Having autism and misophonia makes dinner sounds a big deal for Rachel, but we have found some smart ways to make our meal times relaxing and enjoyable. Here’s how we do it, and maybe these tips can help you too!
- TV Shows in the Background: We like to have reruns of our favorite shows like “Modern Family” and “Abbott Elementary” playing during dinner. It's not about watching TV but having familiar voices and laughter in the background. This helps cover up the sounds of eating, making dinner a lot more comfortable for Rachel.
- Soft Music for Quieter Evenings: Some nights, TV feels too loud, so we switch to playing soft music instead. It's calm and not too busy, which is perfect for when Rachel is feeling overstimulated. It sets a nice, gentle mood without being distracting.
- A Tip for Using Earplugs: Earplugs might seem like a simple solution, but they hinder our ability to engage in meaningful conversation. We prefer background noise as it helps us maintain our dialogue and stay connected. If you do want to explore earplugs, check out, Loop earplugs (not affiliated)
- Keeping a Routine: We've made these things part of our regular dinner routine, and it really helps. Having a predictable setup reduces stress and makes our evenings much smoother.
These simple changes have made a big difference in how comfortable Rachel feels at dinner. If you struggle with noise during meals, trying out some of these ideas might just make your dining experience a lot better! Stay tuned for more interneuro dining tips!