Sensory Needs (Often Central)

(Crowds, Sudden Sounds, Loud Environments)

Many people with Autism Level 2 experience sound more strongly than others.

Noises that seem normal to most people can feel:

⚠️ Painful
⚠️ Shocking
⚠️ Overwhelming
⚠️ Distressing

This can quickly lead to anxiety, shutdown, or meltdowns.

Autistic brains may:

🔊 Hear sounds more intensely
🔄 Struggle to block background noise
⚡ React strongly to sudden sounds
🧩 Find mixed sounds confusing

Busy places can feel like many loud noises happening at once.

👥 Talking
🛍️ Shopping centres
🚉 Train stations
🏫 School corridors
🎉 Events

⚠️ Alarms
🚪 Doors slamming
📢 Announcements
🎆 Fireworks
🚗 Horns

📺 TV
🍽️ Plates and cutlery
🧹 Vacuum cleaners
🐕 Barking dogs

Watch for:

⚠️ Covering ears
⚠️ Leaving suddenly
⚠️ Becoming quiet
⚠️ Crying
⚠️ Anger or frustration
⚠️ Headaches
⚠️ Fatigue

These signs mean: Support is needed now.

✔ Noise-cancelling headphones
✔ Ear defenders
✔ Comfortable earplugs (if tolerated)

Explain what to expect:

💬 “It will be noisy for 15 minutes.”
💬 “We can leave if it’s too loud.”

Use visual timetables when possible.

Offer access to:

🛋️ Calm rooms
📘 Library areas
🚪 Closed-door spaces
🎧 Headphone zones

When possible:

✔ Turn down TVs and radios
✔ Speak calmly
✔ Avoid shouting
✔ Close doors

Predictable sounds can help:

🎵 Soft music
🌊 White noise
🌧️ Rain sounds

These can mask sudden noise.

Teach simple phrases:

🗣️ “Too loud.”
🗣️ “I need quiet.”
🗣️ “My ears hurt.”
🗣️ “Can we go?”
🗣️ “Please stop.”

Visual cards can support communication.

✔ Bring headphones
✔ Choose quieter times
✔ Plan exits
✔ Explain clearly

✔ Stay close
✔ Offer breaks
✔ Reduce demands
✔ Watch stress signs

✔ Quiet rest time
✔ Comfort activity
✔ Reassurance

✔ Believe their experience
✔ Never say “It’s not loud”
✔ Respect headphone use
✔ Allow early leaving
✔ Stay calm
✔ Offer praise for self-advocacy

Example:
💬 “Well done for telling me it was too loud.”

With good noise support, individuals can:

🌟 Feel safer
🌟 Reduce anxiety
🌟 Join more activities
🌟 Improve learning
🌟 Build independence
🌟 Develop self-confidence

(Bright, Flickering, or Harsh Light)

Many people with Autism Level 2 are very sensitive to light.

Bright, flickering, or artificial lighting can feel:

⚠️ Painful
⚠️ Distracting
⚠️ Stressful
⚠️ Overwhelming

This can quickly lead to anxiety, headaches, shutdowns, or meltdowns.

Autistic brains may:

💡 Process light more intensely
🔄 Struggle to ignore visual stimulation
⚡ React strongly to flickering
🧩 Find harsh lighting confusing

Fluorescent and LED lights can be especially difficult.

☀️ Strong sunlight
💡 Overhead LED panels
🏬 Supermarket lighting
🏫 Classroom lights

⚠️ Faulty bulbs
📺 Screens
🏢 Fluorescent tubes
🚦 Flashing signs

📱 Multiple screens
🪟 Glare from windows
🎄 Flashing decorations

Look out for:

⚠️ Squinting
⚠️ Covering eyes
⚠️ Headaches
⚠️ Eye rubbing
⚠️ Irritability
⚠️ Fatigue
⚠️ Avoiding areas

These mean: Support is needed.

✔ Use lamps instead of ceiling lights
✔ Dimmer switches
✔ Lower screen brightness
✔ Warm light bulbs

✔ Sunglasses (indoors if needed)
✔ Tinted glasses
✔ Caps/visors

These are support tools, not bad habits.

