unbearableThe path towards independence as an autistic self is exciting, but it can also be a rather daunting one. Everyone’s journey is individual, but here are some of the strategies I used to foster independence, regain my confidence and get back on a path that led me out of unbearable pain. Here are 5 Empowering Strategies for Young, Autistic Adults to Foster (or reclaiming) Independence:
1. Create Custom Schedules to Foster Independence
stabiliseWhile it may not sound glamorous, establishing daily routines can help you stabilise your life. Consider these tips:
- Visualise your daily plan with the help of different pictures such as charts, calendars, or via some apps.
- Divide a complex task into more manageable parts.
- Have a routine, but mix it up: learn to adjust your regular habits when there are surprises.
So try it all to see what feels right and could work for you. You can alter your habits until you find a rhythm that works for you.
2. Explore Your Strengths for Maximum Benefit
It is important to know what you are good at and where your strength lies, and from that place of understanding — build your confidence and chase opportunities that match who you are. Try these approaches:
- Consider what activities or subjects you naturally gravitate toward if forced to, or would not bat an eyelash doing.
- Please enlist input from your favourite friends, family members, or mentors about their thoughts. Enlist input from your favourite friends, family members, or mentors about what they perceive as good at.
- Consider what makes you unique regarding your mental toughness, such as hard focus, routine or attention.
So let these points above guide your choices in education, employment and personal growth.
3. Develop Self-Advocacy Skills
Speaking up for your needs and rights is crucial to being independent. Other ways to work on self-advocacy include:
In the same way that you need to build up your self-advocacy skills, a big part of that is practising telling people about your autism in addition to any accommodations you may require.
- Practice challenging conversations with someone who cares about you.
- Know Your Rights in School and at Work
- Baby steps: practice small acts of self-advocacy in moments when the stakes are low.
Keep in mind that self-advocacy is a practice. Work at it you will eventually get this for sure!
4. Embrace New Experiences
This could be hard, but getting different experiences will give you the flexibility and self-assurance to take a new career path.
- Take small baby steps into new territory.
- Visualize or do research on a neat situation you would like to experience someday.
- Lean into any moment where you step out of your comfort zone, no matter how small.
Cultivating this flexibility will save you well when adult life proceeds to its unpredictability.
5. Prioritize Your Mental Health
Mental health is essential to being able to live independently.
- Find out which coping mechanisms you do well, i.e. taking a few deep breaths, stimming or alone time
- You may benefit from having more tools and strategies to work on with a therapist who understands autism.
- Manage stress, practice consistent self-care rituals (exercising, a hobby or relaxing)
It is important to keep in mind that asking for help if you need it, is a sign of strength! Ask for help without hesitance.
Conclusion:
Independence is a process; it is totally fine to do things at your own pace. You are already on the road to greater autonomy and free will using these methods. Know that you are exactly where you need to be, and acknowledge your growth while asking for help if necessary. Take pride in your individual strengths and perspectives as you embark on the road to independence.
