Q: My adult son has autism and needs noise cancelling headphones. He is 30 yrs old and needs to be able to concentrate at his job where noise bothers him.
This short video on auditory sensitivity shares several strategies from Ilana Danneman, PT at Fun and Function.
Additional tools that support concentration include weighted lap pads, seating cushions, hug tees and weighted vests, chews and fidgets.
Q: I'm having surgery. What should I do or get to help me stay calm and relaxed while I'm in the hospital? I don't like loud noises or staying in one spot. When I get upset or frustrated with anything, I tend to bite myself or bang my head.
A: We wish you a swift recovery from your surgery, and hope everything goes as smoothly as possible. Our therapists suggest several sensory tools that may be helpful – see list below. In addition, they recommend walking and moving since it can help alleviate the stress and biting. Though it may be difficult at the start, given the surgery, even small movements can be helpful. We’d love to hear what helped you the most so we can share with others facing similar challenges.
- Noise Reduction Ear Muffs to minimize the extraneous noise but still allow you to hear nearby conversations
- Weighted Cap for calming pressure and to help keep you from banging your head
Q: My niece is on the autism spectrum, and asked me to help her find a job. Is there a list of companies that are open to hiring?
A: Fortunately there are a growing number of companies that want to increase the ranks of this overlooked talent pool. Some like EY (formerly Ernest & Young) have neurodiversity programs to recruit and hire people with different cognitive abilities. Others like Ultra Testing primarily hire people with autism. Check out the resources at Spectrum that highlight leading companies as well as helpful ideas, such as practice interviews with avatars.
Q: Last week, I lost my temper with a colleague at work. I'm thinking of telling him that I have ADHD and sometimes I get overwhelmed. Or should I keep that to myself?
A: While it's a personal decision whether you feel comfortable sharing that, you do want to sincerely apologize and take steps to prevent a repeat. For example, you could work with a coach or trusted friend to role play responses to frustrating situations. Also, try practicing relaxation techniques, and use noise cancelling earphones to filter out surrounding noises. And ask for regular constructive feedback from colleagues so you can become more aware of your tendency to react impulsively.
Q: My job involves sitting at a computer for hours at a time. I need something to help my stayed focused, but not stand out. Help!
Q: My adult son has autism and needs noise cancelling headphones. He is 30 yrs old and needs to be able to concentrate at his job where noise bothers him.
