan’s cock teased at Richie’s entrance. Keeping their lips locked, Stan reached for his condom, tearing it open expertly and bringing the latex down between their bodies.

Richie sat up on his knees, giving Stan room to roll the condom down over his dick, but as soon as it was situated snug against Stan’s pelvis, Richie wasted no time coating it in lube. He threw the bottle behind him, moving impatiently as he fumbled to line Stan’s cock up with his hole.

“Rich...” Stan reached for Richie’s free hand and entwined their fingers. The gesture gave Richie pause and he finally let out a sigh.

“Sorry, I’m just… I’ve wanted this for a long time.” Richie said quietly.

Stan’s heart swelled. He squeezed Richie’s hand in reassurance.

“Me too, but that doesn’t mean we have to rush. I’m not going to suddenly change my mind, we can take our time with this.”

Richie bowed his head, a shy smile flashing pearly teeth. Stan took the opportunity to slink his own hand around his cock, joining Richie’s. Together, they held it still as Richie slowly sank down until the head popped past his rim.

They both gasped as the new sensation washed over them.

Richie started cursing under his breath, sinking down a little bit lower every few seconds until he was fully seated in Stan’s lap.

Stan held an iron grip on Richie’s hips as he tried to ground himself, the feeling of Richie clenching around him almost too much to bare.

“Why haven’t we been doing this all these years.” Richie whined, pulling himself up until the head of Stan’s cock threatened to slip out, before pushing back down at a satisfyingly slow pace.

“Because we’re idiots.” Stan answered, raising his hips to meet Richie as he came down.

“H-huge idiots.” Richie agreed, nodding along with his thrusts.

“We have a lot of - hnnnng fuck - a lot of time to make up for.”

“Is that a promise?”

“Rich, I would literally stay in this moment for a lifetime if I could- ahhhh.”

“Your dick might shrivel up.” Richie noted, speeding up his rhythm upon hearing Stan’s moans.

“Worth it.” Stan swallowed thickly, getting lost in the sight of Richie’s cock bouncing against his stomach.

“I wanna suck you off.” Stan blurted, no longer able to filter his thoughts through the haze in his brain.

“Fuck, Stanny- you’re so perfect- nnnnggggg ohmygod-” Richie’s entire body tensed up as he reached his peak. Stan watched as his cock twitched, releasing strings of cum that shot impressively far. The feeling of Richie clenching around him paired with the sight of him completely unraveling tipped Stan over the edge along with him.

His orgasm felt like it lasted a lifetime, draining every ounce of energy out of him and leaving Stan completely boneless by the end. He vaguely processed Richie slipping off him, heard the sound of the tent unzip, and then felt the warmth of Richie’s body saddling back up beside him.

“You okay there?” Richie’s voice drifted through the tent, but it still felt light years away. Stan nodded meekly, his bearings just starting to come back.

Stan peered down at his spent cock, giving it a small nod in appreciation for its performance.

“Where’s the condom?” Stan asked drearily.

“I put it outside the tent.”

“You’re disgusting.”

“Would you rather we sleep with it next to us?” Richie asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“Mmmmm- shut up and spoon me.” Stan grumbled, turning to his side and pulling Richie’s arm over him.

“As you wish.” Richie whispered.

#stozier #stozier fanfic #stozier fic #stozier fanfiction #stozier lemon #stozier smut #richie tozier #stanley uris #stan uris #it 2017 #it smut #it lemon #it fanfic #it fanfiction #my posts #my writing

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autismisaokay · 5 years

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The finalized version of the autistic vocabulary that was posted in my school’s newsletter. I’d like to thank everyone who helped contribute to this and can help explain terminology to those in need.

Autistic Vocabulary

The English vocabulary is vastly different than how it was thirty-eight years ago. It’s even different than it was ten years ago. If you were being bullied in the eighties it would be a “grody” situation. Nowadays it would simply be referred to as a “hot mess”. Autistic vocabulary is no different, we have our new words too, to help not only explain autistic behavior. For the way that some of us may or may not like to be called by. Terminology for non-autistic people too that we can use and call them by. This article will be a chance to learn that terminology and perhaps broaden other’s vocabulary.

#actuallyautistic- A safe space tag for people on the spectrum that isn’t for people who do not have autism. It’s a way for speaking our own truths in the community that has a better time for the most part at understanding us. This tag can be found on popular social media sites/apps such as Tumblr Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and so on.

#autism acceptance- A large quantity of the masses are already aware of autism to an extent. What this tag is trying to explain is that we need more acceptance for who we are as people and in society.

#redinstead- If you see this tag it means a person is against Autism Speaks. Autism Speaks uses #light it up blue for their brand of autism awareness. This tag is made by an autistic person to be used by autistics and allies to promote autism acceptance.

Ableism/Ableist- (aye-bal-ism or aye-bal-ist) A person who defines a disabled person on what they can and cannot do. Or if they are even disabled at all. They can have little to no prior knowledge or be a friend/partner/family and do this to a person. They view disabled people on their worth and what they can and can’t do from their perspective.

