Chapter 1: The Concept of Autism Night

The idea of dedicating a night to fully embrace your autistic self isn't entirely my own. I came across it through TikToker @sabregaming, who suggested reserving at least one evening a week to "be as autism and ADHD-riddled as you can."

In his version of autism night, he napped for three hours, enjoyed some enhanced mac and cheese as comfort food, and indulged in interesting bird facts. These are commendable self-care practices that many autistics can appreciate. Although he mentioned the idea of drinking heavily, it’s worth noting that numerous individuals with autism and ADHD may struggle with substance use, so let’s not emphasize that aspect.

Before you embark on your autism night, take a moment on a day when you feel energetic to create a sensory-friendly and enjoyable atmosphere. It’s also beneficial to gather some sensory items and stim toys, placing them in a basket or box for easy access. I keep a cart stocked with these items, which I move between rooms.

There's no need to overspend on stim toys; various discount stores, both online and locally, offer affordable options. If you're on a tight budget, simple items like a fuzzy pipe cleaner or a soft blanket can be comforting. A little online research can yield plenty of creative ideas.

On your autism night, consider taking the time to relax, take a nap, or binge-watch your favorite comfort shows. You might enjoy creating random lists for fun, diving into a special interest, or even writing fan fiction if that resonates with you.

Be as monotropic as you wish, or connect with an autistic friend or supportive ally to share your thoughts and interests for a set period.

Stimulate your senses. Use echolalia and vocal stimming as you feel inclined. Cook your favorite comfort foods, or if you’re feeling burnt out, snack throughout the evening without the pressure of a full meal. If you find it challenging to manage textures and flavors, baby food pouches can help you meet your nutritional needs.

Regardless of whether your food is meant to be eaten with utensils, feel free to use your fingers if that feels easier for you, as it often does for me.

For one night each week, give yourself permission to disregard the societal expectations that suggest autistics shouldn’t indulge in certain behaviors. If you also have ADHD, embrace those moments of “laziness” and let yourself be distracted and energetic—celebrate your unique form of chaos.

Engage in various hobbies and switch between activities to keep things dynamic. Take inspiration from characters in "Mozart and The Whale" and try simultaneously painting and composing music if that appeals to you.

Whatever brings joy to your autistic heart is what you should pursue. Self-care varies for each individual, especially for those on the autism spectrum who often have distinct preferences.

Allow yourself to enjoy the activities that others might mock you for in daily life. Embrace your quirks and let your weirdness shine—just steer clear of anything that might cross ethical boundaries.

Be playful; consider building a blanket fort or setting up a tent adorned with fairy lights or a laser light show. Engage in video games or don your VR headset to watch something entertaining like "My Lady Jane," which offers an alternate take on historical events.

If you’re interested, explore books by autistic authors or films that feature autistic characters. You have the freedom to define what your autism night looks like without guilt or embarrassment.

I've observed younger autistics on social media who have permanently established these kinds of environments in their homes. For those of us who received a later diagnosis, it’s crucial to remember that we can create these spaces for ourselves too.

This is especially vital for those who have masked their true selves for extended periods and may have lost sight of who they were before societal pressures dictated what was acceptable.

If you have autistic friends, consider inviting them to join your autism night. Be prepared to discuss and negotiate sensory needs, as everyone may have different preferences.

In autistic spaces, open and direct communication is essential to ensure everyone’s needs are met.

As I reflected on these ideas, I wondered if this could be a wonderful activity for families. While I am quite open about my autistic self, the men in my life tend to hide their stimming behaviors more than I do.

Establishing a family night dedicated to co-regulating and embracing our autistic identities could be beneficial for all of us. We already engage in our special interests and communicate in a unique, almost metaphorical language reminiscent of the alien from "Star Trek: TNG's Darmok," but we rarely take the time to intentionally focus on stimming or engaging in meaningful discussions about our interests.

We could dedicate part of the evening to exploring new stimming techniques, sharing our interests during intentional time blocks, and affirming each other’s strengths and positive traits.

It’s common for us to hear how our challenging traits can be overwhelming for others. For instance, I sometimes react with anger during moments of PDA-induced panic, which can unsettle those around me. It would be nice to hear about the advantages of my autistic traits during our family nights instead.

While ideally, every day in an autistic family should celebrate our identities, there are times when our differences may clash, preventing us from being our best selves. Creating a designated autism-affirming night could counteract the negative messages we often receive from the neurotypical world and alleviate the strain of masking.

Whether you choose to implement an autism night solo or invite other autistic individuals, this time is about existing in spaces that honor the full expression of your autistic self.

Chapter 2: Activities for Your Autism Night

In this video, you can learn how to prepare delicious Dino Nuggets using an air fryer, making for a fun and easy meal to enjoy on your autism night. Dive into the world of comfort food and discover new ways to indulge in your culinary preferences!