# Navigating life while being neurodivergent can be really difficult. Below you'll find a list of things that have helped me. I'll add to it as I think of them. ## Social ##### Birthday celebrations for my kids **The Problem:** We used to have parties for my two children and invite all the kids in the family plus a few friends. These parties would be loud, crazy, and so draining that I would be on the brink of shutdown the next day. **The Solution:** Since Covid, we have transitioned to a more relaxed "open house" celebration. It lasts longer, but not everyone is there at the same time, so it's not so chaotic. There's also the added benefit of getting more intimate time with family members because there's not so much going on while they're visiting. I usually schedule these "open house" celebrations for about 4 hours total. Beforehand, I put out trail mix ingredients with small bowls so that people can add things like popcorn, nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, cereals, etc to a bowl if they're hungry and then I make cupcakes as well so people can just grab them and I don't have to cut a cake. I also provide drinks that are usually in individual cans or bottles (although I try to steer clear from plastic bottles as much as possible). ## Environmental ##### Grocery shopping **The Problem:** A noisy and bright environment with lots of people and smells. The grocery store is perhaps the worst place an autistic person can visit. I used to go once a week and spend hours trying to make sure I got everything our family needed so that I didn't have to go back again. **The Solution:** With Covid, grocery delivery has become more widely available and more affordable. Currently, we do 99% of our grocery shopping online and have it delivered right to our door. However, I realize that's not possible for everyone, so here's another tip: Learn the times of the day that your grocery store is less busy. If needed, call the store and ask them. Create a list beforehand and if needed, take earplugs or headphones, something to stim with, and the affirmation that if you do find yourself getting overwhelmed, you can check out with what you have and try again another time. ## Executive Function ##### Completing tasks **The Problem:** Sometimes tasks can seem daunting or never-ending or just...bleh! This can be anything from getting ready in the morning to running errands or cooking dinner. **Technique #1 - Repeatable Lists:** I find that having a repeatable mental checklist of everything I need to do for those times when it's something I need to do every day or almost every day really helps. For some, this may not be a mental list, it could be written or visual in some way. The way it works for me is I come up with a checklist in my head. This is basically a routine, but as I go through it, I sort of check things off. More coming soon!