Why I Color Code My Stim Toys as an Autistic Adult | Chronicles of a Quiet Fighter
Why I Color Code My Stim Toys as an Autistic Adult
Living as an autistic adult means I’ve had to get creative about how I manage stress, sensory overload, and emotional regulation—especially at work. One of the ways I do that is by color coding my stim toys.
Most days, you’ll see me with a blue or purple stim toy. Those colors feel calming, safe, and steady to me. It’s like telling my nervous system, “Hey, it’s okay—you’ve got this.” They help me stay grounded when work gets hectic, or when the sensory buzz starts to creep in but isn’t overwhelming yet.
But on harder days—like if I’m already anxious before clocking in, or something stressful hits mid-shift—I’ll switch to a red or black stim toy. Those colors feel heavier, more serious, and they help me push through or release built-up pressure. It’s a signal to myself (and sometimes to people who notice) that things are tougher right now and I need a little extra support.
Color coding isn’t just about looks—it’s a way to externalize what’s going on inside my autistic brain and body. It helps me track my emotional state, communicate nonverbally, and regulate before things get overwhelming.
What might look like “just toys” to someone else are actually tools that keep me functional, present, and safer from meltdowns or shutdowns. And honestly? Having a boss who understands why this matters makes a huge difference.
We all deserve tools that help us navigate the world as our real selves—and for me, part of that toolkit just happens to be blue, purple, red, and black.
Caleb is an autistic writer behind Chronicles of a Quiet Fighter. They explore life, identity, and sensory self-care with honesty, courage, and a love of classic cars, coins, and history. 🐺🧸💙
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