Earplugs
Much more discreet and easy to carry than headphones, earplugs will allow you to take the edge off and still be able to interact with people. Some brands design their earplugs specifically for that, so that’s great for neurodivergents.
Headphones
Some autistics can not handle the sensation of earplugs in their ears. In that case noise cancelling headphones will help.
Safety Keychain Alarm
Autistics have difficulties recognising danger and understanding social situations which makes us more vulnerable to abuse than allistics. Always carry an alarm with you and use it as soon as you feel unsafe.
Nail polish to detect drugs in your drink
Spiking, which is the act of adding drugs to someone’s drink without their knowledge with the intention to sexually assault them, is very common. A special nail polish that changes colour when dipped in a drink that has been spiked can be life saving.
Anxiety medication
Sometimes, taking public transport, even with earplugs/headphones, can be too much. A mild anxiolytic taken when needed can make a great difference. Ask your healthcare practitioner what the best option would be for you.
Soothing playlist
Certain frequencies are especially soothing. It cancels out background noise that could be triggering and helps to feel more focused or grounded. Youtube is a good place to start but you can also put together your own playlist.
Sunglasses
Many autistics have photophobia. Invest in a good pair that will actually protect your eyes.
Blue-light blocking glasses
Many of us spend a lot of time in front of a screen. It’s bad for our eyes and makes us even more tired. What happens when we get tired? We get even more sensitive. I use dark mode on all my devices, put the brightness on a minimum, use a blue light blocking screen protector on my phone and always wear my glasses. I have prescription glasses and it’s an added feature that you can ask.
A smart watch
There are plenty of affordable options on the market. A smart watch will track your heart rate variability (HRV), menstrual cycle, sleep etc. This will help you to gain self-awareness and identify your sensitivity patterns.
Hand sanitiser
Some of us are hypochondriacs and others struggle with basic hygiene. In any case, and especially after we experienced a pandemic, carrying a hand sanitiser is a good idea.
Relaxing scent or mist
Carrying a little spray with you to calm and self-regulate can be part of your essentials. You could incorporate it to your bed-time routine or use it punctually.
Comfortable clothing
Favour clothing made of natural organic fibres. Linen is especially durable, breathable and according to Dr. Heidi Crawford Yellen, it has a healing frequency.
At Home Essentials
A rocking knee chair
Most ADHDers and autistics struggle to sit still. A rocking knee chair is good for your posture but it also allows you to rock to self-soothe while being at your desk.
Supplements
Keep yourself healthy by adding supplements to your routine. They do not replace a healthy diet but they certainly contribute to it. Instead of wasting your money on supplements that you don’t need, take some tests and adjust your intake accordingly.
Smart food solutions
Whether you struggle with food because of sensory sensitivities or ADHD, look into meal replacement powders, some brands offer nutritiously complete shakes that taste and smell like nothing . It’s a quick fix to make sure you have something in your stomach when you can’t handle anything else. You are not an astronaut so eat something solid when you can, this is complementary to your diet.
A yoga mat & floor cushion
Before you buy a yoga mat online, make sure that it has the right texture, thickness and width. Having a routine practice will help to self-regulate and weather the unavoidable stressors out there.
Dimming lightbulbs or small lights
Make your space nice and cosy, use coloured lights if you want. It helps to create a calming atmosphere.
Blackout curtains
A must if you are sensitive to light.
Quality sleep essentials
Invest in good bedsheets, good pillows, a good mattress, a bed frame that doesn’t squeak every time you move and so on. Quality sleep will improve your mood and energy levels.
Home diffuser
If you have a menstrual cycle which heightens your senses periodically to the point of recurring nausea, make your home smell nice. You don’t have to pollute your air with chemically loaded perfumes, maybe just airing your bedroom on a regular basis is enough for you. Otherwise find something that works for you.
Plants and pets
Taking care of a plant can be a very calming and grounding little ritual. Pets are also known to be especially beneficial for autistic people or just anyone struggling with anxiety and social isolation.
Home organiser
Your home is a reflection of your mind. A cluttered home is a cluttered mind. Sometimes change has to be external before you can redirect that energy internally. If you don’t keep things organised, investing into smart home solutions: a shoe organiser, closet organiser, cutlery organiser etc. will do wonders.
Foot massage machine
A foot massage machine will cost you the price of one in person massage and you can use it everyday to regulate your nervous system.