Neurodiversity- (nur-o-div-er-isty) A neuro difference of the human brain compared to most brains. It is a viewpoint backed by scientists. Neurodiverse brains are variants of the human genome. There is a movement going on right now called the Neurodiverse Movement which is all being categorized as an Autism Rights Movement and a civil rights movement. Fighting for more accommodations and better treatment such as technologies, home care, medical help, monetary support educational support and help with discriminations.

“Nothing about us without us”- Started by the Disabled Movement in rallying for rights and support. This statement is the catchphrase for ASAN the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. It’s pretty self-explanatory in meaning if it’s not backed by an autistic people you probably shouldn’t be using/apart of it.

Stim/Stimming (St-im) (stim-ing)- Self soothing repetitive habits that help calm down autistic people. It should be noted that not only autistic people stim but people with ADHD do too and anyone can stim. Which was why the fidget spinner and fidget box phase was going so well because stimming helps not only regulate the body but help you focus as well. The technical terminology is self-stimulatory behavior. It could be a bodily motion by spinning, hand flapping, chewing, hair twirling, pen clicking, there is no specific way to stim. Some may be more common than others. There can be more subtle ways to stim such as visual and auditory. You could listen to certain songs over and over again or only one song but reputedly. Looking at certain pictures on your phone might help too. These are the only some of the wide range of stim’s culture that can be interpreted in many different ways that can be gratifying.

Spoons/Spoon theory- Spoon theory was originally used to describe chronic illnesses by Christine Miserandino but has branched out in supporting people with mental illnesses and autistics with an explanation. The explanation of our energy on mental, social, and physical and how it works.

They are used as a representation of how much energy we have throughout to day-to-do certain tasks. If someone only woke up with twenty spoons they would have to manage how many they used throughout the day. 5 for getting dressed, 1 for making breakfast, and so on and so forth. Once you run out it’s just that you’ve run out and we can’t get our energy back or push through like many other people. We have to take a rest and trying to get it back by stimming, taking part in a special interest, or just taking a five-minute sit in a dim quite area. Sometimes depending on how much energy was expended that may not even help. So that’s why it’s important to plan carefully on how we use them and know prior to what we are doing.

Scripting- Scripting is when an autistic person has practiced a certain set of words or phrases to say in social interactions. It can be used for a variety of circumstances when getting through the social world.

Example: Barb has a hard time ordering food at Mcdonald’s at the cash register her words become jumbled, anxious, and she forgets what she wants to order and becomes silent. Barb has been practicing the same phrase prior in the mirror for five minutes before she came to McDonald's. Barb has remembered her order and was able to communicate what she wanted.

SpIn- (sp-in) It’s just a shorter way of saying Special Interest.

Twice exceptional or 2e- A term in the educational field for people with learning and mental disabilities. It refers to “gifts” they have such as the things they excel in (reading, math, art, so on) and their disabilities.

Allistic- (allie-is-tic) Specifically means to not be autistic.

Masking- Commonly seen as a female presenting autism trait but any orientation with autism can do it. It’s when an autistic person masks their autistic traits in order to blend in with the world around them. It can help them with getting friendships, family, jobs, and even relationships. In the long haul, masking is unhealthy and leads to more psychological problems then it does good.

#actuallyautistic #actually autistic #autism #autistic #autism vocabulary

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christiandomme · 5 years

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Some thoughts on healthy coping skills

Coping skills is a tricky topic. One person’s coping skills may not be accessible to folks that face additional barriers or even harmful is the coping skill activates a trigger. So acknowledging that not every coping mechanism fits every person here are some thoughts...

Coping skills are simply the responses and ways we survive difficult situations and stimulus in our lives. Some ways we respond are good for us and align with our goals, some are destructive to ourselves or others or not adaptive for new environments we find ourselves in.

A coping skill is not a solution. It does not ‘fix’ the stressors you are experiencing. They are intended to help you weather storms of heavy or overwhelming emotional/physical/cognitive sensation. Where possible, it is good to also working on managing or resolving root causes.

Coping skills often fall into the categories of:

Self-soothing - activities that may feel stabilizing or reinforce your desired emotional/physical/cognitive state

Distraction- give your brain something else to process for a while, change your environment so that you’re not reminded of what is causing the upset

Replacement- give your self the gift of the opposite; this can be affirmations when you are drowning in negative self talk or pulling out a box of ‘evidence’ that helps counter whatever false reality you are battling; doing a soft and gentle thing when you feel like raging or lashing out

Know thyself- naming what is going on; when we feel overwhelmed we often face a jumble of emotional/physical/cognitive signals, giving yourself time and tools to identify what’s actually present and where it’s coming from can be empowering

Mindfulness - there are mindfulness techniques based on ‘emptying’ yourself of extraneous sensation and techniques based on filling your mind with specific sensation, these can have wildly different impacts depending on what you’re struggling with

Support plan - sometimes called a crisis plan, it should not be held in reserve until you are fully in crisis; who are the people that you have asked to be part of your support circle when your day is heading in a negative direction? Preparation and communication and really helpful here

Here are some of the specific coping activities that work for me or people in my life. Feel free to jump into the convo with your own.

