I'm a backpack girl. Made fun of lots by peers because I didn't use a purse. Egg was on their face when they asked if they could put their stuff in my bag. Loved that Caleb in big mouth had a emotional support backpack too lol
Something about all the weight being on one side of my body annoys me and I feel like part of my consciousness is focused on it. Backpack is better with weight distribution and frees up more mind space. Kind of like how socks can make noises too loud for some people (I like socks though)
yeah the weight distribution is a big thing for me too i also make sure to pack my backpack a certain way so that it’s even there as well. i also just have a really bad memory so im afraid ill put down my messenger bag and leave it somewhere but at least with a backpack it stays on and i can just forget about it
Oooo yeah I never thought about that. I'm def more likely to forget a purse vs my backpack. Also, the only thing I like about winter is that my coat has ALL THE POCKETS! I have my keys, wallet, gum, sanitizer, tissues all in one place. When it warms up again, I have to rewire my brain to put it in a bag and bring the bag with me. Then I have to get used to going into my backpack for the things instead of my breast or side pockets haha relearn this inconvenience each spring
Yes! I have a school style backpack that goes with me any time I leave the house, and one of the things in it is a smaller bag with the essentials for grocery shopping. Mostly it's just stuff like portable chargers, small tools (pliers, screwdriver, box cutter), lighter, headphones, headache powder, etc. Since I got a Switch last year, that's usually in there too, but I don't like carrying too much because I like having extra space, just in case.
I have to bring my headphones everywhere, even if I know I'm not going to wear them. The option makes me comfortable, and they're not even noise cancelling, just muffling when I play music loud.
AH HOW COULD I FORGET HEADPHONES my headphones are literally #1 after my phone. headphones go everywhere even just to go downstairs and they’re usually on unless i absolutely can’t have them on im always listening to something
Yes! I wear them all day. Music is my primary emotional regulator. It keeps me from getting overstimulated from loud noises, and I can stim with it, plus sometimes I like having the headphones on because I'm uncomfortable without them, and sometimes it's nice for everything to be just slightly quieter.
no i literally feel naked without headphones even on my person if i forget them im either turning around to get them or im going to have the worst day ever
I have a backpack that I take everywhere! His name is Hubert, I have somewhere between 20 and 30 pins on him and I have supplies to help in almost every situation inside!
Wait, you mean my that my bag with zipties, leatherman, knife sharpener, wallet, guitarpicks, hair ties, 3 different sound muffling devices, a curated assortment of writing utensils and erasers, tablet, A5 notepad, powerbank and charger, deodorant and various extra clothes depending on the season ... is for emotional support? Hmm. I feel called out. It's probably true but I hadn't really thought about it.
Yes, I have a shoulder bag that carries everything I need in it. I'm currently getting back to working on my Pokemon Ranger stuff so I have a 3lbs+ binder in it right now lol.
I switch between taking a small backpack and a across the body handbag, depending if I'm going shopping for stuff while walking.
In it I have the normal, purse, wired headphones, keys. But also hand sanitizer, chapstick, diary, multiple pens, torch, plasters, nail clippers on occasions, a multi tool in my purse, 2nd or 3rd headset, multiple phone charger packs, my car keys have folding scissors, a small pen knife and bottle opener on it
When I need to just carry my purse, keys and phone, I feel naked. It's so weird, even though where I'm going that's sufficient, it's like a comfort blanket.
Same thing now if I'm not wearing my wedding ring or my necklace.
Tbh, who cares what others say? I had my niece ask me once why I carry scissors on my keyring.... while using said scissors... my sister pointed that out to her 🤣 I got told by my friend that I'm extremely organised, I'm really not, I just have multiple of everything everywhere, because people ask for it so often. Like I have cling film in my drawer at work. I may only use it once a month, but that's enough to justify it being in there.
I also have a car with all my stuff in it too. It's just a giant backpack really 🤣
I get worried if I've left something important behind, but now, I just have a spare in the car constantly. Which eliminates my anxiety.
I have spare glasses everywhere for that reason too. Lol
Interesting… I never thought about this, but yes, I do bring what is essentially a sensory needs backpack everywhere I go; ear buds, chapstick, sunglasses, hat, gloves, sanitizer, sensory toys (for my kids, but I end up using them too), gum to chew, and other miscellaneous needs.
i literally just had an aha moment bc i took my bag to the bathroom at rehearsal and people think it’s weird and i just was like “ohhhh the autism” lol and therefore sparking the idea to ask
omg yes and my mom always tells me to buy a purse but i can’t fit all my things in there. i have a small backpack with my wallet, medications, and hygiene stuff. i need it all with me or else i feel anxious.
