This Autism Acceptance Month, I’m delving into five reasons why autism self-love is important. It’s an area we can be very good at forgetting about. It’s not the whole list, but these five are a perfect starter.
1. Self-Regulation
Being able to self-regulate as and when we need to is a great skill to have. It can be hard to recognise when that point hits. Being able to love yourself for how you are is the first step. This does mean no “I should be better at X”. Being able to regulate what you need and when can be tricky, but to give yourself peace of mind it’s something we need to do.
2. Your Needs
Understanding the signals your body gives you can be hard as an autistic person. If you have difficulties identifying those needs, it can be harder to give your body the love it needs. This could be things like working with your body to identify the sensations that mean you need a drink or the toilet.
As hard as it might be, but putting your body first is a priority. Being able to get through the day in some kind of comfort is crucial. If you’re not able to do this by yourself, asking a family member or someone you trust completely could help. If not, maybe try setting reminders to have a drink every thirty minutes.
3. Sensory Care
You know what your senses can cope with and what it can’t. Giving yourself that love of choosing fabrics you can cope with or wearing ear defenders to cut out excess noise. Understanding how your senses work and giving them a little love will allow you to function that little bit more. Asking for accommodations can be hard in workplaces. Your wellbeing has to come first to enable you to do what you love. If you need to ask for help, do it if you feel able.
4. Functioning For You
Knowing what you and your body needs to be able to function at any level is crucial. If you need accommodations to allow you to thrive, then so be it. Only you know what you need. You know where your threshold is for coping with certain environments. Trusting your instincts and advocating for your need to function is important.
We all have different points of when it gets difficult to function on any level. Learning where yours are will help you to prevent burning yourself out. Even if it upsets others that you can’t do what they can, you have to come first.
5. Burnout Prevention
Pushing yourself past your threshold to come across as “normal” or that you fit in will come back to haunt you. I’ve done it myself many a time. I try and do too much, put too much pressure on myself to do what needs to be done. It doesn’t help anyone if I push myself past what I can cope with. Burnout can mean any ability to function depleting. Not even your favourite subjects can comfort you.
Looking after yourself as best you can and saying “no” when you’re unable to take on any more things to do, it can be hard. Learn what your limits are and stick to them. Look after each of your senses and give yourself time to recharge.
Loving who you are isn’t always easy, especially if you have limits to what you can do. Taking into account energy levels, what your senses can actually cope with and understanding you don’t have to do everything alone is just as hard. Love who you are, all your strengths, weaknesses and everything in between. You are brilliant just the way you are.