EXPRESSION

If you are working on an art project and can engage with that, great!

If not, do something that reminds you that you have a voice and that you are here.

Paint a chest of drawers: it is the distraction of researching the process + going out into humanity to buy supplies + the process itself, bonus you end up with a check of drawers that look like Starry Night done in purples

Coloring books!!!

A personal approach: Go ahead and destroy some objects you wanted to get rid of anyway, glue them back together and then destroy them again. Repeat as needed. End on either the constructive or destructive phase of the cycle as it might benefit you.

Go somewhere you won’t be arrested and scream. Scream a lot. Maybe cry. Laugh at how ridiculous you look. Scream some more. Kicking rocks is optional.

I know everyone says journaling but it really can help you not only express but it helps track your feelings so you become more aware of patterns.

Journaling can be written but it can also be visual or auditory - there isn’t a ‘correct’ way to do it.

A lot of folks don't want to stare at a blank page so doing something structured can be much more helpful. Back in my day the Mind Over Mood workbook was a clinical favorite and it is available at general bookstores.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

I do enjoy going on the stereotypical walk in the woods but it can be much smaller than that. Move from the room you are into another; Watch a youtube video and learn a new dance (even if no one will ever see it!) or practice holding your arm’s in a ballerina’s pose.

This can also be small motions, I repetitively touch each finger to my thumb when I can feel my emotions rising in a public space and need to give my brain another task.

This can be a variety of things in the touch, sound, sight, taste, smell categories

Watch kitten youtube videos or listen to music recommended by an internet stranger, try a new recipe or buy an ingredient that you’ve never heard of at an international grocery store, make your own potpourri

I know that have a lot of action oriented suggestions on this list but that reflects my own bias towards needing to feel like I am creating/impacting/changing things. That is part of coping for me.

But self-soothing can be putting your favorite blanket in the dryer so it’s warm and has the fabric softener smell and giving yourself permission to consume some guilt free media while snuggled up.

REPLACEMENT

This is my favorite because one of my top five personality traits is sheer contrariness. Events are conspiring to get me down? Watch me get up just so I can kick something. My trauma response makes me want to isolate or lash out? Forget that - I will stride up to someone and provide the tenderest caregiving you ever did see.

This doesn’t mean I’ve never been in a depressive funk for a month or that anxiety hasn’t kept me away from things I wanted - that’s very real too but when those struggles have left me even an inch, I have tried to turn it into a mile.

On the caregiving note - that doesn’t have to be people. Get a plant that you can nurture, make it’s caregiving a regular habit.

Around turning thirty I got really serious about providing the care to myself that I would provide to another person. I would never say about someone else what my inner narrator said about me. So I started saying out loud the opposite statements, the affirmations, that I would say to someone else when ever that narrator got to yammering.

What is love to you? Seriously, how do you receive love - quality time, words of affirmations, gifts, acts of service? GIVE YOURSELF LOVE! Be intentional about scheduling how you will get these things or have them on standby when thigs are spiraling OR get them for yourself. Do an act of service for future you. Give present you quality time with yourself enjoying one of your preferred activities (I go to a library). Give yourself words of affirmation.

#coping skills #mental health #emotional wellness #learn a thing #do a thing #having a hobby is a necessary part of my mental health strategy #hamburgirl #bee orb

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chiajasmine · 5 years

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30 Days of Autism Acceptance 2019: Day 6

April 6th: Talk about stimming. What does it mean to you? In what ways do you stim?

Stimming is something that is natural to autistic people. Stimming is a repetitive body movement that self-stimulates one or more senses in a regulated manner. There are visual stims, auditory stims, tactile stims, vestibular stims, gustatory stims, olfactory stims, physical stims, and vocal stims. Autistic people should be allowed to stim as needed as long as it does not harm themselves or other people, or damage things. If it does, it should be replaced with a stim that does not do any of those things instead of suppressing stimming or stopping stimming altogether.

Stimming is important to me because it soothes me, it is how I express myself, and it feels and is natural to me. I have visual stims, vestibular stims, auditory stims, tactile stims, physical stims, and vocal stims. Specifically, I flap my hands, rock from side-to-side, pace, bounce up and down, rock back and forth, move my legs and feet up and down, make vocal sounds, rub my skin with my hands, stim with a little colorful ball that can light up, and use a stim toy (a fidget spinner) I got from an event at my college to stim with.