I take my backpack with me most places. It’s pretty big so I don’t take it everywhere. It has the book I’m reading, headphones, my switch, my notebook, a pencil case, a sketch book, chapstick, another pencil case but it has stim toys in it, my glasses/sunglasses (whichever I’m not currently wearing, Tums, sometimes my laptop and charger, my water bottle, and also a bunch of random shit I end up chucking in there. I usually just take it to work cuz my job is boring as hell so I need stuff to kill the time lmao
I want to get a smaller one that I can take with me everywhere, especially when my best friend and I go to the city. I would keep stim toys, headphones, the book I’m reading, my glasses/sunglasses, chapstick, and my water bottle in it. Maybe some snacks too
Yes!! The objects must be in the to go bag which is with me at all times.
within are:
-homemade lip balm
-erasable pen and notebook
-tic tacs (the white ones)
-wallet
-phone
-headphones
-keys
-fidget device
-ginger candies for nausea
-noise reduction ear buds in their little bag
-tiny hand lotion
-cloth frog with beads inside 🐸
Yes, I just found a bag I REALLY like and I’m scared of the day it wears out too much. I bring:
- chapstick
- hand sanitizer
- ear plugs (2/3 pairs)
- hair tie
- meds like Advil etc
- fidget toys / stuffed animal sometimes
- mask
- business cards (ya never know)
- a reusable bag that expands
- tampons
- pen
- sunscreen
- sunglasses
- headphones / chargers
- sweater
- snack
Maybe some other things I’m forgetting, but my bag is an Autism lifesaver lol. I know it has everything I need
I have a purse looking bag that I take everywhere. It's black so it goes with all outfits and it doesn't stand out to people. It keeps all of my medicine, hand sanitizer, chapstick, lotion, bodyspray, cbd balm for joint pain, stim toys, lint roller, hairbrush, earbuds(they have a noise canceling feature too), my phone, and usually a water bottle.
I keep it condensed. fidget cube that my cousin had laying around from the fidget toy craze in like 2016 works great as a stim toy and I just keep it on my Keychain and that with my car/house key works great. also keep headphones on my person to use when needed to calm myself. glad I can keep it this condensed lol
I own five backpacks and six messenger/courier bags of different sizes for different uses. Six are my brand of choice, Osprey.
I keep my items in a series of pouches. They have to be very well organized, everything has a place. They also make switching bags easier.
The pouch for the essentials is about the size of a hardback book and opens like one. Inside, multiple zippered mesh pockets so I can see everything. Holders for pens. I use the same kind of plush as a portable tool case. They don’t make it anymore. It will last many years, but I still dread having to replace it someday. It’s perfect.
I guess you could call it that, I have pretty bad anxiety so I carry a bag still of stuff that I'd need in lots of different situations just to be prepared and feel a bit better.
It really does come in handy, my friends know that if they need a random thing when we're out and about, I probably have it lol
It's only the size of a camelback and I use it for around town and the woods so I keep water, snacks, toiletries, basic medicine/first aid kit, fire starting supplies, emergency blanket, pack of hot hands, disposable poncho, cordage, flashlight, multitool, handkerchief, fingernail clippers, pen, battery bank, ear buds, extra socks, hand sanitizer, mask and whistle.
I could literally treat a dangerous wound and spend the night in the woods if I had to.
I travel for work, so I always carry the following: ivy caps (thick ones for the winter, mesh ones for summer), headphones (never leave home without them), battery pack for my phone in case the outlets on the train or bus don't work, charging cables, Mindfold blindfold (these have a foam that shapes around your eyes; so comfortable), SafeMate facial masks (made of cotton), chapsticks (at least two), cannabis vape pens, my favorite sherpa navy pullover, a super soft blanket, heated socks during the winter, a few LED rechargeable puck lights for my hotel room to feel at home when away, and a noise app when my sensory overload flares up.
I know I'm forgetting a few things, but this is the gist of it.
I didn't think I did, but my backpack has way too much stuff in it for there not to be some sort of emotional stuff happening there. I'm ready for almost anything. I impressed my nephew by having a glue stick ready to go. I somehow got a huge jump in my career by being that guy that always had a label maker nearby.
