# 7 Autism Daily Life Hacks

**October 12, 2022**  
**By Daniel M. Jones aka The Aspie World**

When we think about autism, we often think about the issues autistic people have in school, work, and social situations. However, one of the biggest things forgotten about is usually the day-to-day tasks that autistic individuals find difficult, as navigating the world can be a scary and challenging task.

Staying motivated and on task can be one of the most difficult challenges when you are on the spectrum, especially if you also have ADHD. I love hacking my environment to make it more autism-friendly and help others do the same in workplace settings. Whatever environment you spend the most time in needs to be autism-friendly and accommodating, just like a wheelchair user would need ramp access.

Let’s get ready to learn how to hack your way to an easier life on the spectrum. Here are some simple but impactful productivity hacks to keep you motivated, productive, and sensory safe!

## 1. Proprioception

Lots of autistic people have issues with sensory processing disorder (SPD), impacting their daily lives. For example, I struggle to open doors and judge distances, like how far a table is to place a mug down. Activating proprioception can help alleviate some of these issues.

Doing simple proprioception exercises such as wall push-ups or moving light objects like dining chairs can create a more aware sense of spatial awareness. Pro tip: Top up with these activities every 2 hours to maintain proprioception.

## 2. Soundsory

Soundsory is a headphone-based therapy that works on fine, gross, and visual-motor skills in children. This technology has shown impressive results concerning handwriting, balance, and sports skills. There are many useful exercises available on their website to accompany the earphones.

## 3. Sensory Room / Corner

Creating a sensory corner in your home or room with lights and fluffy pillows can help you escape the overwhelming sensory world. Even making a small den or corner to block out the world for a few minutes a day can make a significant difference in how your brain—aided by a sensory break—responds to your surroundings. Try to incorporate sensory time into your daily routine, like 15-20 minutes each day.

## 4. Headphones / Sunglasses

Many people use headphones and sunglasses to filter out the main causes of sensory overload in autistic individuals. Wearing headphones can help block unwanted noise, while sunglasses can filter out bright or flickering lights. Consider investing in noise-canceling headphones for optimal sound reduction and quality sunglasses that filter light effectively.

## 5. Set A Timer

The lack of motivation to do productive tasks is a common experience for autistic individuals, especially those with ADHD. A helpful hack is to set a timer for your tasks, making the process feel more like a game. When the timer goes off, you can do something fun as a reward!

## 6. Lists

Autistic individuals often enjoy making lists. Creating a visible plan for all the things you need to do helps keep you organized. Lists can be displayed on your desk, wall, or even on your phone or tablet’s background. A digital calendar can also keep track of tasks in a time-sensitive manner.

## 7. Regular Sensory Breaks

Autistic people often forget to take time to decompress and regulate themselves, which can lead to burnout and meltdowns. Taking regular sensory breaks is crucial to prevent overloads. This can involve sitting in a quiet or less noisy room to breathe and reset your sensory input. It's like a mini vacation for your mind, which can be incredibly beneficial!