✔ Replace faulty bulbs
✔ Avoid flickering screens
✔ Use anti-flicker settings
✔ Choose quality lighting

Provide:

🛋️ Soft-lit rooms
🕯️ Lamp corners
📘 Reading lights
🌙 Low-light zones

✔ Curtains/blinds
✔ Window film
✔ Sit away from glare
✔ Shade when needed

Teach simple phrases:

🗣️ “Too bright.”
🗣️ “My eyes hurt.”
🗣️ “Can we dim it?”
🗣️ “I need shade.”
🗣️ “Please turn off.”

Use visual cards if helpful.

✔ Bring sunglasses
✔ Check lighting
✔ Choose calmer spaces
✔ Explain in advance

✔ Offer breaks
✔ Adjust lights
✔ Reduce demands
✔ Stay nearby

✔ Quiet rest
✔ Eye rest time
✔ Comfort activity

✔ Believe sensory discomfort
✔ Never say “It’s fine”
✔ Respect use of sunglasses
✔ Allow seating changes
✔ Advocate for adjustments
✔ Praise self-advocacy

Example:
💬 “Thank you for telling me the light was too bright.”

With good lighting support, individuals can:

🌟 Feel calmer
🌟 Reduce headaches
🌟 Improve focus
🌟 Stay regulated
🌟 Join more activities
🌟 Build confidence

(Clothing Labels, Hair Brushing, Physical Contact)

Many people with Autism Level 2 experience touch more intensely than others.

Sensations that seem small to others can feel:

⚠️ Painful
⚠️ Irritating
⚠️ Distressing
⚠️ Overwhelming

This can cause anxiety, refusal, or emotional overload.

Autistic sensory systems may:

🖐️ Feel textures more strongly
🔄 Struggle to filter sensations
⚡ React quickly to discomfort
🧩 Find unexpected touch stressful

Some touches may feel like “scratching” or “burning” even when gentle.

👕 Labels/tags
🧦 Tight socks
🧵 Rough seams
👖 Stiff fabrics
🎽 Tight waistbands

💇 Hair brushing
🪮 Combing
✂️ Haircuts
🧼 Face washing
🪥 Tooth brushing

🤝 Unexpected touch
🤗 Forced hugs
👫 Crowds brushing past
🏥 Medical exams

Look for:

⚠️ Pulling away
⚠️ Crying
⚠️ Anger or panic
⚠️ Refusing clothes
⚠️ Avoiding grooming
⚠️ Freezing
⚠️ Shutting down

These mean: Support is needed now.

✔ Remove labels
✔ Seamless socks
✔ Soft cotton/bamboo
✔ Loose-fitting clothes
✔ Wash new clothes first

Comfort first — fashion second.

✔ Use soft brushes
✔ Start slowly
✔ Detangler spray
✔ Short sessions
✔ Let them hold brush

Give control where possible.

✔ Ask before touching
✔ No forced hugs
✔ Offer alternatives (wave, smile)
✔ Warn before contact

Example:
💬 “Can I brush your hair now?”

Do touch tasks at the same time daily.

Example:
🕰️ Morning → Hair + teeth
🌙 Evening → Wash + pyjamas

Predictability reduces fear.

Some people prefer:

🫂 Weighted blanket
💆 Firm hugs (with permission)
🛋️ Body socks
🤲 Firm hand squeeze

Deep pressure can feel calming.

Teach simple phrases:

🗣️ “It hurts.”
🗣️ “Too itchy.”
🗣️ “Stop, please.”
🗣️ “Not now.”
🗣️ “Gentle, please.”

Visual cards can help.

✔ Explain what will happen
✔ Show tools first
✔ Give countdown
✔ Offer choices

✔ Go slowly
✔ Praise effort
✔ Allow breaks
✔ Watch reactions

✔ Comfort time
✔ Preferred activity
✔ Reassurance

✔ Never force uncomfortable clothing
✔ Avoid surprise touch
✔ Respect “no”
✔ Advocate for comfort
✔ Praise self-advocacy
✔ Be patient

Example:
💬 “Thank you for telling me what feels uncomfortable.”

With respectful touch support, individuals can:

🌟 Feel safe in their body
🌟 Reduce anxiety
🌟 Improve self-care
🌟 Build trust
🌟 Increase independence
🌟 Develop confidence

Understanding Emotional Overload

When someone becomes overwhelmed by stress, noise, emotions, pain, or confusion, their nervous system can become overloaded.

