Odd Behaviours Autistic Adults Have That Seem Normal To Them!

Key wellness strategies / self-care techniques / productivity tips discussed

Script social interactions (reduce social stress)

Instead of relying on spontaneous small talk, autistic adults may plan, rehearse, and mentally script conversations in advance.

Examples given:

• Practicing what to say when greeting someone (e.g., “Hi… weather… weekend…”)
• Repeating an order until they’re confident (e.g., how to order ice cream)

Use comfort routines and “safe” objects (increase predictability)

Having a favorite utensil (e.g., one specific fork) is described as a comfort-based routine.

Key idea: predictability and reduced surprise help prevent feeling overwhelmed.

Examples given:

• Choosing the same mug/utensil every time, even if others are available
• Only using the specific item that “feels right”

Manage sensory input through situational food preferences

Food preferences can be linked to context/sensory conditions such as temperature, setting, and timing.

Examples given:

• Ketchup only being acceptable when warm, and only with certain foods
• Pizza being okay in one place (e.g., living room) but not another (e.g., bedroom)
• Bananas only being acceptable cold

Support understanding with added visual input (subtitles as an “information retention hack”)

Autistic adults may need subtitles even when audio is clear, to improve comprehension and absorption.

The video compares it to:

• Audiobook + reading along to retain more information

Practical idea: Turn on subtitles to increase relevant input and comprehension.

Sensory regulation for sound sensitivity

Sensitivity to certain sounds (high/low frequencies, electrical buzzing, sirens) can lead to overwhelm.

Suggested self-care / sensory coping strategies include:

• Sensory deprivation / reducing exposure (e.g., headphones)
• Closing windows to lower noise
• Unplugging the source when possible

Stimming as self-soothing (a comfort strategy for sleep and anxiety)

Stimming (self-stimulatory behaviors) is framed as normal and regulating because repetition creates comfort.

Examples given:

• Rocking to sleep when anxious or sick
• Rubbing toes/feet to help fall asleep
• Tapping fingers or repeating body motions for relaxation
• Seeking comfort from physical touch (e.g., someone’s hand on the face) or blanket/eye covering for calming

Presenters / sources

• Dan (presenter; stated he has autism, ADHD, and OCD)

Website sources mentioned by the presenter

• autismhacks.net (free tool + generated PDF + autism test)
• theaspieworld.com/test (autism test)