Summer 2019

Interviews with
SAS and LAS
members and
Staff!
REVIEWS:
Tropical World
and Burnby
Hall!
 Contents

Editors Note - page 1

Contributors Note - page 3
Autism: Signs and Symptoms - page 5
Meghan Tamas - page 9
Employment Assistance - page 13
Michael Duffy - page 15
Books and Resources - page 17
Ben Caradice - page 19
Autism and Mental Health - page 21
Danial Ratcliffe - page 23
Matt Reviews: Tropical World - page 27
Burnby Hall and Gardens Review - page 33
Autism and Self Soothing - page 36

A couple of months ago
after my own diagnosis of
Autism, I received a pack
full of information which
caused me to have a melt-
down. There was too much
information to process with
nothing to break it up such
as; images or graphs.
This is why I created the
Autistt Magazine, as well
as to inform about services
in Leeds, I wanted to show
https://autisttmagazine.wixsite.com/magazine
autisttmagazine@gmail.com
1
Editors Note
Aimee Shepherd
that those who have been
newly diagnosed are not
alone
I also want to thank every-
one for putting up with me,
taking part and being great
sports. I have loved work-
ing with you.
@autisttmagazine autistt
Contributors Notes
 “Leeds Autism Ser-
vices are a charity
dedicated to helping
to create a more au-
tism friendly society.
We have been helping
people with autism to
reach their true poten-
tial for over 30 years”
Danielle Furness
(Partnership and Development officer)
tion of autistic people and
Leeds Autism Services believe that education and
(LAS) provide specialist understanding of autism is
support for adults on the the key to creating a more
autism spectrum. autism friendly society.

We realise that everyone We work with families, com-

we work with is unique so
our packages are tailored
to support people to iden-
tify and achieve their life
goals, whatever they may
be. LAS also campaign
for the rights and recogni-
munities and businesses
to encourage a better un-
derstanding of autism and
are able to provide infor-
mation, advice, bespoke
training and consultancy.

3
 “We make a positive
difference to the lives
of our members and
through person-cen-
tred support we create
opportunities for peo-
ple to build confidence,
develop social skills,
increase independence
and fulfil their poten-
tial.”
Steven Clark
(Service Coordinator)

Specialist Autism Ser- with and for adults on

vices (formally known the autism spectrum
as Sacar) was created in Yorkshire. They also
in 1999 in Bradford be- spread awareness na-
cause of an increase tionally about autism.
of need for carers for
those with autism,
SAS are a non-prof-
it group which works
4
 Autism
Signs and Symptoms
Author: Aimee Shepherd
26/04/2019
After some research, I discuss
the signs and symptoms of
Autism and examine my own
traits.
With all the informa-
tion on Autism focusing
around children and their
parents it’s difficult to un-
derstand where some-
one might go, or even do,
when been given a diag-
nosis as an adult, but let
us start at the beginning:
the symptoms.
In the UK 1 in 100 peo-
ple are on the Autistic
spectrum. Autistic symp-
toms differ from person
to person, so narrowing
down definite Autistic
symptoms can be over-
whelming. Autism is a
5
developmental disorder
which makes social inter-
actions, communication
and learning difficult and
can be alongside other
issues such as; mental
health problems like de-
pression and anxiety but
also obsessive-compul-
sive disorder, Tourette’s
syndrome and eating
disorders. The list is vast
and changes in severity
which can make a diag-
nosis in adults hard es-
pecially in women and
“In the UK, 1 in
100 people are
on the Autistic
Spectrum.”
 “I can talk forever about a
subject and not get bored,
but I don’t recognise when I
should stop or when to take
a breath to let them speak.”

