Oct 8, 2026, 1:39 PMMany Autistics have learned to numb our sensory input, at least to some extent. Like, in kindergarten, when you’re fidgeting, but you’re supposed to sit still, it’s time for the circle, just sit still and look at the teacher. We’re taught to clamp down on our physical needs.
We are taught to just get by so that we don’t get in trouble, so that we don’t get yelled at, so that we don’t make the people around us upset, in small ways and huge ways. 1/3
Oct 8, 2026, 1:39 PMBut when we do that, we also learn to disregard our own physical sensations. So, if you can start asking yourself questions about what you're feeling in your body, looking for clues as to what is causing those sensations, to piece together the information, you can start to figure out what you actually need. As you do that in little little ways, you’ll gradually learn more about how your senses work.
Oct 8, 2026, 1:39 PMThen, after a while, you'll learn how to tend to your own needs more. Advocate for yourself more. This is another essential skill to learn to get out of autistic burnout for good.