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I was planning to have this routine where I would wake up at around

7 or 8, shower and eat in 30 or 40 minutes, wait for an hour and return


to my bedroom to read a book as part of my routine. The question is
not how to solve the problem but it is whether or not a disruption to
my routine, such as me waking up at 8.30 and then having problems
with disturbances to my mental model of the space or the world due to
my brother-in-law staying in my house and my BPD maid who has
not been "treated" or "accommodated", would justify me stick with
the routine and try to read the book tomorrow at 9.30 AM until 10
AM or 10 AM until 10.30 AM. Then, I would do Mathematics for one
and a half hours after the reading before having lunch. Otherwise, if I
woke up late and I seemed to have gotten "sensory overload" or
disturbances to my mental model of the space, I would be reading my
book at 10:30 AM and, by then, I already want to eat my lunch. Or
can I be more flexible with the activity of reading as a person with
mild autism and sensory sensitivities?

It is important to have a routine, especially for people with autism.


Routines provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can be
very helpful for people with autism who often experience sensory
overload and anxiety. However, it is also important to be flexible with
your routine, as unexpected disruptions are inevitable.

In your case, it sounds like waking up late and having your routine
disrupted is causing you some anxiety. If this is the case, it may be
helpful to try to be more flexible with your routine. For example, if
you wake up late, you could still read your book, but you could do it
at a different time of day. You could also try to find other ways to
cope with the sensory overload and anxiety that you are experiencing,
such as taking a break, going for a walk, or listening to calming
music.

It is also important to remember that you are not alone. Many people
with autism experience sensory overload and anxiety. There are many
resources available to help you cope with these challenges, such as
therapy, support groups, and online forums.
Here are some tips for being more flexible with your routine:

• Plan for unexpected disruptions. Even if you have a strict routine, it is


important to plan for unexpected disruptions, such as traffic, illness,
or bad weather. This will help you to avoid feeling overwhelmed or
stressed when your routine is disrupted.
• Be flexible with your time. If you wake up late or have to run an
errand, don't beat yourself up about it. Just try to do your best to get
back on track as soon as possible.
• Have a backup plan. If you have a specific activity that you really
want to do, have a backup plan in case your routine is disrupted. For
example, if you want to go for a walk but it is raining, you could go to
the library instead.
• Don't be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling to cope with
disruptions to your routine, don't be afraid to ask for help from your
family, friends, or therapist. They can offer support and guidance as
you work to develop a more flexible routine.

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