25 Hacks to Improve Your Autistic Life

Time to improve your autistic life, one small change at a time! Here are 25 tried-and-tested hacks to get you started.

#chrisanddebby #actuallyautistic

♾️ If you are autistic, which of these are you going to try first? Drop what resonated with you and your experiences in the comments! ⤵️

❗️NOTE: No video (or YouTuber through a video) can diagnose or un-diagnose you with autism. Videos on our channel are meant purely for educational and entertainment purposes to help promote better understanding of neurodivergent minds.

➡️ Remember to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more content, and hit the notification button 🔔 to be the first to know when new content arrives!

🎙️ FROM THE VIDEO:

🎥 WATCH MORE:

🚨 OUR RECOMMENDATIONS:

👇 FAVORITE FIDGET GADGETS (especially for ASD)

📚 FAVORITE BOOKS

🎧 FAVORITE HEADPHONES

👕 FAVORITE COMFY CLOTHES

💤 FAVORITE SLEEP ITEMS

PS: Purchasing through these links may give us an affiliate kickback (at no additional cost to you) and help us continue to make awesome content. Thanks for your support!

⭐️ ABOUT US:

I'm Chris and alongside Debby, my brilliant partner, we've traveled, taught kids and families, founded companies, and navigated the world while also balancing both autism and ADHD as a neurodiverse duo.

Whether it's better understanding the autistic mind, getting productivity tips for ADHDers, neurodiverse relationship hacks and travel tales, or just a peek into our everyday life, we've got a lot to share. So if you want to join a community that's all about improving lives, you're in the right place. Give a thumbs up if you enjoy the video, drop your thoughts in the comments, and hey, maybe consider subscribing? Cheers to a better life!

⏰ Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Hacks 25 ➡️ 21
3:33 - Hacks 20 ➡️ 16
6:09 - Hacks 15 ➡️ 11
9:50 - Hacks 10 ➡️ 6
13:01 - Hacks 5 ➡️ 1

#autistic #autism #masking #mentalhealth #autismawareness #ASD #actuallyautistic #unmasking #autismsupport #adhdandautism #livingwithautism #neurodivergent #AuDHD #autismdiagnosis #audhder #autisticlife #latediagnosedautistic #mentalhealthjourney #mentalhealthawareness #understandingautism #autismadvocate #autismadvocacy #autismacceptance #neurodiversity #autistictraits #autismtips

[njf]

Excellent video. I propose #26: Accept and forgive yourself for the meltdowns and burn outs that will happen no matter how much you dial down and accommodate. Happy New Year everyone!

[dasja]

Not an autistic hack perse because it can benefit everybody, but working to decrease/stop negative selftalk/self abusive behaviours was a giant gamechanger for me.

[michali]

"My not dirty but not clean chair." I feel so seen. I will now give myself permission to not feel guilty for my chair clutter, because it helps me have a spot for my "not dirty, but not clean" clothes. 😊

[caseyrobinson]

Chris: which of these will you try first?
Me: Sir, I've already paused this video multiple times to get a snack, change my clothes, and dim the lights. It's "which will I try next?"

[alexinatree]

I was raised by a single (undiagnosed) autistic father so I learned all the skills that he unintentionally learned to cope with his autism- and wasn't taught a majority of the social norms I tend to hear autistic people struggle with unlearning. I often feel proud when I watch advice/tips videos like these and go "nice, I already do that!" bcs I had less social pressures to fit in and "act neurotypical". When I was younger, I remember actually being praised for being so "authentic" and "real" by peers and adults alike. Yes, I was the weird kid, but people thankfully just accepted that rather than trying to change me or ridicule me. Well, that or my auditory processing issues and literal thinking may have inadvertently protected me from childhood bullies... I prefer my first theory lol.
Of course there are still really rough things I internalized and am now trying to unlearn, but I'm very grateful that I have a lighter load in certain areas compared to others. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for other multiply disabled people who didn't have the same experience as I did and now on top of having to confront internalized ableism about a physical disability, on top of dealing with internalized ableism about neurodivergency. My heart goes out to everyone on this path of confronting and unlearning falsehoods we were raised with ❤️

[randomantisocialgirlie]

