Welcome to my personal diary of freshers' chaos, late diagnoses, sudden meltdowns, and everyday comfort rituals. If your brain works a little differently and university feels like sensory overload, you are definitely not alone here.
Alexithymia is a term used to describe difficulty identifying, understanding and putting emotions into words. Someone with alexithymia may notice physical sensations, such as a tight chest, tiredness or a fast heartbeat, without being sure whether they are feeling anxious, sad, angry or overwhelmed.
As a neurodivergent person, I find that human emotions do not land on a spectrum but often arrive as extremes. For example, happy can feel ecstatic, tired can feel completely exhausting, and anger can feel furious and overwhelming.
Having a relationship at uni can be enjoyable and supportive, but it also takes communication, respect and balance. University often brings new routines, deadlines, friendships and social opportunities, so it is important that neither person feels pressured to give up their own interests or independence.
Moving into university accommodation can feel exciting and overwhelming, especially if it is your first time living away from home.
As an autistic person myself, I own many fidget toys and have tried a wide variety of them. Some are definitely better—and quieter—than others. Here are my thoughts on almost every type.
Over my 18 years, I’ve had many hyperfixations and autistic interests. The first one I remember was ladybirds, then unicorns, followed by my dream university—which I’m actually starting soon—then owls, and most recently, axolotls.
I was diagnosed with autism a year ago, and a lot has changed since then. I have experienced autistic regression, which means that since my diagnosis, I have been having more meltdowns and stimming more often.