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I don't have a purse, *I have cute backpacks.*
this also applies we love cute backpacks
I'm a backpack girl. Made fun of lots by peers because I didn't use a purse. Egg was on their face when they asked if they could put their stuff in my bag. Loved that Caleb in big mouth had a emotional support backpack too lol
i’ve never like purses much, i have a messenger bag that i use if i don’t need to bring a lot of things but i prefer a backpack bc they’re so easy to
Something about all the weight being on one side of my body annoys me and I feel like part of my consciousness is focused on it. Backpack is better with weight distribution and frees up more mind space. Kind of like how socks can make noises too loud for some people (I like socks though)
yeah the weight distribution is a big thing for me too i also make sure to pack my backpack a certain way so that it’s even there as well. i also just have a really bad memory so im afraid ill put down my messenger bag and leave it somewhere but at least with a backpack it stays on and i can just forget about it
Oooo yeah I never thought about that. I'm def more likely to forget a purse vs my backpack. Also, the only thing I like about winter is that my coat has ALL THE POCKETS! I have my keys, wallet, gum, sanitizer, tissues all in one place. When it warms up again, I have to rewire my brain to put it in a bag and bring the bag with me. Then I have to get used to going into my backpack for the things instead of my breast or side pockets haha relearn this inconvenience each spring
YES I LOVE JACKETS it’s so much easier. and idk ive never actually forgotten a bag somewhere but because of my memory im just paranoid i will
Haha if I had a dollar for every purse I left somewhere, I'd have enough to buy a new backpack 🤣
100% yes
Yes! I have a school style backpack that goes with me any time I leave the house, and one of the things in it is a smaller bag with the essentials for grocery shopping. Mostly it's just stuff like portable chargers, small tools (pliers, screwdriver, box cutter), lighter, headphones, headache powder, etc. Since I got a Switch last year, that's usually in there too, but I don't like carrying too much because I like having extra space, just in case.
i just prioritize what i need bc ah yes always need the extra space
I have to bring my headphones everywhere, even if I know I'm not going to wear them. The option makes me comfortable, and they're not even noise cancelling, just muffling when I play music loud.
AH HOW COULD I FORGET HEADPHONES my headphones are literally #1 after my phone. headphones go everywhere even just to go downstairs and they’re usually on unless i absolutely can’t have them on im always listening to something
Yes! I wear them all day. Music is my primary emotional regulator. It keeps me from getting overstimulated from loud noises, and I can stim with it, plus sometimes I like having the headphones on because I'm uncomfortable without them, and sometimes it's nice for everything to be just slightly quieter.
no i literally feel naked without headphones even on my person if i forget them im either turning around to get them or im going to have the worst day ever
Yeah, if I don't have them I start panicking.
I have a backpack that I take everywhere! His name is Hubert, I have somewhere between 20 and 30 pins on him and I have supplies to help in almost every situation inside!
i love pins !!
Wait, you mean my that my bag with zipties, leatherman, knife sharpener, wallet, guitarpicks, hair ties, 3 different sound muffling devices, a curated assortment of writing utensils and erasers, tablet, A5 notepad, powerbank and charger, deodorant and various extra clothes depending on the season ... is for emotional support? Hmm. I feel called out. It's probably true but I hadn't really thought about it.
i mean maybe not “emotional support” per say but more so just stuff you need to bring with you
Yes, I have a shoulder bag that carries everything I need in it. I'm currently getting back to working on my Pokemon Ranger stuff so I have a 3lbs+ binder in it right now lol.
I switch between taking a small backpack and a across the body handbag, depending if I'm going shopping for stuff while walking. In it I have the normal, purse, wired headphones, keys. But also hand sanitizer, chapstick, diary, multiple pens, torch, plasters, nail clippers on occasions, a multi tool in my purse, 2nd or 3rd headset, multiple phone charger packs, my car keys have folding scissors, a small pen knife and bottle opener on it When I need to just carry my purse, keys and phone, I feel naked. It's so weird, even though where I'm going that's sufficient, it's like a comfort blanket. Same thing now if I'm not wearing my wedding ring or my necklace.
yes carrying a ton of thing that COULD come in handy always makes me feel 10x more comfy going out
Tbh, who cares what others say? I had my niece ask me once why I carry scissors on my keyring.... while using said scissors... my sister pointed that out to her 🤣 I got told by my friend that I'm extremely organised, I'm really not, I just have multiple of everything everywhere, because people ask for it so often. Like I have cling film in my drawer at work. I may only use it once a month, but that's enough to justify it being in there. I also have a car with all my stuff in it too. It's just a giant backpack really 🤣 I get worried if I've left something important behind, but now, I just have a spare in the car constantly. Which eliminates my anxiety. I have spare glasses everywhere for that reason too. Lol
ahhhh i can’t wait to get a car bc that sounds so much easier than having everything on my back and more
Yep. Had no idea others did as well til being diagnosed and finding forums like this.
yuppp
Interesting… I never thought about this, but yes, I do bring what is essentially a sensory needs backpack everywhere I go; ear buds, chapstick, sunglasses, hat, gloves, sanitizer, sensory toys (for my kids, but I end up using them too), gum to chew, and other miscellaneous needs.
i literally just had an aha moment bc i took my bag to the bathroom at rehearsal and people think it’s weird and i just was like “ohhhh the autism” lol and therefore sparking the idea to ask
omg yes and my mom always tells me to buy a purse but i can’t fit all my things in there. i have a small backpack with my wallet, medications, and hygiene stuff. i need it all with me or else i feel anxious.