young girls as being the Autism Spectrum feel

calmer gender, females uncomfortable with eye
tend to be quieter Au- contact which makes in-
tists. But not always, we terviews and social ques
are all different. difficult to decipher. I find
it hard to express my
According to the NHS emotions, thoughts and
website in 2019, there ideas without some kind
are two main charac- of list nearby to remind
teristics which are seen me to keep on track. Also,
during a diagnosis. The group situations make
first is the social aspect me uncomfortable be-
of Autism. The difficul- cause I feel confused and
ty in social interactions have so many thoughts
and communication with about whether I am doing
others can make it hard something right, wrong or
on a daily basis to make not well enough and con-
friends, go to school or stantly wondering when
even keep a job. I should talk and when I
shouldn’t.
Most of those on the

6
 Most of the time I re- on Amazon, or Amazon
main mute unless I know Kindle depending on your
someone really well, then preference, of Autism in
it is completely the op- Adults brings up lots of
posite. I can talk forever books on the subject.
about a subject and not Laura James’s Odd Girl
get bored, but I don’t rec-Out and Luke Beardon’s
ognise when I should stop Autism and Asperger
or when to take a breath Syndrome in Adults are
to let them speak. just a couple that pop up
during the search and are
The second is repetitive great reads.
behaviour and routines
which could be fixed rou- If reading is information
tines every day or repet- overload and you feel
itive movement of the more comfortable listen-
body, such as; rocking or ing to a book, then Audi-
swaying. Autistic people ble is a great option and
can be under or over sen- you can do day to day
sitive to the environment, tasks at the same time
specifically to sounds, too! Put on your head-
smells and lights. As phones, press play and
mentioned before, every- ride the bus without hav-
one is different. ing the background noise
that hurts your ears.
Books are also a great
way to learn more about Yes, heightened senses
yourself and how you see are also a symptom of
the world. A quick search Autism. Having over-sen-
7
sitive senses makes
bright lights, loud nois-
es and touch painful in
certain environments.
Some may experience
under-sensitive sens-
es where they are not
heightened but lowered.
Giving them an extremely
good pain threshold. The
intensity of all symptoms
varies depending on the
person.

The most important thing

to remember is that there
is a community of peo-
ple with autism. It is not
something that you have
to manage alone, and the
best part is there are peo-
ple who understand you
and accept you.

8
Meghan Tamas
Meghan talks to us about her role at the
Leeds Autism Services (Mabgate Centre) and
the acitivites available.

Author: Aimee Shepherd

26/04/2019
Would you tell us a little so I can give training on
bit about your role? safeguarding, so I’ll be
providing some training
My role is sort of in be- soon. It’s a very, very var-
tween the support worker ied role.
level and the manage-
ment level, so as well as What was your first day
supporting service users like at the centre?
I support staff as well.
Nerve wrecking. Obvi-
How long have you ously, I came into a new
been at LAS? job, didn’t know what to
expect. I’d come from a
Two years and a month. similar job, supported liv-
What do you do day to ing service where I sup-
day? ported two ladies with
autism, so I was quite
I support the service us- knowledgeable on au-
ers who attend Mabgate, tism, not quite as much
I still assist with support as I am now because the
sessions. That’s still in training here is fantas-
with the 1:1 support with tic, and we have a varied
a range of activities and I people here. No one per-
am also over seeing staff son is the same.
in my role. Conducting
supervisions, address- The first person I met was
ing problems, health a gentleman who told me
and safety checks. I’ve to sign in, who is some-
done a training course one that we support. He
10
 “No one riding, arts and crafts,
pottery, ball pool, horse
person is therapy and the activity
specific to the Mabgate
the same.” centre is the pottery. We
have our own kiln so they
asked me my date of can make their own pot-
birth, what year and why tery. A lot of people do
I was there and what was the pottery because it’s
my name. It was such very sensory, it’s crea-
an interesting day, and tive, it’s therapeutic and
everyone made me feel we get some really nice
very welcome! pieces out of it which
those who have made
What activities are them can keep or we go
available? on to sell them at market
stalls. We’ve sold a lot,
Anything and everything. specially the pottery an-
I mean if someone imals.
turned around and said,
“I want to do a skydive” We also have sensory
I’m sure we would find a activities in doors, we do
way of getting that done. a lot of arts and crafts.
We have regular bowling We also do communi-
trips and GoApe is our cation sessions as well,
charity partner for the building peoples com-
year so we’re having a munication skills and
trip to GoApe in the next building self-esteem. We
few weeks. There’s horse have a lady who does
11
maths too, to help build
up skills there and we
have a life skills kitchen
upstairs to do cookery
sessions. Showing peo-
ple how to be self-reliant.
We try and make sure
that people have a varied
experience here.

