Autism is stepping into a puddle of water on my kitchen floor and gagging at the sensation, and ADHD is forgetting that the puddle exists within one minute and then STEPPING in the same puddle again.
I would like to direct your attention to this meme:
This is my every day experience as someone who is AuDHD. The Autism and ADHD traits battle it out every day. No day is the same for me.
Some days I crave and implement a strict routine, other days I am in total chaos and spontaneity. I’ve learned over the years that I cannot fight this flow. I must operate solely off of vibes.
Fighting the flow equals depression and anxiety. Operating off of the daily vibes means more control over my day and my emotions.
That’s why if I made plans with people days ago where I was operating from a social vibe, yet today I am operating from hermit vibes, I owe it to myself to honor said vibes.
The key to navigating the random AuDHD vibes is giving yourself grace. Things change. They can change day to day or minute to minute. Consistently checking in with yourself and understanding your energy levels is so important. It is so easy to feel guilt and shame for our everchanging feelings and energy levels (ask me how I know).
I used to berate myself constantly, questioning why I’m such a terrible friend, employee, daughter, etc…
Why can’t I just commit. Why can’t I just push myself. Why do I suck.
Moving on.
The two wolves inside of me are constantly fighting for the spotlight. It’s very fascinating to me to see how the different traits overpower the others continuously.
They’re like a lava lamp. The blobs of goo morph and shift together, but they’re both still me. They’re always changing in intensity, but they flow nonetheless.

It is extremely helpful to have tools in place for the days that you want to be a reclusive hermit and for the days that you want to go out and experience the world.
For me, I have my cozy things. I make sure my bed is super comfy and safe with soft blankets and pillows. The color scheme for my room is soft greens and woods (because nature/earthy tones bring me a lot of peace).
I have my laptop, switch, and journal at the ready. I have painting supplies and my bass guitar in my room as well. Having multiple mediums for creativity is the absolute key for me as an ADHD creative with Autism needs. So whatever the vibes call for in my hermit zone, I’ll be ready.
Likewise, on days where I have the energy and desire to go out, I make sure I wear comfy clothes that won’t make me hyper aware of my body (because that will be all that I think about when I’m socializing).
I ALWAYS make sure I have my water bottle with me. If I feel slightly thirsty, I will go insane. I also never leave the house without moisturizing my hands and my lips (I keep that Burt’s Bees on me). If I feel any dryness on my body, I will actually crash my car.
I also always have earbuds/headphones in my bag to help with blocking out every day noise. Grocery shopping while bopping to Electric Light Orchestra is chef’s kiss.
It has taken me a long time to learn these things about myself AND to also remember to keep certain items with me that make my day more comfortable. I will definitely talk more about the tools I use to help me remember things :D
I would love to know…
What do you think about the vibes lifestyle?
What little things do you keep near you/with you that help you regulate?
Share your own tips and tricks if you’d like!
Until next time, There are no rules, just vibes xx Disco Brain