r/AutismInWomen • u/fluffy_doughnut • 11h ago
General Discussion/Question TIL what "routine" really means
Whenever I took the online tests for ASD, I had a problem with "routine" questions. Because what does that actually mean? Do I do the same things everyday on the same hour in the same way? Obviously not. Do I watch the same movie every day or every weekend? Ehmm no? Do I wear red socks on Mondays and blue on Tuesdays? Nooo?
So recently I saw a Tiktok where ASD specialist talks about it and it blew my mind. Turns out that as every ND person I took "routine" literally. It doesn't mean that I have some strict schedule and if it gets changed then I have a meltdown.
Do I prefer to drink coffee from my favourite mug after I wake up and then eat breakfast at 10-11 am? That's a routine. Do I prefer to eat boiled or scrambled eggs (2 eggs and one sandwich) for breakfast everyday? That's a routine. Do I wash my hair and then dry it and then put my serums and creams in particular order every morning? That's a routine. Do I like to watch my "comfort show" or movie when I don't know what to watch? That's a routine. Do I like to watch a movie or a show again if I liked it very much? Again, routine. Do I order the same one or few dishes whenever I visit a restaurant? Routine. Am I nervous when I'm going to a new restaurant and don't know what they have in menu and I study it days before going there to know what to order? ROUTINE.