So, I was recently diagnosed and I finally have an answer to my lifelong question of: "why do I always feel like I space out outside of my house and never feel in the present moment?" Apparently cause I've been dissociating the whole time to bear with too many stimuli. I've always felt like I was "outside" myself. I taught myself so well not to stim/stimming sneakily that only now I realise what my (almost constant) barely noticeable gentle rubbing of two fingers together is. I kept wondering why I was always the only one who couldn't sit still when music is played. Instead of meltdowns I've always had shutdowns because I was screamed at and beaten as a kid and teen whenever I showed anger or strong feelings. I've gone under the radar for so long, as a high-masking gifted female. It's been hell. But it's all thanks to tips like yours and those of other autistic youtubers that FINALLY life advice I apply to myself works. I'm really appreciative of the work you all do!

[tamirundell]

#25. Curate a supportive environment.
#24. Embrace the power of "NO"
#23. Keep snacks handy to manage overwhelm. (Kelly Hogan keeps precooked bacon in her purse- in a plastic bag)
#22. Schedule recovery time.
#21. Declutter your space to declutter your mind.
#20. Find or create community.
#19. Build a routine that supports you.
#18. Stim Freely
#17. Choose comfort over expectations.
#16. Build transition time into your schedule.
#15. Adjust your environment for sensory comfort.
#14. Advocate for yourself.
#13. Use visual reminders.
#12. Simplify decision-making.
#11. Practice gratitude for small wins.
#10. Prioritize recovery days.
#9. Find joy in solo activities.
#8. Get to know your cognitive distortions.
#7. Dive into your special interests.
#6. Plan low-sensory errands.
#5. Reduce obligations that drain you.
#4. Experiment with movement that feels good.
#3. Adjust your expectations based on you.
#2. Keep sensory goodies handy.
#1. Give yourself permission to zone out.

[sanetvanart]

Stuck for years at decluttering. Overwhelmed permanently

[nryane]

Thank you, Chris. As a late-diagnosed autist (June of 2023, at almost 81), I have found that I naturally did a LOT of your suggested hacks throughout my life. Nice to know that my “selfishness” (looking after MY needs) is an okay thing! Such a relief!

So many people have told me that I’m “selfish” for taking care of myself. I’ve had to cut them out of my life. My being “too sensitive” is another criticism that I’ve learned is NOT true. I’m just “sensitive” as an autistic individual! Who woulda thunk that?!!!

Forgiving myself for not being “normal”/neurotypical and meeting OTHERS’ standards of how to live has been GREAT! I’m NOT “normal”; I’m NEURODIVERGENT!!!

I’m learning to celebrate that neurodivergence.

No more head-thumping for me! (I know that the head-thumping and saying “stupid, stupid, stupid” you do is supposed to be a joke. However, it’s on the edge of being triggering for me. Luckily, I have 80-plus years of life experience to BREATHE through each time you do it.)

Finding autistic-friendly clothing in Canada, so far, has been challenging. I may just have to check with my grandchild and see where they get soft clothing with few itches and discomfort.

Thanks, again.

[MelanieDPerkins]

Bluetooth bulbs where you can adjust brightness, color, and hue with a voice command have been WONDERFUL!

I always long for alone time! It's probably why I stay up way too late. There's so much solace when everyone else is sleeping.

[DonMarie-nc]

I'm a master at alone time! I have endless solo interests.

[AlexTakasugi]

I’m retired and have been a birder for years (passionate about birds since childhood). I mostly find birds by hearing them (my eyesight isn’t that sharp) and regularly amaze my birding buddies by locating birds nearby, or at a distance, even if I’m in the middle of a conversation or surrounded by other noises. I’ve told them that I can NOT filter out sounds even if I wanted to, so I WILL hear the birds. To them, it’s sort of a superpower!

[jamesrempel]

I was afraid this was going to be a "how to hate yourself" video but instead it was "how to love yourself." Thanks Chris, I needed this.

[hughobyrne]

Thank you for your humour, gentleness, kindness, and wisdom.