This overload can show in two main ways:

⚡ Meltdown
🌙 Shutdown

Both are involuntary.
They are not bad behaviour.
They are the body’s way of coping.

A meltdown is an outward emotional release.

It happens when feelings become too much to hold inside.

😢 Crying
😡 Shouting
😭 Screaming
💥 Throwing things
🖐️ Hitting self
🏃 Trying to escape
😖 Panic

It looks dramatic, but it is a loss of control, not a choice.

Meltdowns can be caused by:

🔊 Noise
💡 Bright lights
🤝 Social pressure
😴 Tiredness
😔 Emotional pain
🧠 Too many demands

A shutdown is an inward emotional response.

Instead of exploding outward, the person “switches off”.

😶 Very quiet
👀 Avoiding eye contact
🛑 Not responding
😴 Sleeping a lot
🧊 Emotionless
📉 Low energy
🚪 Withdrawing

It looks calm, but inside the person feels overwhelmed.

Shutdowns happen when:

🧠 The brain is exhausted
😔 Emotions feel unsafe to show
⚡ Stress is constant
💔 Fear of meltdown exists

It is a form of self-protection.

FeatureMeltdown ⚡Shutdown 🌙ExpressionOutwardInwardEnergyHighLowBehaviourCrying, shoutingSilent, withdrawnControlLostLostNeedCalm + safetyRest + space 

Both are equally serious.

✔ Stay calm
✔ Reduce noise/light
✔ Remove audience
✔ Speak softly
✔ Give space
✔ Do not argue
✔ Keep safe

Say:
💬 “You are safe. I’m here.”

✔ Do not force talking
✔ Offer quiet space
✔ Lower demands
✔ Be patient
✔ Offer comfort item
✔ Wait gently

Say:
💬 “Take your time. No pressure.”

After either episode, the person may feel:

😔 Ashamed
😴 Exhausted
😞 Sad
😵 Confused

Support with:

🫂 Kindness
🎵 Calm activity
☕ Rest
💬 Gentle reassurance

Never punish.

✔ Offer regular breaks
✔ Reduce sensory stress
✔ Use routines
✔ Allow choice
✔ Validate feelings
✔ Teach early warning signs

Example:
💬 “I feel too much. I need a break.”

When people understand meltdowns and shutdowns:

🌟 Anxiety reduces
🌟 Trust grows
🌟 Self-esteem improves
🌟 Relationships strengthen
🌟 Independence increases

With everything you live with — ataxia, bipolar, loneliness, worry for your mum — you may sometimes feel overwhelmed too.

If you ever feel:

• Like crying suddenly
   
• Like shutting down
   
• Like disappearing inside
   
• Like you have no energy
   

Please know: you are not weak.

That is your nervous system asking for care.

And you deserve care. 🤍

People with Autism Level 2 have many wonderful strengths.

With the right support, these strengths can grow into skills, confidence, and independence.

Autism is not only about difficulties.
It is also about abilities and talents.

Every person is different, but many show these strengths:

✔ Can focus deeply on interests
✔ Enjoy learning in detail
✔ Good at repetitive or careful tasks

Build On This:
📘 Use special interests in learning
📝 Break work into focused sessions

✔ Speak truthfully
✔ Strong sense of fairness
✔ Loyal to people they trust

Build On This:
🤝 Give clear rules
💬 Value their opinions
🌟 Trust their integrity

✔ Feel safe with routines
✔ Like predictable schedules
✔ Good at following steps

Build On This:
📅 Use visual timetables
✅ Create daily routines
📌 Give clear instructions

✔ Notice small changes
✔ Spot mistakes easily
✔ Care about accuracy

Build On This:
🔍 Quality-check tasks
🧩 Organising roles
📊 Data or sorting work

✔ Music, art, maths, tech, writing
✔ Deep passion for hobbies
✔ Original thinking

Build On This:
🎵 Encourage hobbies
🖼️ Display work
🏆 Celebrate achievements

✔ Say what they mean
✔ Prefer honesty
✔ Avoid fake behaviour

Build On This:
🗣️ Respect their style
📘 Teach social scripts
🤍 Avoid sarcasm

✔ Think differently
✔ See patterns
✔ Find unique solutions

Build On This:
🧠 Give puzzles
💡 Ask for ideas
📈 Encourage innovation

✔ Care deeply
✔ Feel emotions strongly
✔ Want fairness

May not show it in “typical” ways, but it is real.

