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skeptic_

355d

So I’ve been on this long ass journey, trying to identify what’s behind the chaos going on inside my head. I read something on this app about how a good way to prevent an ASD meltdown (or help with its potential intensity) is to name objects in the room to keep yourself grounded. Could this be why when things get busy or stressful at work I’ll repeat “you’re okay” under my breath over and over? Or why I’ll mutter the name of each ingredient on a burger out as I make it? It feels like it helps me stay in my own box and not get overwhelmed with the chaos ensuing around me. What could something like that point to?

Top reply
    • AnimalBoy

      0d

      Yes that does sound like grounding. Stimming can also be very good for grounding and so can thinking about your SpIn if you're in a place to do that

    • AnimalBoy

      0d

      Yes that does sound like grounding. Stimming can also be very good for grounding and so can thinking about your SpIn if you're in a place to do that

    • Boudicca

      354d

      I have ADHD and don't believe I have autism, but I definitely have sensory overload issues. I realised I've had a coping mechanism where I sing or 'rythmically breathe' one line of a song over and over again. Unfortunately, people find this incredibly annoying and always end up telling me to shut up ☹️ With the overlap of symptoms it must be so hard. When I feel nauseous I'll tend to rock and repeatedly butt my head on something (gently though). I've assumed that all my neurodivergent symptoms are ADHD based, but I do things that I far more associated with autism before I read more about ADHD (lack of ability to pick up social cues, literal interpretation of speech, stimming). Sorry this isn't helpful, I'm more showing solidarity!

      • skeptic_

        354d

        @Boudicca no its always helpful to hear others validate what I’m feeling. I do the same thing. Like when I like something I’ll repeat just the name of it over and over in my head (ex. I’ll just say my boyfriends name in my head over and over sometimes when my feelings for him are a lot. I’ll do the same with some games or songs/lines of song). I’ll also “beatbox” a lot. Or rather just rhythmically pushing air over my tongue and through my lips. I’ve annoyed plenty of people with just enjoying my own vibes so dont feel bad!

    • Atheris

      354d

      It could be. One of the hardest things I've found is trying to untangle the cause of each symptom, for lack of a better word. After a couple of years of doing research on my own I've figured out (and finally diagnosed) with ADHD, ASD, and cPTSD. they all present in similar ways but the treatment is very different. Like the difference between a tension headache versus a sinus headache from a weather change. I still have not found a therapist to help me figure it out. What you are describing could be grounding to help with ASD, or ASHD. It's hard to know without some more context.

      • skeptic_

        354d

        @Atheris thats pretty much been my messy experience these past few years. Picking apart these behaviors or experiences and trying to make sense of it. THEN trying to explain it in a way that makes sense to someone else. I never feel like I describe what I mean well enough, especially not to doctors. It feels impossible to get across at times. Like translating to a different language

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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It could point to a coping mechanism for dealing with sensory overload or stress. Naming objects or repeating phrases can help ground you and keep you focused on the task at hand, preventing you from becoming overwhelmed by the surrounding chaos. This technique is similar to the suggestion of narrating what you're seeing and doing to stay present and focused, as mentioned in one of the replies about derealization and dissociation.

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