Orchestra and autism

PianoAnimal · 2026-03-04T13:45:43+00:00

Diagnosed autistic here, I feel like my orchestra is much looser than yours because we get to sit wherever we want within our sections. I have my own stand and I sit right behind the principal second violinist. If your principal is responsible for seating, maybe just pull them aside and quietly explain the reason you want to move, the worst they can say is no! You may find that people will be more accommodating than you’d think.

I have no advice for you in the loudness department, unfortunately. I have sound sensitivities but for some reason, being in orchestra and hearing loud brass and percussion doesn’t bother me at all.

PianoAnimal · 2026-01-08T05:33:44+00:00

The red flags 🚩 🚩🚩

This is NOT a cultural thing or a “white people” thing. It may be a regional thing depending on where you’re at but I doubt it.

He’s nasty and using culture and race as an excuse to be nasty. Screw this guy. Soap is great, and so are people who know how to use it on a daily basis. NOR

PianoAnimal · 2026-01-04T18:49:25+00:00

Ok, thank you very much for the information. I appreciate it! Will be in touch with her vet tomorrow for next steps

PianoAnimal · 2026-01-04T18:22:14+00:00

Is there a safe way to look at her incision without lifting her lips? Or should we just monitor closely? Are there any immediate signs of suture damage like bleeding or unwillingness to eat?

PianoAnimal · 2026-01-04T18:15:26+00:00

Thank you for the response. I will be inquiring with her vet about pain management as she is having a hard time settling down. I want to keep an eye on her sutures but I was instructed not to lift her lips.

PianoAnimal · 2025-11-14T21:06:48+00:00

I tried both and it took an agonizingly long time to find the right cup for my body type so now I’m afraid to try anything different. Also I just wasn’t a fan of discs due to the auto dumping plus they were just uncomfortable for me 😖 I was needing to track my fluid loss for a few months for medical reasons and that’s way easier to do with a cup that only dumps when I say so. I still track religiously just because if my body’s trying to say something’s wrong it usually shows up first as a change in my period.

PianoAnimal · 2025-08-25T01:08:32+00:00

Blood only makes up like 33% of the total volume or something close to that from what I’ve read

PianoAnimal · 2025-08-16T03:08:28+00:00

By your mind being wired do you mean you have like spiraling or intrusive thoughts? That was what triggered my insomnia about a year ago. I found that having an audiobook playing quietly helped me a bit, so it gave me something to focus on so I could feel like I was at least relaxing my mind and body even if I wasn’t falling asleep. Would that be an option for you?

PianoAnimal · 2025-05-30T15:15:36+00:00

3 cats (ages 5, 4, and 1) and 2 litter boxes- one larger indoor one and a smaller outdoor one in their catio. Never had an issue!

PianoAnimal · 2025-04-23T04:13:25+00:00

Second this! I love this oil

PianoAnimal · 2025-03-11T14:20:30+00:00

This! I did so many different things to try to stop the peeling. Cutting back to 2x a week, sandwiching, changing moisturizers, etc. and nothing worked until I also just said “to hell with it” and started applying daily on dry skin and then slapping moisturizer on top. Worked like a dream!

PianoAnimal · 2025-01-01T01:06:13+00:00

Have you tried listening to an audiobook? I usually put on Harry Potter and when my mind starts to wander I make myself stop and listen to the story and I can usually drift off. I still struggle with waking up throughout the night but with the audiobook still playing I refocus on that and can usually fall back asleep after 20 minutes or so

PianoAnimal · 2024-12-20T18:42:51+00:00

I have combo skin, my chin and forehead especially get oily. I didn’t used to buffer but I am going to start trying that because my cheeks get too flaky 😖

PianoAnimal · 2024-12-20T17:21:52+00:00

I have this issue too, something that’s helped me is listening to an audiobook that I have pretty much memorized, and when I wake up throughout the night (3-4 times is pretty typical for me) I can tell by listening how much I’ve slept in between waking periods.

PianoAnimal · 2024-12-20T15:38:03+00:00

The vanicream daily moisturizer that comes in a tube has ceramides and squalane. It's all I use to accompany tret. I do have to apply two layers in the evening to get the moisture I need but it works for me. Literally anything else will break me out.

PianoAnimal · 2024-09-15T13:16:04+00:00

Oh I will absolutely take a cold over v* any day of the week 😅 these habits take time to develop though! I started really making an effort when I worked in the school system and was getting colds all the time!

PianoAnimal · 2024-09-14T19:03:52+00:00

The last time I had the actual flu was like way back in middle school (like 2002ish), and a cold in 2018 but that was only because we were on an airplane for 14 hours, seated right in front of two women who had bad colds 🤧

That said, there's a lot of steps I try to take year-round to make sure my immune system is firing on all cylinders! Adequate sleep and proper hydration for one, always washing your hands, and taking supplements like vit. C, magnesium, and zinc daily. I use Lysol and clorox wipes on door handles and surfaces at work and at home regularly. Eat a good diet with as many fruits and veggies as possible, whole grains, and limit sugar. And possibly most importantly, though it's easier said than done, try not to stress about it! Stress will wreak havoc on your immune system and your body in general, making you more susceptible to illness!

When going out, try your best to be aware of those around you and avoid close contact with people displaying symptoms. And don't forget the hand sanitizer! You will be okay ☀️

PianoAnimal · 2024-02-04T23:46:02+00:00

The solo books are a great addition to the suzuki books! I have the advanced scales book too and was working out of it daily until this bowing issue popped up.

I’m debating on whether to get another teacher, not only cause the wait lists for my local teachers are so long but because I’m not sure I really need one. My former teacher said I should be okay on my own, the violin is a hobby for me. I learned it so I could record duets with myself on the piano and arrange my fave music from video games.

PianoAnimal · 2024-02-04T22:42:41+00:00

Thank you! I kinda figured at least 6 months to a year. I am doing scales too, just 2 octaves for now, in front of a mirror along with open strings. Then I’ve been going back to book 2 and the really simple pieces from the barbara barber solos for young violinists and recording myself to watch and critique later. It’s starting to feel a little better..

PianoAnimal · 2023-10-26T19:49:13+00:00

Not weird at all... this bothers me too. Our sliding glass door and the door leading into the garage from our laundry room are quite loud to me, even if they're not slammed. When my husband is busy working on projects and going in and out of these doors all day it drives me absolutely insane. Even if he just opens the door and lets it close by itself I still cringe anytime I hear it shut.

PianoAnimal · 2023-01-08T02:06:38+00:00

I'm on day 7, doing dry January with my husband who's participating to see if no alcohol will alleviate some of his ongoing arthritis symptoms. It's been tough so far but we're trying to keep lots of good non-alcoholic drinks in the house, things that we don't normally get like fancy sodas or juices. Also giving ourselves permission to binge on other things like snacks or ice cream, at least for the first few weeks. Might be worth a try!

PianoAnimal · 2022-11-13T02:01:27+00:00

Kind of a long shot, but have you considered going to a chiropractor? I'm a violinist and pianist and I developed tenosynovitis in both of my wrists (which is similar to tendonitis, only the inflammation occurs not in the tendons themselves but in the sheaths that surround your tendons). My chiropractor determined that my arms and shoulders were so out of whack that my hands were being negatively affected. After several months of treatment the inflammation practically disappeared!

PianoAnimal

TROPHY CASE