What would you say

to someone who was
thinking of working at
the centre?

I say go for it. I think you

do need the right sort of
approach and the right
attitude. I think you need
to be very open minded
and be ready to take on
anything. Every day is
different.

12
12
 Employment
Assistance
Author: Aimee Shepherd
26/04/2019
Employment Assistance in
the Leeds area and where to
seek it.
Services like the Job
Centre Plus, can also
assist in helping you find
employment as they will
help you build a CV, look
for volunteering oppor-
tunities to build experi-
ence so you can find a
job that suits you and
your needs. This also
helps you think about
your strengths and what
type of job you think you
would enjoy and benefit
from doing.
Leeds Autism Aim is
an organisation that is
there to support those
13
with autism in the Leeds
area and try to help
wherever they can. They
have a drop in centre
every Tuesday afternoon
called the Lovell Autism
Hub, where you can go
and discuss what you
need, the support availa-
ble and what you would
like to do after a diagno-
sis. If you prefer you can
also call up and make an
appointment so that you
can pop the date in your
diary and feel secure
that you have a desig-
nated time and date.
They also hold workshops
and can give you advice
with benefits, employment
and everything else in be-
tween.

Lovell Autism Hub also

have peer support, a
monthly women’s support
group every third Tuesday
of the month and have a
range of books, laptops
and tablets that can be
used during your visit if
you wish to.
To learn more visit
their website: http://
leedsautismaim.org.
uk/

To contact the Job Cen- Or email them here to

tre Plus please visit their
website:
https://www.gov.uk/con-
tact-jobcentre-plus
or call them on 0800 055
6688
book an appointment:
leedsautismaim@
advonet.org.uk
or call 0113 244
0606

14
Michael Duffy (LAS Member)
Michael Duffy
LAS Member and FUndraiser
Author: Aimee Shepherd
26/05/2019
Kirkgate Market and I pro-
Michael has been at LAS mote awareness at talks. I
for 7 years and today dis- was Mencaps number one
cusses his journey with fundraiser five years ago
LAS and what he has before I came to LAS.
been involved with during What is your favourite
that time. activity?
What was your first day Night clubbing sessions.
at LAS like? There’s two clubs in Leeds
that hold autism friendly
Very nerve wrecking. I nights held monthly called
wasn’t familiar with the Clubnight Beautiful. One is
people, but Karon (the at the Octopus Club, which
CEO) helped me to adjust. is at the Students Union at
I didn’t used to talk; now I Leeds University, and the
can’t stop. other is at Leap the Bridge
which is held at Pryzm.
Do you feel happy at the
centre? What would you say to
someone new?
Yes, it has built my self
confidence up because Give it a try because we
I’m involved it a lot of the are one of the best.
fundraising, such as; help-
ing with the market stall at
16
Books and
Resources

Books and resources that could

be useful and organisations that
might help.

Author:
Aimee Shepherd
The Girl with the Curly vast amount of topics for
Hair Project was created
by a woman called Alis
Rowe. It’s an organisa-
tion which creates aware-
ness and helps promote
neuro-diversity in the
community by providing
workshops, books, webi-
nars and seminars about
all aspects of Autism from
meltdowns to socialising.
They also employ people
to do talks and lead work-
shops around their local
area and more!
The National Autism Or-
ganisation has various in-
formation on their, easy to
use, website. They cover
topics, such as; diagnosis
(where to go and who to
talk to), benefits and care
available, education and
support that is available
in schools, colleges and
Universities and where
to find it. They cover a
employers too, to create
a more autism friendly
working environment as
well as volunteering and
employment opportuni-
ties for the National Au-
tism Organisation itself.
Both of these compa-
nies have lots of infor-
mation for you to look
deeper into Autism. But,
if reading is not for you
there are lots of videos
on YouTube, from Ted-
Talks to podcasts which
could help provide more
information through re-
latable material such as;
personal stories and re-
search. Also, don’t for-
get you can always con-
tact one of Leeds Autism
centres to ask about
further help, information
and to be guided in the
right direction.
18
 Ben Caradice
Author: Aimee Shepherd
26/04/2019

