Fuel for different brains.

• Need: Keeps you steady enough to function
• Want: Makes life richer and more fun

• Need: Stress stacks up fast — shutdown, meltdown, burnout
• Want: You feel flat, but you can still get by

• Need: Not for long
• Want: Usually, for a while

• Need: Earplugs at a crowded concert
• Want: Front-row seats at that concert

a lot of what the world calls “picky,” “extra” or “high-maintenance” is actually a neurodivergent need.

Less noise, softer light, fabrics that don’t itch.

Try: noise-cancelling headphones, sunglasses indoors, a calm-down spot.

Knowing the plan saves energy for everything else.

Try: shared calendars, a five-minute warning before switching tasks.

Stims, fidgets and pacing help the brain settle and focus.

Try: a pocket fidget, a standing spot, walk-and-talk chats.

Social and sensory energy runs out. Rest is how it comes back.

Try: a no-plans evening after every big day.

Direct words land better than hints and unspoken rules.

Try: written follow-ups, extra time before answering.

Outside supports for memory, time and getting started.

Try: alarms, visual checklists, a body double.

Curious, chatty, flexible. A good window for hard tasks and big conversations.

Snappy, foggy, sounds feel sharper. Time to cut input and take a break.

Shutdown, meltdown, or basic tasks feel impossible. Rest first — the rest can wait.

Wants aren’t extra — they’re what makes the effort worth it.

• Deep dives into favorite topics
• Something new to explore
• Hangouts that feel easy
• Cozy comforts & small treats