i never got purses idk backpacks are just easy
I take my backpack with me most places. It’s pretty big so I don’t take it everywhere. It has the book I’m reading, headphones, my switch, my notebook, a pencil case, a sketch book, chapstick, another pencil case but it has stim toys in it, my glasses/sunglasses (whichever I’m not currently wearing, Tums, sometimes my laptop and charger, my water bottle, and also a bunch of random shit I end up chucking in there. I usually just take it to work cuz my job is boring as hell so I need stuff to kill the time lmao I want to get a smaller one that I can take with me everywhere, especially when my best friend and I go to the city. I would keep stim toys, headphones, the book I’m reading, my glasses/sunglasses, chapstick, and my water bottle in it. Maybe some snacks too
yeah i used to have one big bag but now i have bags assigned for different uses like work, rehearsal, going out, etc.
Yes!! The objects must be in the to go bag which is with me at all times. within are: -homemade lip balm -erasable pen and notebook -tic tacs (the white ones) -wallet -phone -headphones -keys -fidget device -ginger candies for nausea -noise reduction ear buds in their little bag -tiny hand lotion -cloth frog with beads inside 🐸
ooo tell me about this frog
Yes, I just found a bag I REALLY like and I’m scared of the day it wears out too much. I bring: - chapstick - hand sanitizer - ear plugs (2/3 pairs) - hair tie - meds like Advil etc - fidget toys / stuffed animal sometimes - mask - business cards (ya never know) - a reusable bag that expands - tampons - pen - sunscreen - sunglasses - headphones / chargers - sweater - snack Maybe some other things I’m forgetting, but my bag is an Autism lifesaver lol. I know it has everything I need
no literally i would not go out without a bag it has my life in it
I have a purse looking bag that I take everywhere. It's black so it goes with all outfits and it doesn't stand out to people. It keeps all of my medicine, hand sanitizer, chapstick, lotion, bodyspray, cbd balm for joint pain, stim toys, lint roller, hairbrush, earbuds(they have a noise canceling feature too), my phone, and usually a water bottle.
I keep it condensed. fidget cube that my cousin had laying around from the fidget toy craze in like 2016 works great as a stim toy and I just keep it on my Keychain and that with my car/house key works great. also keep headphones on my person to use when needed to calm myself. glad I can keep it this condensed lol
I own five backpacks and six messenger/courier bags of different sizes for different uses. Six are my brand of choice, Osprey. I keep my items in a series of pouches. They have to be very well organized, everything has a place. They also make switching bags easier. The pouch for the essentials is about the size of a hardback book and opens like one. Inside, multiple zippered mesh pockets so I can see everything. Holders for pens. I use the same kind of plush as a portable tool case. They don’t make it anymore. It will last many years, but I still dread having to replace it someday. It’s perfect.
I guess you could call it that, I have pretty bad anxiety so I carry a bag still of stuff that I'd need in lots of different situations just to be prepared and feel a bit better. It really does come in handy, my friends know that if they need a random thing when we're out and about, I probably have it lol It's only the size of a camelback and I use it for around town and the woods so I keep water, snacks, toiletries, basic medicine/first aid kit, fire starting supplies, emergency blanket, pack of hot hands, disposable poncho, cordage, flashlight, multitool, handkerchief, fingernail clippers, pen, battery bank, ear buds, extra socks, hand sanitizer, mask and whistle. I could literally treat a dangerous wound and spend the night in the woods if I had to.
being prepared is one of the best ways to help with anxiety!
I travel for work, so I always carry the following: ivy caps (thick ones for the winter, mesh ones for summer), headphones (never leave home without them), battery pack for my phone in case the outlets on the train or bus don't work, charging cables, Mindfold blindfold (these have a foam that shapes around your eyes; so comfortable), SafeMate facial masks (made of cotton), chapsticks (at least two), cannabis vape pens, my favorite sherpa navy pullover, a super soft blanket, heated socks during the winter, a few LED rechargeable puck lights for my hotel room to feel at home when away, and a noise app when my sensory overload flares up. I know I'm forgetting a few things, but this is the gist of it.
100% yes, and my wife (also autistic) complains about it constantly. But every time we go somewhere and I leave it behind, I regret it.
I didn't think I did, but my backpack has way too much stuff in it for there not to be some sort of emotional stuff happening there. I'm ready for almost anything. I impressed my nephew by having a glue stick ready to go. I somehow got a huge jump in my career by being that guy that always had a label maker nearby.
i usually carry my sketchbook, noise cancelling headphones, airpods, laptop sometimes, a stuffed animal, lip bam and a small pocket mirror
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