#30daysofautismacceptance2019 #30daysofautismacceptance #30 days of autism acceptance #autism acceptance month #autism acceptance #autism #actuallyautistic #actually autistic #stim #stimming #my stims #chiajasmine

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squirenonny · 6 years

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Hi there!! Wrt you mentioning about team stimming parties, I was wondering, what types of stimming (toys, materials, their own body etc) do you think the paladins enjoy the most, or get the most benefit from. It's really enjoyable image ; w ; but I know some stims can conflict with other peoples needs, so what might be someones fave might annoy someone else. So I wonder what either makes them most happy, or helps them best when needed! (QwQ Those are intense circumstances they all live in.)

I got carried away,,

Keith: Mainly tactile stims, a few visual stims

Textures: there are Good textures, and there are Bad textures, which is why he always wears his same jacket (good texture) and gloves (first line of defense against bad textures–see also my post about Keith’s gloves). In general, wet and cold is definitely Bad, smooth is usually bad. His favorite textures are (a) layered (running his finger over the wrap on his knife and plucking at the edge of a layer) or (b) ribbed (things like corduroy, or the seams on jeans and jackets that have that edge he can catch his fingernail on.)

Repetitive motions: that classic thumb rubbing that we saw in his vlog. These are typically very tiny movements that he tries to hide–he’ll rub his toes together inside his shoe or tap the toe of his boot against the floor.

Deep pressure & buoyancy: Keith is pretty touch averse, so he doesn’t seek out deep pressure often, but if he’s in the right mood a Shiro (or Hunk) Hug is A++. He also needs a blanket to sleep, preferably two or three. Yes, even in the hottest part of summer. Tight pants/shirt are soothing, and ngl he likes his Blade uniform because it’s a more even pressure than the paladin armor, which is too heavy on his shoulders and too thin/flexible where there isn’t the outer layer of armor. On the flip side, he also likes swimming because of the bouyancy. (Interestingly, he hates the feel of rain/shower water falling on him. It’s just too overwhelming. But being in the water and just floating there is v relaxing.)

Visual stims: mostly the way light reflects off his blade when he twists it back and forth and similar reflection/refraction things (light reflecting off water, mirages, the abundance of glowy things in space… he’ll sometimes stare at the crystal on the bridge for the entire briefing–completely engaged with what people are saying, just. Staring at the ceiling. It’s mesmerizing, okay?)

Chewing: rare, but more common as he gets more comfortable around the other paladins. He used to chew on his pens at the Garrison all the time, and one of the reasons he keeps his hair long (aside from not having the spoons to cut it/get it cut and not liking change in the first place) is so that he can suck/chew on his hair. He had to cut it when he first entered the Garrison, and it’s just finally getting long enough to do it again.

The thing about Keith’s stims is that they’re all very lowkey things he an do to calm himself down without drawing anyone’s attention. Probably he had bad experiences at school or in a foster home with kids making fun of his stims or his foster parents/teachers hammering “sit still” and “quiet hands” into him until he completely stopped doing anything immediately noticeable. He used to flap and run around when he was happy, but he doesn’t do that so much anymore. (It’s coming back, though, especially with Pidge and Lance being such big stimmers.)

As a result, his stims don’t really bother the others too much. Lance has a moral objection to Keith chewing on his hair in particular, and if he’s using a chewer, the sound of it sometimes gets to Pidge, but that’s it.

Pidge: visual, vestibular, and auditory stims

Spinning, flapping, bouncing: A lot of Pidge’s stims involve moving around (see the entire time Beezer was onscreen.) There’s a spinny chair in Green’s lab for the express purpose of happy spins, and the team knows to be ready for excited flapping when something Pidge is working on comes out right. (Lance has been hit in the face on more than one occasion because he likes to drape himself over Pidge’s shoulder.) Bounces in place when bored, runs around the castle at odd hours, climbs the other paladins. Very much a “I have too much energy in me and need to expend it somehow” stimmer.

Music: Pidge usually has music playing in Green’s lab–invariably at deafening levels (the bass pulse in your chest is just as important as the music itself). Upbeat songs are best, but any kind of background noise will do. Has started a collection of alien music since this laptop only has a small portion of Pidge’s library (most of the hard drive was dedicated to Kerberos research/snooping on the Garrison.)

Echolalia: Pidge is big into echolalia. (Pidge isn’t the only one who’s big into echolalia. Lance is also a fan, and Hunk usually joins in when they start an echolalia party.) In particular, Pidge will quote movies/TV shows, echo robot noises back at whatever robot happens to be nearby, and make quiet trilling sounds while working on code

Misc visual stims: There isn’t any one thing Pidge goes to for visual stims, but gradual changes (a la screensavers, lava lamps, auroras, glitter jars) have a tendency to turn into time sinks. Pidge has absolutely spent an hour staring at a screen saver without realizing it while idly musing about programming problems.

Repetitive noises: Can be either good or bad. Mechanical sounds, electronic whirring, and other white noise are great. Sudden, jarring, or grating noises are huge Nos. (See Keith’s chewing and some of Lance’s echolalia.)

