When it comes to accommodations, tools and resources are much easier to find than they used to be! If you are looking for some new fidgets, a helpful book, a website to explore, or some ways to combat sensory overload, here are some of my favorites!

Fidget Tools for Focus and Relaxation

Fidget toys can help with self-regulation, focus, and anxiety management. Here are some top picks:

Speks Magnetic Balls – Small magnetic balls that can be molded into various shapes, offering tactile engagement.
Crags Magnetic Putty – Magnetic pebbles that are super satisfying to the touch
ONO Roller – Smooth, silent, and satisfying to roll in your hand.
Spaghetti Ball Fidget – Soft, stretchy, and wiggly to hold or toss.
Soothe Ring – Make sure you have your fidget with you wherever you go—there are a variety of rings to choose from to fit your style.

Informative Books

Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg. This book is a very readable story about a woman on her journey to self-discovery.
Different, Not Less: A neurodivergent’s guide to embracing your true self and finding your happily ever after by Chloe Hayden This book is part autobiography, part practical guide for dealing with emotional dysregulation and finding support.
Knowing Why: Adult-Diagnosed Autistic People on Life and Autism – Autistic Self Advocacy Network. This is a collection of essays from a diverse group of late-diagnosed adults on a variety of topics.
Unmasking Autism, and Unmasking for Life by Devon Price. If you haven’t checked out Unmasking Autism, it’s a great one to start with. If you have, Dr Price’s book Unmasking for Life is coming out March 2025!

Buy Here

Websites:

These platforms offer valuable information and support:

Neuroclastic : Visit Here
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) : Visit Here
Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism : Visit Here
Wrong Planet: Visit Here
Autistic Self Advocacy Network: Visit Here
Level Up: Visit Here
Asperger/Autism Network (AANE): Visit Here
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN): Visit Here

Tools for Sensory Issues

Managing sensory sensitivities can enhance your daily comfort:

Noise-Canceling Headphones – Devices like Bose QuietComfort can help reduce auditory overstimulation.
Sunglasses with FL-41 Lenses – These lenses can reduce sensitivity to fluorescent lighting.
Chewable Pencil Toppers – provide oral sensory input in a discreet manner.
TheraPutty – This is a hand therapy tool that offers resistance and tactile input.
Sensory Brushes – Used for therapeutic brushing to provide tactile stimulation.
Weighted Hoodies – Wearable deep pressure might help with sensory overwhelm or anxiety.

These resources aim to support autistic adults in various aspects of life, from sensory management to community connection. Are there gadgets or resources that you’ve found especially helpful? Let us know!

Conclusion

Dr. Jessica Myszak and Dr. Jaime Long have significant experience performing psychological evaluations with children and adults. They offer both in-person and telehealth evaluations for children, teens, and adults looking for answers. In addition to seeing clients on the Chicago North Shore, they are able to work with families who reside in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming! Dr. Long is also now available to see clients in New York and California. If you are interested in learning more about potentially working with them, you can visit their website here to get the process started.