Difficulty staying tidy

nightwars

I'm autistic and 27 and I'm with parents, I find it really hard to tidy/clean my room, I feel better when my stuff is surrounding me and kinda feel safer, but it really annoys my parents, is this just a me thing? 

nightwars

thing is they only ask me to keep my room tidy and i struggle doing that, when i try i get distracted when i find things/ cant make myself concentrate and they get kinda angry about it quite a it cuz when i try it doesnt show cuz i cant do much, i like the rain so im happy right now being in the suns always made me feel icky

OverlyAnxious

I'm the opposite myself.  I can't stand having a thing out of place but grew up in a house where other people weren't bothered by tidiness!  Also had some older relatives that were hoarders and found their house so massively overwhelming with stuff literally everywhere.

If you feel safe and comfortable in the mess and it's only in your room I don't really see a problem with it.  If you're likely to trip over things and hurt yourself or if it could be a fire risk then obviously that could be a problem.  Otherwise it just sounds like your parents being a bit over-controlling.

poppy123456

HI,

My daughter has autism and is also the opposite to you. Everything has to be in it's place and she hates anything that's messy. Tidying is one thing that she doesn't need support for. Infact, i don't know what i'd do without her. Having a disability myself i find daily things very difficult and she tidies every single day and i don't even have to ask her.

I agree with others though, it's your room, you're not a child, if you're happy with your space being untidy then that's your decision. Although if you have trouble concentrating then writing a list of things you need to do may help you keep on track.

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @nightwars, have you been able to explain to your parents how you feel? I imagine it is stressful for you both.

nightwars

i did tell them, but since its their house its their rules, i guess maybe part of it comes from them being a bit old fashioned since they were both born in the 50's?

janer1967

Hi @nightwars I understand it is your room and also that how you keep it makes you feel safe. Try and explain to your parents how you feel.

However I am a believer that if you live in somebody else's house you need to try and respect their wishes

But as long as it is clean and doesnt breed germs could you ask that you manage your own space for yourself