Ben is a member of Leeds

Autism Services and talked
to me about his experiences
so far.

What are the staff like I like to write stories and

at LAS? I like writing the quiz. I
like to write about two
Friendly, kind and hap- different worlds, one
py too. called Green Bike and
the other called Sum-
What do you like to mer Glaze. I can tell you
do while you’re at the everything by heart. I
centre? really like horses too
and write a lot about
Drama, art, going out, magical ones.
helping at the market
stalls, walks and other How do you feel while
things. at the centre?

I’ve heard you like I’m nervous with new

writing, what type of staff and people but
things do you like to happy rest of the time.
write?
19
If I were new what
would you say to me?

I would tell someone I

know I’m nervous and
they would sort it out.

Thank you Ben for

taking the time to talk
to me, I know you
were very nervous!
I love those bunny
ears!
 Autism and
Mental Health
Author: Aimee Shepherd
26/05/2019

In this article we discuss,

and sign post, mental In Leeds there are multiple
health organisations in organisations that can help
Leeds. support you and are hap-
py to have a chat and help
Everyone is in need of a lit- get you through a difficult
tle help sometimes and our time. Organisations, such
community is no different as; IAPT and MindWell,
when it comes to healthy can help and other ways
mental health. Autistic peo- like mindfulness and reg-
ple are more easily suscep- ular exercise can also be
tible to depression, anxiety a great way to boost your
and other issues due to mood and relax your mind.
many factors that can up-
set their systems on a daily Surrounding yourself with
basis. positive people and some-
times giving yourself a
This could be from senso- nudge to go for a walk
ry overloads and isolation helps to clear your head
to bulling due to a lack of and can bring forth a new
understanding of the condi- perspective when being in
tion in schools, universities a dull, dark house all alone
or employment. might not.
A member of the SAS cen-
21
28
tre thinks positive and say’s my headphones, close my
he acknowledges the neg- eyes and listen then soon
ative thought but never al- enough I fall asleep.
lows it to stay. He lets it go,
which gives him the confi- ASMR (Autonomous Sen-
dence he needs to carry on sory Meridian Response)
with the presentations he is when tingling sensations
gives regularly to over 60 occur over your skin, head
people at a time. While an- or back which deepens re-
other member of SAS ex- laxation. YouTuber’s use
plained to me that he talks whispers, tapping, crin-
to himself when in a difficult kles and other objects and
situation or environment. sounds to give you these
He gives himself a pep talk relaxing tingles, and they
to help restore his confi- normally create videos for
dence before returning to different things, such as;
the task at hand, which I headaches, anxiety and
thought was a brilliant way sleep.
of boosting your mood.
You can contact MindWell
I enjoy watching ASMR on their website, which
videos on YouTube on an is quite interactive and
evening to help close off fun to use: https://www.
my mind before I sleep. I mindwell-leeds.org.uk/
usually have so much go-
ing on in my head and find You can contact IAPT at
it hard to switch off. I pop in their website here:
h t t p s : / / w w w. e n g l a n d .
nhs.uk/mental-health/
adults/iapt/

