when COVID-19 hit and masks became mandatory in many public spaces, it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. For the first time, I could tic in public without worrying about the weird looks or comments from others. It was a strange and unexpected benefit of the pandemic.

Autistic overwhelm and dysregulation can hit you like a ton of bricks. It just shuts down all ability to think and cope with anything. I’ve often described it like being hit in the face repeatedly with a foam bat, it’s not going to send you to the hospital, but it’s not leaving room for much else to happen, and it’s quickly rage inducing! From what I understand this is not a unique experience in my community. For many people with autism, the world can be very overwhelming. Everyday experiences such as loud noises, bright lights, and social interactions can be draining AF and difficult to navigate. As a result, autistics develop coping mechanisms to manage our traits, such as stimming, sensory diets, and social scripts. However, another valuable tool that can help manage autistic traits is art. You can ask my spouse, when I’m done with life, all I need is a weighted blanket and my art tablet.