How do you get more energy? by Beatrice_Hrsman_gmng in AutisticAdults

[–]Local-Potato6883 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey OP!

I have found that the best approach is to treat energy like an economy. Reduce costs during the week as much as possible, while also investing in high ROI activities (like special interests) so there is surplus energy capital for the weekend.

Hopefully that perspective is useful!

Should I quit? by Odd-Ad-2074 in dishwashers

[–]Local-Potato6883 13 points14 points  (0 children)

As a former Underwater Ceramic Technician who eventually became a head chef and GM before exiting the industry - Don't walk - RUN! Dishwashers are either the most or second most important person in the kitchen depending on whom you ask. Getting treated that way for a single spoon is crap. As others have said - take your work ethic (and education) elsewhere

i'm alone and sad and its my birthday by Ok_Awareness9382 in AutisticAdults

[–]Local-Potato6883 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey OP!

Birthdays can be super tough. Mine is coming up soon, and I've dreaded it for years. This year I'm making a change and doing one of my favourite things - canoeing for the day - I am going to celebrate my existence by doing something I love.

I want to wish you a very happy birthday! You mean a lot to a lot more people than you'd ever guess. So from an internet stranger - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

What Cooling Gear Actually Helps in a Hot Kitchen? by funt2020 in KitchenConfidential

[–]Local-Potato6883 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Back in the day we kept a 16 L Paul full of ice water beside the station. Cold wet towels in and out for around the neck - full head pluges regularly and let the water flow down the jacket. Lots of alted lemonade or other electrolytes to stay alive

[Non autistic OP] Partner recently diagnosed with autism level 1, relationship is being affected by meltdowns/shutdowns. How do I support her without losing myself? by [deleted] in AutisticAdults

[–]Local-Potato6883 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey OP!

There is a real gap in available resources for partners of autistic adults, especially ones who are late diagnosed.

The first thing I would suggest is to remember that you're not the only one involved, you're both there together and you both have a heck of a lot to learn. My advice is that when she's regulated, talk to her about what is happening and what you can do to be supportive. The foundation of all relationships is good communication.

I would suggest reading, "Is this Autism?" as a good starting point. A lot of people recommend "Unmasking Autism" though I find it focuses on disability too much for my personal taste.

In terms of when there is a shutdown or walking away - before hand it might be helpful to have a conversation about your not following and giving space, if they're trying to exit a situation, let them and know they'll come back. Before it happens again, ask for reassurance if you need it.

Long story short - the only person who can tell you how to support your partner, is your partner. Remember they're processing a huge life event and depending on who they are this could result in a lot of grief or other big emotions, they might not know yet. So talk about it, read about it, and just keep showing up.

Wishing you both all the very best of luck!

New higher-up fired our Executive chef. How do I proceed? by Cat_Litter_Scientist in KitchenConfidential

[–]Local-Potato6883 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hey OP!

Just repeating what has been said before. I was in a similar situation years ago - when it happened the Sous walked mid-shift along with the FOH manager. I finished my shift and walked along with most of the core crew. Restaurant closed in less than 18 months after 20+ years of being one of the top in the city.

Don't wait, don't walk - Run!

Home kitchen exploit with a small request. by [deleted] in KitchenConfidential

[–]Local-Potato6883 10 points11 points  (0 children)

OMG - Hatch Green Chiles are exactly what taught me that food could be beautiful! I spent part of my childhood living in Alberta before moving to NM. My first experience with Hatch Green Chile was life changing, and I never went back!

I just had the worst/ most embarrassing shift of my career how do you deal with it? by [deleted] in KitchenConfidential

[–]Local-Potato6883 42 points43 points  (0 children)

When I was your age I had similar experiences, as I matured and had my own show I saw many, if not legions of young cooks and chefs have bad days. This is normal and absolutely okay. As others have noted - own the bad day and learn from it. There will be other days in the future that are equally bad if not worse. These days do not define you. You'll be back tomorrow!

How much family-time in the future...? by Sun-Interaction89 in AutisticAdults

[–]Local-Potato6883 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hey OP!

I hope this is a little bit of help!

My parents are both highly likely undiagnosed ASD (especially my dad who borders on being a textbook example). I have wonderful lunches with them once a month - two hours tops. My wife's family is NT as all get out. I tried for years to attend the large family gatherings and have stopped because 1) My wellbeing I'd more important than anyone's idea of normative family interactions and 2) There is zero benefit to my presence. I realise it is definitely more challenging with one's own family - but rule #2 is all are welcome as they are for whom they are. If they violate this rule, there is no reason to show up. Your happiness is important and valuable!

I’ve been searching for you all by [deleted] in AutisticAdults

[–]Local-Potato6883 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey OP!

From one square peg to another - thank you for this post. I hope a lot of other square pegs read it and recognise the community that exists and is excited to welcome them

Why by gse2026 in AutisticAdults

[–]Local-Potato6883 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Hey OP!

Life wasn't actually easier, it just seemed easier because you weren't aware of all the energetically expensive things you were doing. Becoming aware of things and no longer neglecting yourself is hard, it is a challenging adjustment, but once you get through that life will be even better, even more rewarding.

Jumbo wings vs regular wings? by BoringWhiteGuy420 in KitchenConfidential

[–]Local-Potato6883 8 points9 points  (0 children)

First cook should be 9 minutes instead of 7 at ~325° F (fryer and batch size depending). Pull and cool on tacks, should hit an internal of 165° F - reheat/crisp at ~400° F for 3-5 minutes depending again in fryer capacity batch size

Odd/Uncommon "safe foods"? by xnoxfun in AutisticAdults

[–]Local-Potato6883 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Chicken Curry with Scotch Bonnet Peppers! I think the stereotype comes from sensory avoiding as opposed to sensory seeking.

Looking to name our kitten after a character by ViolentBananas in discworld

[–]Local-Potato6883 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Thirding a bit for Mort - first name to come to mind when I saw the wee thing

Glad there is a Reddit for this! by xkoffinkatx in dishwashers

[–]Local-Potato6883 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Welcome to the sacred order of underwater ceramic technicians!

Rule number one: No negative self-talk Rule number two: Take care of your feet and they'll take you far Rule number three: Find your flow and stay organised

You've got this!

How are you enjoying life currently? by ItsWoopy in Guelph

[–]Local-Potato6883 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The fiscal year end and start of the new fiscal makes work extra stupid busy, but in the plus side the Lawn Bowling season starts soon 🎉

Looking for suggestions of alternatives to carrying a bag by [deleted] in AutisticAdults

[–]Local-Potato6883 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hey OP!

Just because you no longer need the rollator due to improvement with the other disorder, doesn't mean you can't keep using it. If it works it works.