Pidge’s flapping and running has a tendency to make Shiro tense up, especially if he’s not in a good place to begin with, so Pidge sometimes has to remember to stay chill or just go somewhere else until the energy is gone. Keith doesn’t like how loud Pidge plays music (it hurts his ears), but he respects personal boundaries and won’t turn it down. He’ll leave if he can, and if he has to stay, he’ll get irritated and snappish until Pidge makes the connection and turns down the volume. It’s the only real sticking point between them when it comes to stims, and they’re working on better communication to make sure it isn’t an issue in the future.)

Lance: Primarily vestibular and auditory stims, plus deep pressure

Spinning, dancing, flying: Lance loves to move. He loves spinning and dancing and big motions and G-forces. (He’s a huge fan of roller coasters and other amusement park rides.) Flying is such a stim for him, holy crap. So much so that it can become a problem. Loops, barrel rolls, sharp turns, hard acceleration–he loves the way it all pushes on his body (see also: deep pressure) and the way it makes him hyper aware of the physical sense of motion. Sometimes he pays so much attention to the sensations that he momentarily loses track of where he’s going–which is why he still sometimes crashes/sideswipes the other lions.

Deep pressure: Lance is a very touchy person in general, but in particular he loves hugs and cuddle piles. His favorite thing is to have Pidge sprawled across his lap, or when he and Hunk are sprawled on the couch in a tangle of limbs, or group hugs, or–Yeah. all of the above. Deep pressure feels like home.

Aerial dance: A combination of vestibular and deep pressure stims. Loves the muscle control it requires for the same reason he loves G-forces while flying. It grounds him, makes him aware of the space he occupies. Add to that the pressure of the silks wrapped around his body and the spinning and negative Gs as he drops, and it’s just the best.

Echolalia: Lance and Pidge can have entire conversations in quotes. Lance also makes sound effects for anything and everything (in training, while flying/fighting in his lion, while cleaning, while dancing through the halls.) He sings nonsense tunes a lot and hums both for the sound and the feel of it.

Voices: Conversation itself can be a stim for Lance, regardless of whether or not he’s a participant. The fastest way for him to fall asleep is by having the people he cares about around talking (e.g. his parents laughing and joking as they clean up in the other room, Hunk and Lance talking less and less coherently as they fall asleep in their room at the Garrison, Pidge and Keith up late during a sleepover in the rec room talking in low voices.) Lance doesn’t even need to hear the words; there’s something soothing about the cadence of it. He’ll use TV or music as a substitute if he has to, and he finds it very hard to fall asleep in total silence.

Lance is a dramatic stimmer, so it totally depends on the rest of the team’s energy levels as to whether or not they’re bothered by it. Most of the time, Hunk and Pidge will join in, and the rest of the team at least doesn’t mind. If they’re tired, though, Lance’s raw energy can be Too Much. There were some clashes early on with Pidge until they worked out a system where Lance’s cuddles didn’t get in the way of Pidge’s hyperfocus on a project. Hunk’s cool with all of Lance’s stims except when he’s in the lion/ship Lance is piloting, because Lance’s stimmy rides make Hunk nauseous.

Mostly, though, if there’s a problem, it’s with Keith or Shiro–and even those are pretty rare. Keith is mostly just confused by Lance’s stims, and isn’t bothered by them unless he’s already in a bad mood and wants to be left alone. Then Lance’s big presence can be too much. And Shiro can be set on edge by Lance’s stims for the same reason Pidge’s can get to him: Shiro’s idea of soothing is calm and quiet, and both Lance and Pidge are… the opposite of that when they’re happy and relaxed. Lance picks up on this quick and usually is able to dial it back right away.

Hunk: Taste, smell, and tactile stims

Taste: Hunk must put All the things in his mouth. Tasting alien foods/spices, yes, but also anything. Flowers. Glittery pink snow-stuff. Purple water. He did this with the Olkari headsets, so I mean. It’s canon. Sorry, I don’t make the rules. This bleeds over into tactile stimming, honestly (see: Olkari headset making his tongue itchy. He sounds so pleased by that I just can’t. I love him.) It also has the unfortunate side effect of having put him in a pod more than once because he accidentally poisoned himself. Worth it, though.

Smell: Hunk cooks to calm down for two reasons. One, it breaks him out of his cyclical thoughts and other anxious habits, giving him something else to focus on that’s familiar and controllable. Two, the smells. Some people have scented candles. Hunk has a rack of extracts. Also, like? Flour has a really bland but comforting smell? And let’s not even get into the smell of a finished dish. Cookies? Pies? Bread?? The kitchen is paradise for many reasons, and olfactory stims are one.

Deep pressure: This team is united in their love of deep pressure, tbh. Group hugs are great all around, and Hunk’s only too happy to dish them out. Always glad to be a pillow for one of the other paladins. Wears a thick vest for that extra little bit of pressure around his chest.

