The worlds just too noisy sometimes

Anyone who reads this blog can relate to those off days where everything feels that little bit too noisy and you feel like the world is shouting around you. Most, I think, would say thats pretty much like being hungover. That groggy feeling where your head is banging and you want nothing more than to stay under the covers until the pain has stopped and the world has become a quieter place.

From the Aspies I've spoken to and all the time I've spent with my partner I've seen those days where everything is too overwhelming and doing the talking and being outside can just seem too much.

What do I do when she's having days like this?
I leave her to it. I've learnt from trying to force her out into the open world and chat away ends up in both of us being a bundle of stress and the odd argument or two.

When these days come, like most things, they jump up and bite you in the ass when you least expect it. Sometimes it's from the moment she wakes up, she's not spoken in half an hour and I know by now its just one of those days. Other times it just happens, suddenly it hits her and the silence begins.

What helps?
Communication, when she's not in the mood to talk she will either tell me or she will sign it. Being partially deaf I've been trying to teach myself some useful signs and while teaching myself we have learnt together. It's great so I can say I'm hungry, thirsty, want a glass of water or I'm happy or not happy. Its basic, simple, but a great alternative.

Once on the tube she started to sign, overwhelmed by the noise and not feeling like talking, we discussed which stop we were going to and all sorts of silly things (she even though she thought I stank). It was funny and made the time pass easier. Little did we know the guy next to her understood BSL. When we got off the train he said goodbye and nice to meet you.

1. Sometimes the little alternatives can mean a lot and who knows you may make someone else's day too.