Soft Toys for Soothing?

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I love your pom poms! They look so cute, soft, and colorful!

A few years ago, as I was beginning to recognize some of the signs of Asperger's in myself, I told one of my friends that I thought cats must be autistic because they act a lot like me. LOL Now I know it's just that my brain is wired like a cat's! Along with the things you mentioned, I do nose bumps (kisses) with mine.

I agree about them being best friends. Dogs need to much attention, and they communicate differently, which overwhelms me.

Thank you!!

The autism thing has really changed my life. Not that I just became autistic, but I found out about a year ago and it's been a learning experience. I've got a couple of nice houses. The one I'm in right now was built in 2001, has four bedrooms, of three-car garage, and a swimming pool. But, I've realized that I need to change my expectations. So, next fall I'm going to build an atrium house that will be basically a big loop with an open atrium in the middle. And, it will be optimized for some pets. The enclosed portions in the atrium will be optimized for cats and I'm going to build a very large cast concrete marine aquarium. Regretfully, I realize that some of my neighbors are not comfortable with me, especially after that Sandyhook thing. I'm not antisocial, but I realize that I need to re-include cats and fish in my life. That's not a bad thing. I'm really happy to have a couple of cats for company and to play with.

Sorry for not posting back in a while. It seems I did that whole switching special interests things again. LOL!

I feel the same way about this being a learning experience. I've suspected that I was for about two years, but have had some major events recently that have really put a spotlight on it for me. Now I understand so many more things about me and how I relate, which is nice, because there have been times that I have been totally frustrated with why I wasn't like others.

You have some great ideas for your next home, I am sure that any pet that lives with you there will be in heaven. As for neighbors, I don't care for them much. If I wanted to be friends with the people I live near, I would live near my friends. LOL!

I forgot to update on my soothing toys! I generally keep the two chenille pom poms in my purse and have had them out in a few meetings. Everyone always wants to know what they are, and I've even had a few people wanting them.

So, can we presume that you are feeling better?

I am! They definitely help with anxiety

This made me super happy Completely irrelevant to the thread, but I wanted to throw it out there.

This made me super happy Completely irrelevant to the thread, but I wanted to throw it out there.

What abut a soft, squashy cushion? It could have a fleecy cover too. Then you could carry it in and pretend it's because you have an aching back and you might need it for support, then secretly hug it under the table or something.

I take around my special soft toy that I take to bed, I pop him in my bag and then feel him when I am anxious. No one needs to know but it helps a lot.

I've recently found a number of uses for my comfort blanket. It makes a nice back rest on folding and other uncomfortable chairs. It's a nice prop for my arm whenever I need to rest an arm, especially if all I'd otherwise have is a cold, hard surface. I can wrap up in it if I'm cold in general. I can cuddle it and keep my legs warm in the car, even rubbing my face with it if I'm not the one who has to drive - a great stress reliever! I can carry it folded and draped over my arm, which feels nice but also makes it look like I'm simply toting it to the next place where it'll have a practical use, which helps disguise that I'm fiddling with it on the underside. It's also a color I really like, so it's a treat for the eyes. I can even offer permission for someone I trust, such as a longtime friend or my girlfriend, to feel how soft it is, and it provides a way to feel connected without exchanging direct touch with another individual. It then can comfort others who are stressed without causing them to be touched if they don't want to be when they feel that way and can allow me to still offer comfort if I don't feel able to do so with a greater amount of direct touch. We both "get it" about the blanket and can feel like we understand each other. I only need to be careful I don't offer such a thing to someone who might take it the wrong way...