22
29
 D a n i a l R at c l i f f e
o n A u t i s m Awa r e n e s s a n d S A S
Author: Aimee Shepherd
26/04/2019
Danial is a young adult who
works hard to build awa-
renss, and acceptance, of
autism. He talks to us about
his past experiences, SAS
and how he helps the autistic
community.
What was your first day at
Specialist Autism Services
like?
My first day was interesting.
They have us do introduc-
tions but continue with the
workshop as normal so you
can get involved from the get-
go. They also take the time to
email you to give you the de-
tails and things so they can
get a feel for your interests
and what sort of workshops
would be good for you. Trying
23
to get you involved within the
service.
What activities do you get
involved with when you’re
at the centre?
The three workshops that I
do, two here at Leeds and
one at the other site at Brad-
ford. The two I do here at
Leeds: I have the community
engagement and employabil-
ity on a Monday which is a bit
more of a generic. It’s a little
bit of everything.
On a Tuesday I do a multime-
dia workshop, which I tend to
take on a more of mentoring
type role because I have got
industry experience in film
and media having worked
for an independent film stu-
 they were understanding
“I was giving the pres-
about your autism?
entation to health pro-
fessionals, doing talks Yeah, when my boss at the
to parents of children company I was working for
with autism, so there took me on he was like, “so
was a whole range of what if he has autism. Let’s
give him a trial. Let’s see how
people I raised aware-
he gets on, if he’s hard work-
ness to.” ing and such I want to give
him a chance.”
I went in and did a trial day,
dio here in Leeds. So, I have
worked really well showing
experience I feel I can use to
I was passionate and moti-
support the members with. So
vated. He had to make ac-
that I find in that class what
commodations, but he did it
I’m getting out of it is skills
because he found that I was
for being able to successfully
so hard working and worth
mentor people and help bring
working around.
out the best in them.
What do you like about
On Thursdays I do drama and
multimedia?
theatre. Which brings in the
film industry experience com-
I’ve always been interested
ing in to play again, but then
in technology. It’s more the
there’s the drama side where
digital media side that I enjoy
I am not as experienced in,
and that does involve work-
so I get to learn new things as
ing with cameras and stuff
well, such as; Learning how
like that and I think in this day
to take on board constructive
and age there is a lot more
feedback.
digitised in media.
When you were working in
At my last job I was be-
industry did you find that
24
 ing trained to be a software
form and the head asked me
developer for their clients.
to deliver it to the sixth formers
Showing as well that autism
and then the other heads
doesn’t mean we’re being asked me to give the talk to
held back. We can do just as
their year groups as well.
well in life, if not better than
Which I did, and I was told it
neurotypical people. As I see
was one of the best attended
it it’s a difference of thinking
assembly’s they’d ever seen.
rather than a disability.Because people came in and
really, really wanted to learn,
How did you start doing understand and hear it from a
your awareness presenta- perspective of someone who
tions? lives with the condition.

It started back in school when I was giving the presenta-

we were asked to do a pretty
serious topic for a presenta-
tion for our GCSE English. A
lot of people had done things
like war and murder and stuff
about dictators. Just very
deep and quite dark stuff and
then it comes to my turn and
I’m doing a talk about autism
instead which was a com-
plete change of pace for the
group.
But I felt I was in a position
to talk about it because I live
with the condition. I had a lot
of experience that I could put
into that. Then I entered sixth
25
tion to health professionals,
doing talks to parents of chil-
dren with autism, so there
was a whole range of people
I raised awareness to and
educated on the condition. I
had planned on giving talks
to sports and societies at the
University of Bradford, where
I studied, because there was
“I felt I was in a
position to talk
about it because I
live with the condi-
tion.”
a lack of understand there even more so we can give
that had caused complica- that extra training.
tions, which caused me to
drop out of extracurricular
activity groups due to a lack
of understanding.

Do you think with a lit-

tle more awareness in
schools’ things like that
could be avoided?

Yeah, if the coach had said

to just sit out and observe in-
stead of throwing me into the
deep end before I had the
chance to adapt.
I think it potentially could’ve
been handled better if there
had been the awareness.

What kind of awareness

are you involved with now?