Tinkering: There’s something really satisfying about feeling machine parts click into place under his hands–and the oil is only a bonus, as far as Hunk’s concerned. He’ll take things apart and put them back together on an endless repeat just to feel the weight/texture/shape of the pieces. Also great for repetitive motions. See: stimming with the wires and making the sentry bot hit itself while the younger paladins were waiting in the control room in season 1.

Misc tactile stims: Hunk just likes touching things/holding things/fiddling with things. He likes to have something to do with his hands, so even if he doesn’t mean to, he’ll usually find something to play with when he’s bored or trying to focus on something Shiro or Allura is saying.

Hunk, like Keith, has a lot of less obvious stims–though in Hunk’s case it’s less because he’s trying to suppress it and more because his favorite stims are typically ambient things. Put him in a happy environment and he’ll be happy. He’s grossed out almost everyone on the team by the kinds of things he licks/bites, and Pidge gets annoyed when his tinkering turns into fiddling with Pidge’s stuff. Otherwise, he’s pretty chill.

Shiro: Auditory, tactile, and a few vestibular stims

Shiro has two modes: lowkey and highkey

Lowkey Shiro likes things to be calm and quiet. Ambient noises (air in vents, breathing, his own heartbeat) can be stims, but anything that interrupts the (near) silence is a major Sensory Bad. Deep pressure is good when he’s in this state, as is the texture of whatever chair/couch/bed he’s resting on. He’ll be hyperaware of his body, especially its weight, and he’ll run through relaxation exercises or meditation techniques to chase that peculiar calmness that comes when he’s intimately aware of himself and his immediate environment but his mind is completely quiet.

Highkey Shiro, like Pidge, has too much energy and needs to burn it off. He’ll pace or go for a run, or spar, the pounding of his footsteps/clash of his arm on the gladiator’s weapon serving as a grounding force in addition to the release of restless energy. When he can’t leave to burn off energy, he’ll clench and unclench his prosthetic hand, squeeze his arms, and grind his teeth. The repetitive motion and the tug/pressure/pull of it is soothing and helps to take the edge off the frustration/anxiety/overstimulation he’s dealing with.

The most notable thing about Shiro is that almost all of his stims are unconscious–meditation/relaxation techniques being the main exception. He didn’t stim a whole lot before Kerberos, but he does it a lot more frequently after his capture.

As he gets to know the other paladins and becomes more familiar with their stims, he starts to be more deliberate about it–he wears a weighted vest like Hunk’s a lot of the time and usually has a fidget toy with him to stim with during long meetings. Lance also entices him out for relaxing flights in the lions, because as it turns out the sensations of piloting are good for Shiro the same way they are for Lance.

Shiro’s stims don’t bother anyone–in fact, for a long time, no one even realized Shiro was stimming–but he’s by far the most likely to be bothered by the other paladins’ stims. He needs to be in control of his environment, and unexpected/uncontrollable stimuli tend to set him on edge.

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secondplayercanada · 6 years

Text

Super important muse update.

Hello everyone! As you may or may not know, I came to the realisation a while ago that a lot of Matts behaviours and other things actually line up perfectly with several signs of being on the autism spectrum. Further investigation showed yep, Matt is your local undiagnosed autistic adult! So yeah, this massively huge fuckoff document is a detailed description and walkthrough of where he fits on the spectrum and other important details. Its fucking massive, but please please read it all! Everything on there is important and details important things that make him him.

I’ll whack it under a readmore so you don’t have to scroll for forever.

So, before we get too far let me just preface this with an important disclaimer: autism is a spectrum. If you meet or know someone who’s on the spectrum you know just that, A person on the spectrum. Everyone is different and that's what I strive to show with Matt. Keep in mind he’s also undiagnosed, and was raised in a very different world to ours, and thus has learned to “act normal” over the centuries as he’s grown up. I’m not saying this is how every person with autism is or acts, I’m just saying this is how Matt is, as someone who’s a demigod style immortal thing. Now that we’ve done the obligatory disclaimer so tumblr doesn’t throw a shit fit, let's get into how Matt fits on the spectrum.

I’ll apologise in advance, this kind of wanders a bit, and occasionally just slides from one topic to another, but this does cover everything. And its long as FUCK.

As previously stated, autism is a spectrum ranging from the more extreme to the more subtle. Matt fits somewhere in the middle- some traits are noticeable and others are not. For example, Matt stims a lot, and he has no idea he’s actually stimming. His main stims have changed in how he shows them over the centuries, but these ones have never changed, only adapted.

1. He fiddles. Constantly. He’ll play with the hem of his shirt, the opening on the sleeve where his hand comes out, with his buttons (regardless of where they are), he’ll tug on the belt loops of his pants.

2. When his hair is long enough, if he’s starting to escalate or he’s got a lot of emotionsTM he’ll play with his hair. He’ll plait it, twirl it around his fingers, tug on it when he’s starting to get near a meltdown. If he’s having a full on meltdown he’ll pull out his hair and eyelashes.