[kjd]

9:06 "Do I own 20 of the same hoodie? Yes. Yes I do." THANK YOU!! I own multiples of my shirts and pants (all black, as colors overwhelm me...finally managed to get zip hoodies in colors to go over the black shirts, yay me!). I'm sure people think I wear the same clothes every day. But hey, it worked for Steve Jobs! (I read that he used to order a dozen long-sleeve black turtlenecks from Ambercrombie & Fitch at one time, because it's all he wore. Haven't verified this, but he did always seem to be dressed the same: black turtleneck and jeans.)

[theseventhgeneration]

So, no, I'm not just that weird hermit living in a small but incredibly organized storage shed conversion at the back of the property. Just watching a couple of your videos has been very impactful on my new journey into understand autism. I'm turning 50 i a month and I have been putting all of the pieces together. I've been white knuckled throughout my entire life, no clear answers to my burnouts, failed relationships, failed jobs, endless restarts on providing myself with a happy and functional life. I've always been kinda weird. Now I know why. Now I know how to live with it. 98.338% of this video applies to me. Many of these hacks have naturally evolved in my routines. I would guess that it's a matter of instinct. Now all of my needs are more specific and deliberate, thanks to you and your videos. Who would have thought that I would experience such a high level of self discovery at 50 years old? Right now, my biggest focus is establishing a support network.

[lizantenhave]

In a new environment, if possible I choose a seat with a view on a plant, tree, or nice painting.

[LexieP-nr]

To add to the using lamps instead of overhead lights, using smart lights has changed my life. You can link them to your Alexa or your Google home device and you can customize the color and brightness just using your voice. Complete game changer.

[kensears]

So true about curating a supportive circle of trusted friends. I let basically my whole personal world know about my autism discovery nearly immediately in a rather once-and-done way, letting them know that I *wanted* them to know, just to make things clearer that might need clarification ("Ohhhh so THAT"S why Ken was always kind of different..."), but also that I had zero interest in sustaining the "conversation" and they very well might never hear me bring it up again. This was my strategy for letting the insight percolate under the surface, be meaningful to those who wanted it to be and forgettable to those who wanted it to be. Moreover, to those who found it a kind of epiphany (again, "Oh THAT'S why..."), didn't feel equipped to engage with me on the topic but were grateful at least just to know, my approach gave them the space to process it in their own way for as long as they want and perhaps make their own quiet, barely perceptible adjustments. And yes, indeed, I have noticed this. It's a greater sort of latitude, or what they call "space, " that is palpable as I "let my hair down" somewhat and stop being so self-censoring and circumspect about every intonation, posture and spontaneous reaction. And the best part concerns the true "inner circle, " which is of course VERY small indeed (isn't it always?). One friend in particular, my nearest and dearest, with whom I had just one or two conversations about it. We don't bring up the topic, really, but I know that he knows, and he knows that I know that he knows. And there are moments he suddenly demonstrates an understanding that astonishes me in a heart-melting way. Like the other evening when I went to his daughter's swim meet. My friend suddenly said, "You know, it's a big echoey place with loud rock music playing during the heats. Will that be too much for you?" I hadn't even quite registered that he was so in tune with my sensitivities. Then he and his wife and I were in a mall where a couple of young guys from a department store were trundling some huge metal carts through the mall, making the MOST sickening, neuron-singeing, nauseating rumble, and it seemed they were intent on following us. Nobody but me seemed to notice, and I couldn't believe the sound wasn't as short-circuiting to EVERYBODY the way it was to me. I said, "That sound is making my stomach sick and my head dizzy." I feared being ridiculed for over-sensitivity, or accused of exaggerating, but my friend said, "Let's go the other way and get away from them." He knew. I think that's just about the most precious thing an autistic person can have in the world: a friend who knows.

[fishiefishies]

"If you can do more than one day [of no-commitment, no-judgment self-care] a week, that's even better" — this legit made me tear up. Even on my "rest days" I feel obligated to do things like make the bed, wash the dishes, tidy the living room, get 30 minutes of exercise, etc. when all I *want* to do is curl up with a snuggly blanket and a George Eliot novel. Hearing someone say this feels like being granted permission for something my soul has been absolutely longing for but I've been too embarrassed to admit I need.

One thing though: Your coffee syrup bottles weren't ALREADY arranged alphabetically?!?!?!?!