We did a presentation for

World Autism Awareness
Day. It was in Bradford and Danial is preparing for his
mostly SAS staff and mem- next presentation, which
bers came which was a little I hope we can learn more
annoying but did the best about as time goes on.
we could. I’m going to start
working with Dave so we can
flesh out the presentation

26
 D ay O u t s i n L e e d s
M at t R e v i e w s
Matthew will be trying out some
of the surrounding fun day outs in
Leeds. All autism friendly places to
see just how autism friendly they
really are. This month he went to
Tropical World!

27
 Tropical World
Author: Aimee Shepherd
13/04/2019

This week Matt travels to and stuffy bus with a bunch

reviews Tropical World in
Roundhay to see how autism
of people and children,
friendly it is. as it was the Easter hol-
idays and neither of us
In this edition we decid- like being surrounded
ed to check out Trop- by people and noise.
ical World. A zoo type The trip to Tropical
organisation in Leeds World itself was pleas-
which specialises in ant enough.
tropical animals, such
as; butterflies, birds, The driver seemed to
reptiles and fish. Un- be happy to listen to the
fortunately, I complete- radio in silence, which I
ly forgot that it was the was thankful for as we
Easter Holidays and both struggle to com-
that tourist attractions municate during travel,
are usually jam packed and I suffer with really
with exhausted parents bad motion sickness.
and noisy children dur-
ing this time. On arrival we paid the
entry fee and began
So, we decided to take our journey through
a taxi rather than sit in a the maze of the build-
28
ing. Twisting and turn- laughed and poked me
ing through the differ- in the arm, calling me
ent themed areas. The ‘cheeky’ and we carried
sections of the building on. Enjoying exploring
were themed after dif- the different frogs that
ferent tropical areas like we had never seen be-
deserts and rainforests, fore, such as; the snowy
and even an aquari- frog.
um with exotic species.
Matt was intrigued dur- The building was really
ing the walk around busy, so we didn’t linger
and we shared a joke too long in one place as
or two about the mon- it gave a sense of being
keys (called Tamarins) trapped in certain areas,
being his cousins. Matt and we both hate loud
30
 noises. Kids screaming
and playing really hurts
the ears!

However, as our walk

through progressed we
relaxed a little as the
herd thinned out and
we managed to get a
closer look at certain
enclosures. I particular-
ly liked the Bat enclo-
sure, which was spooky
and in darkness. Being
an avid fan of Batman,
horror and everything
spooky I really en-
joyed the experience of land on different plants
watching the vampire and one even landed on
bats fly around in blur-his hat and made itself
ry lines through the air.
at home, even though
Matt’s favourite aspect he was walking along!
of the trip was the but-The food was expen-
terfly house. sive, so I would stock
up on some extra cash
He really loved watch- if you decide you’d like
ing them fly around and to take advantage of
31
the great chip butties
and the cute shop that
has a mass collection of
collectable cuddly toys,
stationary and sweets.

All in all, it was a great

day out and the gardens
are exquisite and really
relaxing to walk around.
But we both agree that
if you’re thinking of vis-
iting Tropical world, to
make sure that you go
when it’s not the school
holidays. It’s far too
noisy and busy. Apart
from that the trip was
great!

32
 Burnby Hall and Gardens
Review
Author: Aimee Shepherd
21/04/2019

I travel to Burnby Hall and

Gardens in Pocklington, to
review how the attraction is
autism friendly.

Burnby Hall and Gar-

dens is located in Pock-
lington, near York. From
Leeds it took less than
an hour in a car to get
there and per person
the cost of entrance is
quite fair. On entering
your engulphed in the
gardens which lives a
large pond with fish of
all sizes and species. A
path leads you around
the grounds, the aviary
and the vast amounts
of flowers and stone
structures, including a
33
bridge.
For a small fee you
can purchase some
fish food and I walked
around throwing small
handfuls to the smaller
fish at the back as the
huge swarms of big fish
came greedily circling.
They climbed over
each other and barged
them out of the way, so
I decided to toss mine
in further back for the
18
 smaller fish as I thought and marshmallow ice
that the baby fish are cream in a little pot in-
the next generation. stead of a cone (I’m not
They needed the food a big cone fan), and we
more! sat people watching. It
We had a relaxed stroll was very busy but be-
around and it being the cause we were outside
and never in one spot
for too long, I found
that I felt relaxed when
in other environments I
would feel trapped, or
closed in.