3. Tapping and twirling. He’ll tap on the table, twirl his pen around, roll a stone with a soothing texture around in his hands, tap his arms, feet, so long as its a texture he likes he’ll play with it. Kinda fits into the fiddling, but I like to classify this as a different thing as the connotations are different.

In the modern day, he uses fidget cubes and spinners, certain slimes, certain stress balls, and he’ll occasionally chew on a pen if he’s trying not to fiddle or tap/twirl. He’s INCREDIBLY picky about textures, and he’s very sensitive to these. He flat out refuses to wear certain fabrics and styles because they are Not Good and he’ll do whatever he needs to not wear them. The main styles he hates are things like suits and ties, turtlenecks, anything that covers/restricts his neck and fabrics that don’t breathe. He can tolerate military uniforms in general because they’re designed to move and breathe. However, if something is baggy he’s usually ok with it.

Fabrics he likes are things like wool and cotton, soft things that feel like the sorts of clothes he grew up wearing. In the modern day he wears jeans and a baggy flannel mostly, though when he needs he’ll trade the flannel out for plain cotton tees. He prefers not to wear synthetic clothing as an environmental thing, and some of those fabrics are BAAAAAAAAAAD. He’s not sure which ones though, and can’t be bothered to find out so he just avoids anything synthetic as a general rule. He does know he would rather die than wear any kind of velvet, fake or real. Don’t even try he WILL rip it to shreds. Loves cashmere though.

He also has a love/hate relationship with shoes. It really depends on what the ground underneath is like. In forests and such, he can happily go barefoot. Sand? Sand is the devil. He hates sand on a similar level to Anakin Skywalker. Sand can get fucked. He refuses to go to beaches simply because he cannot handle sand, so unless its rocky or you can effectively keep the sand off of him, he won’t go. Ice and cold stuff he’s fine with, he doesn’t feel the cold as a weird ass nation thing. So he will walk barefoot and buttass naked in the middle of a antartic winter blizzard and he’ll be fine. Heat, on the other hand, he’s got a mixed relationship with. Heat on its own he can tolerate, same with humidity, but when its hot and humid he suffers and is constantly on the edge of escalating into a meltdown unless he can get somewhere cool. Hot ground is shoes weather, and he really doesn't like how most sandels feel. It's incredibly rare to find him in sandals, 99.99% of the time he has some form of enclosed shoe on. He’s also picky af about what shoes he wears, because it’s gotta fit his foot right, be comfortable, and most importantly the laces have to be just right. It’s dealing with laces thats hardest for him, if something doesn’t lace just right he can’t wear something. He hates thick, hard laces and prefers the softer ones that fit fairly flat and smoothly against the top of his foot so he’ll hardly notice them.

On the subject of noticing him, it’s his social ability that’s most likely to make someone suspect Matts on the spectrum. He HATES crowds, and the noise associated with them. He gets overwhelmed very easily in them, which best case scenario leads to panic attacks, worse case scenario he has a meltdown. He hates feeling cramped in and trapped in people, he hates feeling people in his bubbles or touching him without permission. The noises and smells in the city also tend to be his biggest trigger. He hates the smell of diesel, smoke/smog (he’s ok with woodsmoke though. And marijuana smoke. That's about it. He will throw your cigarette into the sun and you with it if you don’t back off when he’s getting antsy, as cigarette smoke in particular will give him huge headaches. He really suffered a lot when casual tobacco consumption was the norm.) he also can’t deal with lots of auditory input, and the noises in cities is often too much at once and will make him freak. Unless it's mostly the same sort of thing, for example just the babble of the crowd talking at a normal volume, he will leave ASAP.

Adding to his social problems, Matt exhibits the following common signs of autism:

1. Struggles with eye contact (over the centuries he’s learned to look at people’s noses and eyebrows, but it’s very rare he makes the concentrated effort to look someone in the eyes. It stresses him out.)

2. He struggles with facial expressions- both his own and others. He can’t read facial expressions very well, and has a resting bitch face that rarely changes. Kinda similar to canon APH Sweden. The most common facial expression he has is smile, frown, and raising an eyebrow in confusion. He’s learned raising an eyebrow while frowning is usually a nonverbal question of “please explain” so he uses this a lot.

3. Leading on from facial expressions, he can’t read body language in general or the atmosphere. He’s gotten a bit better over the centuries, but since he’s taken to hiding in the middle of nowhere on his own, he’s not as good as he could be with, ya know, a diagnosis and proper help to learn.

4. He gets fixated on things and then it's hard to stop him from focusing. Currently his things he focuses on are various environmental issues, mostly focused on conservation and preservation. His other major special interest all stages of building, from designing to actually making it. If you don’t let him finish it he’ll get really upset.

5. He really struggles with playing pretend. Like… a lot. Either something is real, or it isn’t. He understands fiction, which is fine and he enjoys reading fiction and other works that are clearly fictional, but if you try and hypothetically ask him something or have him pretend to do something it’s a struggle. As a child and early teen it would distress him to no end, but as an adult he can work through it if you’re patient.

