Neurodivergent Tools For Thriving

Finding Balance in Connection

You know, people often ask me how I manage to live life to the fullest. Honestly, it’s a bit of a journey for me, and I’ve learned a few things along the way. One of my biggest 'tools' is connecting with a friend who lives nearby. We chat almost every day, and let me tell you, it makes a world of difference! When I spend too much time alone, I start feeling a bit 'buggy'—you know, that cabin fever vibe kicks in. It’s like my brain starts to spiral, and I just need that human interaction to ground me. But here’s the kicker: while I love connecting with my friend, I also have to be mindful about how much socializing I can handle. I mean, I can easily get overwhelmed in big social situations, which can be a bit of a balancing act.

The Importance of Balance

So, it’s all about finding that sweet spot. I enjoy my time with my friend, but I also cherish my alone time. It’s like a dance between the two. Too much of one can throw me off, but when I find that balance, I feel more alive and engaged with the world around me. In the end, it’s really about knowing what you need and being okay with it. Whether it’s a quick text, a coffee catch-up, or even just a phone call, those little connections can really help keep the cabin fever at bay!

My Dog: The Ultimate Companion

You know, my dog is more than just a pet; she's like this little tool I use in my everyday life.

In fact, as I write this she is demanding my attention., Seriously though, she has this magical ability to keep me on my toes! I can’t just sit around and overthink things when she’s around. Nope, she’s way too needy for that! Whenever I start to drift off into my own headspace, she’s right there, nudging me with her nose or giving me those big puppy eyes that say, “Hey, it’s playtime!” It’s almost like she knows when I’m getting too wrapped up in my thoughts and decides it’s time to snap me back to reality. Whether it’s a game of fetch, a walk around the block, or just some good old-fashioned cuddling, she always finds a way to pull me out of my mental spiral. Honestly, I can’t imagine my life without her constant reminders to stay present. She’s my furry little life coach, and I love her for it!

Struggles with Memory and Meds

So, let me tell you, my short-term memory is pretty much non-existent. Seriously, I can walk into a room and forget why I even went in there! And when it comes to taking my medications, it's been a constant battle. I mean, sorting through 12 different bottles to fill up a pill minder? Talk about a tedious chore! Plus, there’s no guarantee that I’ll actually remember to take them on time.

The Hero Device to the Rescue

That’s where my amazing Hero device comes into play. This thing is an absolute game changer! Not only does it hold all my pills in one neat place, but it also sorts them by dose, which is super helpful. I don’t have to worry about mixing things up anymore. And get this—it has a really loud alarm that goes off when it’s time for my meds. I mean, it’s hard to ignore that sound! But if I somehow manage to, it’s got my back in another way. It actually calls my cell phone and sends a reminder ding to it. Talk about a lifesaver! I don’t know how I ever managed without it. It’s made taking my meds so much easier and way less stressful. If taking medication on time is an issue for you I definitely recommend the Hero device.

And then there’s Google and Alexa, Right?

They are like having your own personal assistants, but without the fancy suits and coffee runs. Honestly, I don’t just need reminders; I need reminders of my reminders! It’s a whole system of keeping my life in check.

This is where technology really shines. I’ve got my Google Calendar synced up with Alexa,

and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. Alexa chimes in with his smooth voice, (yes I replaced her voiced with a man's voice) reminding me that ‘this needs to happen’—it’s like having a buddy nudging me to get things done. And then, just when I think I might forget, my Google Calendar sends me those reminder dings and emails. I mean, email is super important to me, so I make sure I get those reminders sent straight to my inbox too. It’s like a double whammy of reminders! Who knew tech could be this helpful?

Finding Balance with Human Contact

So, like I mentioned at the start of my post, human contact can really be a mixed bag for me. On one hand, it can be super draining, but on the other, it's something I definitely need in my life. My caregiver is an absolute gem—seriously, I couldn’t ask for anyone better. She’s always there to nudge me, or let’s be real, sometimes she has to give me a little push to get me to do my ADLs (that’s just a fancy term for Activities of Daily Living).

The Struggle with Daily Tasks

Take feeding myself, for example. I could totally go an entire day without eating, and then bam! I’m hit with a blood sugar crash that feels like a ton of bricks. It’s wild how easily I can forget to take care of myself. And then there’s bathing—oh man, I can get really absent-minded about that one. I’ll resist it until it becomes a full-blown issue, and by then, it’s like, “Okay, I really need to wash up now!”

The Importance of Support

That’s where my caregiver comes in. She’s like my daily reminder to stay on top of things. I mean, without her gentle nudging, I’d probably just end up in a cycle of neglecting the basics. It’s a bit of a struggle, but having someone who understands and helps me navigate through the day makes a huge difference. It’s all about finding that balance between needing my space and knowing when I really need that extra support.

Understanding the Spectrum of DCCs

I’ve got to admit, when it comes to DCCs they really do fall along a wide spectrum. It’s wild how different everyone’s experiences can be! On one end, you’ve got folks who can breeze through tasks that I sometimes find really tricky. Then those people who seem to have it all figured out, making it look easy while I’m over here scratching my head.

Different Levels of Support

Then, on the other side, there are those who need a more hands-on approach, like a 24/7 support system. It’s a whole different ball game for them, and that’s totally valid too! Everyone has their unique challenges and strengths, and it’s important to recognize that.

My Personal Perspective

At the end of the day, I can only really speak to my own needs and experiences. It’s a journey that’s personal to each of us, and I think it’s crucial to honor where we’re at individually. Whether you’re thriving or needing a bit more help, it all counts!

Finally...

I think the biggest thing holding me back from getting what I need is my reluctance to ask for help when I really should. I grew up with this idea of "pulling myself up by my own bootstraps," which is basically about tackling something super tough or even impossible. I was taught that asking for help was shameful. But after finding out about my diagnosis at 46 and having a really supportive therapist, I've started to break free from that mindset.

Sure, I still have moments of shame now and then, but I've realized it just leads to a never-ending cycle of struggle.

It's really important for me to remember that each new day is a chance to learn or grow, as long as I'm still breathing. I've figured out how to be kind to myself and appreciate just how far I've come.