The ice creams went

tulip festival, buckets down a treat and soon
of tulips were scattered enough I was exploring
around the grounds and the gift shop to find my
they were every colour brother, who is also on
you could think of. The the autistic spectrum,
sun shone down and something. I finally de-
with the blistering heat cided on a small set of
we decided it was time coloured pencils and a
for an ice cream break small bag of milk choco-
once we reached the late orange fudge. I did
end of the pathed route. see a dinosaur egg that
I chose a bubble gum you put in water and it
19 34
 hatches and grows to
a certain size, howev-
er I felt with the instruc-
tions on the back being
quite complicated there
would be just a massive
mess. Instead I went
for the safe option and I
know he loves doodling.

My favourite part of the

experience was enjoy-
ing the sunshine and
feeding the greedy fish
and I think if you have
a spare afternoon free
and you want to do
something with the fam-
ily, or just get out for a
few hours, Burnby Hall
is a great place to go.

35
Autism and self
soothing
Author: Aimee Shepherd
26/04/2019
headaches and even
tremors.
I discuss a few solutions Happily, there are many
to help self soothing, and
recommend a couple of my
strategies that can be
own to help ease sensory used to help minimise
distress. your distress.
As an autistic adult
dealing with heightened One is by keeping a di-
emotions can be tricky ary of your experienc-
sometimes, especially es during a meltdown
anxiety when in certain or anxiety issue. Keep-
environments or situa- ing track of times and
tions. Anxiety can affect dates, situations when
the mind and body in it happened, how you
various ways and can felt and how anxious
lead to many symp- you were from a scale
toms, such as; easily of 1 to 10, may be help-
losing patience, sleep- ful when trying to find
ing difficulties, depres- the perfect soothing
sion, stomach upsets, strategy. For example;
I hate everything to do
36
 with buses. I hate the
smell, the crowing of
people and the motion
(I am hyper-sensitive
to motion) and I find it
far too loud, especial-
ly when there are chil-
dren on board. I feel
nauseous, lighthead-
ed and my heart races
and I’ve had numerous mind focused on some-
panic attacks before. thing else even though
there’s chaos around
But, after realising that me. Sometimes there’s
I needed to do some- a baby crying so I just
thing about the dis- boost up the volume a
tress after scaling my little more!
anxiety to over 10, I
have created a strat- It doesn’t have to be
egy that works for me headphones and it
(everyone is different). doesn’t have to be just
I use my headphones headphones. I carry
and listen to an audio a tangle in my bag at
book to distract my- all times and in easy
self from the distress- reach. It’s a fidget toy
ing ruckus surround- that you can play with to
ing me. It keeps my keep yourself focused,
37
distract you from other
distressing things or to
help you relax. I must
say mine has been a life
saver. Fidget toys come
in all different styles,
shapes and colours so
there’s something for
everyone. I’d tried nu-
merous ones, such as;
fidget cubes, before I
finally found a toy that
worked for me.
I also have a ball, which
is a little bit like a Rubik’s
Cube, but you move
small coloured balls
around until they are
slotted into place in the
correct coloured slot.
This helps to clear my
head and distracts me
when I need some time
away from my work, or
a situation, to think. You
can find fidget toys at
the B n M shop, Wilkin-
sons, The Range and
also online!
It’s finding a strategy
that works for you as
everyone is different. It
could be anything that
makes you more con-
tent in environments. It
could be a stress ball, a
tangle, a diary, a book,
anything. The only thing
that matters is that it’s
what helps you to get
through the distress. I
take my toys anywhere
and everywhere, be-
cause that is what I
need to do to feel safe
and content. I don’t let
it bother me if it looks
weird or odd. I do what
is the best thing to do
for me.
38