One day with autism (adult)

Introduction

My name is John, and I'm a 28-year-old adult living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I was diagnosed when I was young, and living with autism means that my brain processes information a bit differently than most. I have heightened sensitivity to sensory inputs like sounds, lights, and textures, and I have a deep appreciation for routines and patterns.

I'm writing this diary to provide a glimpse into my life and the kinds of days I navigate. There are two types of days that stand out: workdays and special event days. Each comes with its own set of challenges and routines.

On workdays, I follow a structured schedule that helps me manage expectations and reduces anxiety. I work as a software developer, a job that allows me to dive into patterns and problem-solving, which I enjoy. However, social interactions and unexpected changes can be tough. I often rely on strategies like using noise-canceling headphones and taking breaks when things get overwhelming.

Special event days, like family gatherings, are less frequent but require a lot of mental preparation. The sensory environment can be intense, and the social expectations can be stressful. I bring along items that comfort me, such as my noise-canceling headphones and a favorite book. These events can be draining, but I'm learning to cope with them better each time.

Through these entries, I hope to share the ups and downs, the victories, and the challenges. Each day is a step in my journey, and I'm learning more about myself and how to navigate a world that isn't always designed for someone like me.

A Day at Work

• 6:30 AM - Woke up to the soft chime of my alarm. I chose this sound because it's gentle and doesn't startle me. I picked out my clothes for the day, making sure to choose ones with soft fabrics and no irritating tags.

• 7:15 AM - Had my usual breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast. I like the routine, it makes me feel secure. The toaster made a strange noise today, which was a bit unsettling, but I managed to stay calm.

• 8:00 AM - The bus ride to work was crowded. I wore my noise-canceling headphones and focused on the coding problem I was planning to tackle at work. I find coding fascinating because of its logical structure.

• 9:30 AM - Work started off well. I enjoy coding because it follows rules and patterns. However, I ran into a challenge when the technical documentation for the project I was working on was unclear. It was frustrating, but I took a deep breath and asked my colleague for clarification.

• 12:00 PM - Lunchtime can be challenging. The break room is often noisy, and the smells of different foods can be overwhelming. I usually eat at my desk, which is quieter and more comfortable.

• 2:00 PM - The afternoon was filled with more coding. We had a team meeting, which was overwhelming due to the number of people and the volume of conversation. I did my best to contribute, but I was relieved when it was over.

• 5:00 PM - Work ended. I was relieved to go home. I enjoy my job, but the end of the day is when I feel most tired from all the social interaction and sensory input.

• 6:00 PM - After work, I spent time in my room with my collection of model trains. It's my special interest, and it helps me relax.

• 8:00 PM - Dinner alone. I have a rule of no distractions while eating, which I appreciate because it makes mealtime less chaotic.

• 9:30 PM - Followed my bedtime routine, which helps me wind down. Brushed my teeth, read a book, and then lights out.

A Family Gathering

• 6:30 AM - Woke up to the soft chime of my alarm. Today is a family gathering for my sister's birthday, which means a change in routine. I chose my most comfortable clothes to help me feel at ease.

• 7:15 AM - Had my usual breakfast. I tried to keep as much of my routine the same as possible to help me prepare for the changes later in the day.

• 10:00 AM - Spent the morning in my room with my model trains. I find focusing on my special interest helps me stay calm when I'm feeling anxious.

• 1:00 PM - The family gathering started. There were a lot of people, which was overwhelming. I wore my noise-canceling headphones and took breaks in a quiet room when I needed to.

• 3:00 PM - We had lunch. The smells of different foods were strong, and the noise level was high. I sat at the end of the table, which was a bit quieter.

• 5:00 PM - After lunch, I spent some time talking to my cousin about our shared interest in model trains. It was nice to connect with someone over something I'm passionate about.

• 7:00 PM - The party ended. I was relieved to go home. I enjoy seeing my family, but large gatherings can be exhausting.

• 8:00 PM - Back at home, I had a quiet dinner. I appreciate the calm after a busy day.

• 9:30 PM - Followed my bedtime routine, which helps me wind down. Brushed my teeth, read a book, and then lights out.