10 Hacks for Home
- Maintain a simple routine and focus on what is good
- Plan extra time into your morning routine to work through compulsions if needed
- Stay hydrated, eat right, and exercise regularly
- Give GRACE to yourself and others
- Give
- Respect
- Admiration
- Courtesy and
- Empathy
- Create a comfy space all your own at home – relax there daily – No electronics allowed
- Avoid triggers when possible and push forward with a professional
- Set aside time every day for focused breathing – 5 seconds in – 5 seconds hold – 5 seconds out
- Use the J.O.Y. acronym to help you manage stress
- Journey forward
- Organize for Optimism
- Yield to Wellness
- Spend time outdoors whenever you can
- Go out of your way to do something nice for someone daily
10 Hacks for School and Work
- Arrive at school early whenever possible and follow the schedule to avoid stress
- Focus on your strengths, not your struggle – Never Lead with Lack
- Know the accommodations that work for you and use them
- Kindly remind your teachers of your 504/IEP accommodations when necessary
- Know your triggers and avoid them at school whenever possible
- Create a Go-To plan to manage ASD challenges at school and use it – Invite a friend to partner in the plan
- Identify a support person and a safe place at your school – a teacher’s room -the nurse’s office – someone and somewhere you can go to for help
- Advocate for yourself – ask for the help you need
- Ask a friend or parent to roleplay with you and help you plan for new events or encounters
- Use the R.E.S.P.O.N.D. acronym to help guide you through difficult situations. Respond with:
- Respect
- Expressed optimism – a smile or kind facial expression
- Safety in mind – no offensive language
- Positive outlook
- Outcome in mind – Try to end the encounter well
- No Negativity
- Deliberately exchange – Work to make eye contact