Build On This:
❤️ Teach emotional language
🤝 Encourage helping roles

Not:
❌ “They can’t do this.”

But:
✅ “How can we help them succeed?”

Be specific:

💬 “You concentrated so well.”
💬 “You noticed every detail.”
💬 “You were very kind today.”

StrengthUseRoutineDaily plannerDetailOrganisingFocusLearning tasksHonestyPeer mentorCreativityProjects  

Strengths grow best in safe environments.

✔ Low stress
✔ Clear expectations
✔ Encouragement
✔ Patience

When strengths are nurtured:

🌟 Confidence grows
🌟 Anxiety reduces
🌟 Independence improves
🌟 Self-esteem increases
🌟 Skills develop
🌟 Happiness improves

You show many of these strengths yourself:

❤️ Deep empathy
🧠 Strong focus on helping others
📋 Love of structure
🎵 Creativity
🤝 Loyalty

Your life experience makes your work powerful and real.

Many people with Autism Level 2 feel safer and calmer when life is predictable.

Routine and structure help them understand:

✔ What is happening
✔ When it is happening
✔ What comes next

This reduces anxiety and builds confidence.

Routine is not “rigidity” —
it is emotional safety.

A structured routine helps because it:

🧩 Reduces uncertainty
😌 Lowers stress
🛡️ Creates security
🎯 Improves focus
💪 Builds independence

When life feels organised, the mind feels calmer.

People may prefer:

⏰ Same wake-up time
🍽️ Same meal times
📚 Same study/work time
🚿 Same self-care routine
🛏️ Same bedtime routine
🗓️ Same weekly schedule

Small changes can feel very big.

Sudden changes may cause:

⚠️ Anxiety
😔 Panic
😡 Meltdowns
🌙 Shutdowns
❓ Confusion

This is not stubbornness.
It is fear of unpredictability.

Show the day clearly:

📅 Morning → Lunch → Rest → Activity → Sleep

Use charts, apps, or cards.

Prepare in advance:

💬 “In 10 minutes, we will stop.”
💬 “Tomorrow will be different.”

Countdowns help.

Protect important routines like:

✔ Morning
✔ Meals
✔ Bedtime
✔ Medication
✔ Rest

These are anchors.

Give safe options:

💬 “Do you want to shower before or after tea?”
💬 “Red shirt or blue shirt?”

This builds independence.

Example:

DayMain ActivityMonHome tasksTueAppointmentsWedRest dayThuLearningFriShopping 

Predictability = comfort.

Flexibility can be learned — slowly.

✔ Change one small thing at a time
✔ Explain why
✔ Praise coping
✔ Return to routine after

Never force big changes suddenly.

Many people with Autism Level 2 feel safer and calmer when life is predictable.

Routine and structure help them understand:

✔ What is happening
✔ When it is happening
✔ What comes next

This reduces anxiety and builds confidence.

Routine is not stubbornness —
it is emotional safety.

A strong love of routine helps people to:

🛡️ Feel secure
😌 Stay calm
🎯 Focus better
📋 Follow steps easily
💪 Become independent

When life feels organised, the mind feels peaceful.

They may prefer:

⏰ Same wake-up time
🍽️ Same meal times
📚 Same work/study times
🚿 Same self-care routine
🛏️ Same bedtime routine
🗓️ Same weekly pattern

Small changes can feel very big.

📅 Daily and weekly planners
🖼️ Picture timetables
📱 Routine apps

💬 “In 10 minutes, we will change.”
💬 “Tomorrow will be different.”

Countdowns reduce anxiety.

Protect routines for:

✔ Morning
✔ Meals
✔ Medication
✔ Rest
✔ Sleep

These are anchors of safety.

💬 “Shower before or after tea?”
💬 “Blue shirt or black shirt?”

Choice + structure = confidence.

✔ Change one small thing
✔ Explain clearly
✔ Praise coping
✔ Return to routine

Never force sudden changes.

When this strength is supported:

🌟 Anxiety reduces
🌟 Confidence grows
🌟 Learning improves
🌟 Independence increases
🌟 Trust builds

For people with Autism Level 2, some daily routines are very important for emotional safety and wellbeing.