But in saying that, he does notice things when he likes you. He’ll remember if you mention your favourite colour or food, he’ll notice when you wear a lot of a certain kind of jewelry, if you wear a certain scent a lot, if you wear certain accessories or styles a lot. He’ll notice if you have a certain kind of flower you use as decoration or in your garden. He’ll notice when you change your hair, if you wear a different style, he’ll notice you’ve been talking a lot about something you enjoy. And he’ll do his damn best to engage in the things those he cares about like. And when you’re sad he’ll use this to try and make you feel better. Think like Sherlock Holmes’s super noticing and remembering ability, only unlike Sherlock he’s not a foot-in-mouth dick about it.

On the subject of noticing what people like, Matt highly enjoys repetitive or easily broken down tasks like sewing, cooking, baking and gardening. His garden is meticulously cared for, and if he really likes you, he’ll either start growing your favourite flowers or he’ll give you as many as you want when they’re blooming. If possible, he’ll either start growing any herbs you like or use a lot in his herb garden or he’ll give you some. Stuff like rosemary he’ll bottle and dry himself and give to you so you have good homegrown stuff to use.

When it comes to clothes, he makes his own a lot so they’re Just Right, so he’ll mend your clothes, make you a nice coat or shirt, he’ll tailor things for you. He’ll even use fabrics he loathes if he really loves you. Including velvet.

He’ll also randomly make food for you and causally fob it off. Going back to noticing, he’ll make your favourite dishes where possible, things traditional to your homeland, whatever will make you feel happy. He likes making those he cares about happy. It makes him happy to spread some joy.

Moving on from happy, people yelling or otherwise freaking out is horrible for him. Mostly because the loud noises and aggression makes him escalate like that in turn, so when people get mad at him and start yelling and getting up in his business, it’ll end in disaster. Just the loud noises people make when going through a strong emotion in general isn’t good, but he’s ok with laughter now. Another reason why he avoids people- people are hard and when emotions and tensions start rising, so do his chances of meltdown.

So, what does Matt’s meltdowns look like? Depends on how bad it is and what caused it. At worst they’re your stereotypical autistic meltdown, he’s screaming, maybe crying, if it’s brought on by someone else he’ll try and hit you, if it's not a person he’ll rock, he’ll hit himself in the head, bite his arms and lips, pull out his hair by the firstful. He’ll kick if he’s on the ground, and if you get too close he WILL hit you. At this point it’s best to leave him alone. At his most mild there’s crying, he’ll hit himself and scratch his arms and rock in place. No matter how bad the meltdown is, as much as possible he’ll try and get away or remove what's caused the meltdown. If it's too much stimulation he’ll run away and find somewhere peaceful no matter what, if its a person he will fucking yeet you across a room, don’t get close. Things like sand are harder, he’ll usually just stay at his peak until someone can get him away or he doesn't have to wear it/touch it/feel it/ go near it. No surprise that war in general is absolute hell for him. During wartime if he’s in the hospitals or on the frontlines he’ll be right on the edge of a breakdown. While serving the world wars he developed a temporary hatred of mud and everything associated with them, and temporarily developed selective mutism. In general, he refused to interact with all but a handful of people (mostly nations) and even then he was mostly nonverbal.

In saying that, Matt is surprisingly good with children and it was children that were key to his recovery after the wars. He adores kids, as kids tend to be very honest and easy for him to read, and even when they lie it's for reasons he can understand. And most kids are shitty liars so even he can tell when they’re lying. Matt loves playing with kids, with kids and animals being his magic combination to help him chill no matter how close to a meltdown he is. After the wars he worked a lot with kids because he was quiet and to most kids, he was scarier than anything else that they imagined could be after them. So he became the big scary friend who looks after everyone else. Once he adopts a kid as his, he will do whatever he needs to keep them happy and safe.

He does a similar thing with animals, as animals are like kids but easier again for him to understand. He loves the small cute animals, and has been known to opely sob in delight over impossibly tiny animals like kittens and puppies. In saying that, he also loves adopting the grumpy old bastard cats who no one can get near from shelters. If you give him an inch he’ll take a mile and end up running like a bajillion Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary style sanctuaries for animals in need. Don’t test him. Their fur is oddly calming to him, a throwback to his childhood when animal hides were commonly used, especially in winter.

And yeah, that's everything. Thanks for reading this stupidly fucking long talk about Matts autism! This is a living document, so it’ll evolve as Matt evolves, so it’ll be a good idea to check back in on this every now and again once I add it to his page. However it is about 11pm as I finish this edit before posting and I woke up at 6am this morning for work and must do so again tomorrow. So yeah.

Thanks again!

#that's a very vauge concept you know {about}#I'll schedule this so the Americans can see it #please read this this was a labour of #love and lots of hard work and editing #thanks

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