DON'T TOUCH ME! When you're on the autism spectrum, that phrase can become a mantra that continually runs through your mind. 

On the other hand, you may experience the opposite in which you   want to touch everything, including  other people to the point of upsetting them by routinely violating their personal space. 

Standing in line

I was reminded of my own touch sensitivity while waiting in line to buy tickets at the Shedd Aquarium yesterday. I was already pretty dysregulated from the drive in, I'd never been there before so I was also anxious about the uncertainty I'd encounter. 

However, I'd decided it was going to be a grand adventure because my boys and I would be experiencing all of it together for the first time.

My youngest Connor is a proprioception junkie (loves deep pressure). Standing in line or sitting still for that matter drives him nuts. My wife Cathy is very good at spotting when Connor needs to move.

While I was focused on keeping it together in line (while other people kept brushing against me like I wasn't there) Cathy took Connor out of the line and over to the nearest wall. I heard her ask him, "Do you think you can move this wall?" Next thing I know Connor had both hands pressed against the wall and he was pushing as hard as he could. This is a little game that allows him to get a lot of pressure in his joints. It calms him quickly and makes the experience of waiting far more manageable.  

By the time we were through the line my whole body was weak and I needed to sit down. I was so dysregulated I needed a few minutes to sit, close my eyes and breath so I could get in touch with my body again. Once I felt more grounded we were off to begin our journey. 

Hug me 

Even though I'm sensitive to repeated light touches, the right kind of deep pressure tends to regulate me and others on the spectrum quickly. This is where having a child who loves deep pressure is an amazing gift. Connor loves giving a lot of tight hugs, especially when he's excited. The pressure helps him regulate his nervous system including his mood.

Excitement can become overwhelming when you're unable to calm down so the deep pressure of hugging helps him with this as well. 

So between Connor hugs and the hugs of a darling wife who is in tune with my sensory needs I was able to make it through the day and experience this wonderful adventure with my children.

Just keep swimming

You don't need to be on the autism spectrum to become overloaded, of course. Each of us has our threshold of too much input.

The key is identify in any environment, which sensory input excites you and which input calms you. The better the balance the more able you are to manage that space.

While there was plenty of touching and noise at the Shedd Aquarium to throw anyone into meltdown, there were also endless opportunities to get lost in the wonder of watching the variety of ocean creatures simply swim. 

Watching the manta rays swim was like watching a creature from another planet explore the Earth. Looking at the Octopus smooshed into a crevice was enviable under the circumstances.

Watching their rhythmic movement, breathing and just being at times gave me the opportunity to tune in to them and tune out from the overwhelm around me. Balance is amazing when you can find it.

How do you find balance in situations like this? Please share. 

Photo Credit Sarajea via Flikr