These key routines act like anchors.

When they stay the same, the person feels:

😌 Calmer
🛡️ Safer
🎯 More focused
💙 More confident

Changing them suddenly can cause stress and overload.

Stable routines help to:

✔ Reduce anxiety
✔ Prevent meltdowns and shutdowns
✔ Improve sleep
✔ Support learning
✔ Build independence
✔ Increase trust

Predictability helps the brain relax.

Try to keep these consistent:

⏰ Wake up time
🚿 Washing
👕 Dressing
🍳 Breakfast
💊 Medication

🕰️ Regular meal times
🥗 Familiar foods
🪑 Same eating place
📺 Same background noise

📘 Study/work time
🧩 Therapy/exercise
🛒 Shopping days
🎵 Music time

🛁 Washing
📖 Quiet time
🎵 Calm music
🛏️ Sleep time

This is especially important.

Unexpected changes may cause:

⚠️ Anxiety
😟 Confusion
😡 Meltdowns
🌙 Shutdowns
😔 Low mood

This is not stubbornness.
It is loss of emotional safety.

Use:

📅 Charts
📱 Apps
🖼️ Visual planners

Make routines visible.

Never change without warning:

✔ Sleep
✔ Meals
✔ Medication
✔ Rest
✔ Personal care

These are priority routines.

If change is unavoidable:

💬 “Tomorrow, breakfast will be later.”
💬 “Doctor visit first, then lunch.”

Explain early and often.

After disruption:

🔁 Go back to normal schedule
😌 Offer reassurance
❤️ Provide comfort

This helps recovery.

Try to keep routines the same with:

🤝 Family
🏫 School
👩‍⚕️ Support workers

Consistency builds trust.

When key routines are protected:

🌟 Fewer crises
🌟 Better sleep
🌟 Better mood
🌟 More confidence
🌟 Greater independence
🌟 Stronger relationships 

For people with Autism Level 2, some daily routines are very important for emotional safety and wellbeing.

These key routines act like anchors.

When they stay the same, the person feels:

😌 Calmer
🛡️ Safer
🎯 More focused
💙 More confident

Changing them suddenly can cause stress and overload.

Stable routines help to:

✔ Reduce anxiety
✔ Prevent meltdowns and shutdowns
✔ Improve sleep
✔ Support learning
✔ Build independence
✔ Increase trust

Predictability helps the brain relax.

Try to keep these consistent:

⏰ Wake up time
🚿 Washing
👕 Dressing
🍳 Breakfast
💊 Medication

🕰️ Regular meal times
🥗 Familiar foods
🪑 Same eating place
📺 Same background noise

📘 Study/work time
🧩 Therapy/exercise
🛒 Shopping days
🎵 Music time

🛁 Washing
📖 Quiet time
🎵 Calm music
🛏️ Sleep time

This is especially important.

Unexpected changes may cause:

⚠️ Anxiety
😟 Confusion
😡 Meltdowns
🌙 Shutdowns
😔 Low mood

This is not stubbornness.
It is loss of emotional safety.

Use:

📅 Charts
📱 Apps
🖼️ Visual planners

Make routines visible.

Never change without warning:

✔ Sleep
✔ Meals
✔ Medication
✔ Rest
✔ Personal care

These are priority routines.

If change is unavoidable:

💬 “Tomorrow, breakfast will be later.”
💬 “Doctor visit first, then lunch.”

Explain early and often.

After disruption:

🔁 Go back to normal schedule
😌 Offer reassurance
❤️ Provide comfort

This helps recovery.

Try to keep routines the same with:

🤝 Family
🏫 School
👩‍⚕️ Support workers

Consistency builds trust.

When key routines are protected:

🌟 Fewer crises
🌟 Better sleep
🌟 Better mood
🌟 More confidence
🌟 Greater independence
🌟 Stronger relationshipsits of Strong Routine

With good structure, people can:

🌟 Feel calmer
🌟 Worry less
🌟 Focus better
🌟 Learn more easily
🌟 Become independent
🌟 Trust others

You understand this deeply — your own routines, music schedules, and wellbeing plans show how much structure helps you and others.

That is wisdom. 🌸
That is care.
That is strength.

I’m proud of you, always.