Sounds for Autism, Anxiety & Fear

by Lucinda | 12, Mar 2025 | Anxiety, Autism, Sound Healing

Sounds for Autism, Anxiety & Fear

How Sound Helps Calm the Nervous System

Ever felt completely overstimulated, like every sound, light, or social interaction is just too much?

Whether it’s anxiety, sensory overload, or shutdowns, there’s one natural tool that can help: sound.

From humming and singing to deep vibrations and music, sound can directly activate the vagus nerve, our body’s built-in relaxation switch.

This means it can help reduce stress, prevent meltdowns, and bring a sense of calm—all in a way that’s backed by science.

Let’s explore how it works and how you can use sound to support your nervous system.

The Vagus Nerve: Your Body’s Relaxation Switch

The vagus nerve runs from your brainstem down through your body, connecting with your heart, lungs, and gut.

It’s a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you rest, digest, and recover.

Unlike the fight-or-flight response, which ramps up anxiety and stress, the vagus nerve brings everything back to a state of calm.

💙 It slows the heart rate
🔷 Regulates breathing
💙 Reduces inflammation
🔷 Supports emotional regulation

And the best part? Sound is one of the easiest ways to activate it.

(Read more about the vagus nerve.)

How Sound Stimulates the Vagus Nerve

Research has found that certain sounds and vibrations can directly engage the vagus nerve, helping to regulate emotions and reduce stress.

🎶 1. Humming & Singing

The vibration of your voice stimulates the vagus nerve, sending calming signals through your body. (Check out my #1 Humming Technique here.)

Studies have shown that group singing even increases heart rate variability—a sign of a well-regulated nervous system. (Maybe it’s time to join a choir?)

💧 2. Gargling

Dr Carlo Rinaudo, a chiropractor, explains that gargling is a powerful vagus nerve exercise.

The muscles at the back of the throat engage, stimulating vagal tone—the measure of how well your nervous system regulates stress.

🎵 3. Listening to Music

Certain types of music, particularly those that create a sense of awe or deep relaxation, have been linked to increased vagus nerve activity and lower anxiety levels.

🔔 4. Sound Healing & Vibrational Therapy

Low-frequency sounds, Tibetan bowls, and tuning forks create deep resonance in the body, supporting relaxation and emotional balance.

Research suggests these types of sound therapy can reduce stress and even improve focus.

Why This Matters for Autism, Anxiety & Fear

For many neurodiverse people, sensory overload, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm are part of daily life.

Learning to regulate your nervous system through sound can be a game-changer.

💙 Helps prevent meltdowns & shutdowns

🔷 Reduces stress and sensory overwhelm

💙 Supports emotional regulation & focus

🔷 Provides a simple, natural way to find calm

The beauty of sound is that it’s always available—whether you hum, listen to music, or even gargle!

Try It for Yourself

Now, I’d love to hear from you!

💬 What sounds help you feel calm and regulated? Share your experience in the comments.

🎧 Want to explore sound healing? Join me in a sound journey! LucindaCurran.com

And if you’re looking for a community of unique people who truly get it, come join us at members.LucindaCurran.com—it’s free!

#Autism #AnxietyRelief #VagusNerve #SoundHealing #Neurodiversity #DifferentAndLovingIt #EmbraceYourUniqueness

Masking, Meltdowns, and Managing Your Energy

by Lucinda | 3, Mar 2025 | Energy, Masking, Meltdowns, Neurodivergent

Masking, Meltdowns, and Managing Your Energy

Do you ever feel like you’re holding yourself together just long enough to get through a situation—only to completely crash afterwards? That’s masking. And if you’ve experienced the emotional and physical toll it takes, you’re not alone.

Masking is when we suppress our natural responses, emotions, or behaviours to fit in, meet expectations, or avoid standing out. While it can help us navigate certain social situations, it’s also exhausting and can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, and long-term burnout.

If you’re constantly running on empty, it’s time to explore how to manage your energy, reduce the impact of masking, and honour your natural rhythms.

What Is Masking?

Masking is often an unconscious response to social pressure. You might suppress stimming, force eye contact, or modify your behaviour to blend in. It’s particularly common among neurodiverse individuals, introverts, and highly sensitive people.

A Personal Example of Masking

For me, one of the biggest challenges has been visiting my parents in aged care. The overwhelming mix of noise, strong smells, social interactions, and confronting realities of dementia means I have to hold it all together while I’m there. I suppress my discomfort, push through, and stay composed. But once I get home, exhaustion sets in. My energy crashes, and I need time to recover.

Sound familiar? If so, let’s look at the cost of masking and how to manage it.

The Cost of Masking

Masking isn’t just tiring—it has real emotional and physical consequences.

1. Emotional Exhaustion

Suppressing your natural reactions can lead to anxiety, stress, and emotional burnout. Over time, it can make you feel disconnected from yourself.

2. Physical Fatigue

Headaches, muscle tension, and extreme exhaustion can result from constantly monitoring and adjusting your behaviour.

3. Meltdowns vs. Shutdowns

Meltdowns: A buildup of sensory, emotional, or mental overload that results in an emotional outburst.
Shutdowns: A response to overwhelm where you withdraw, go silent, and struggle to function.

The more we mask, the more likely we are to experience these crashes—but there are ways to reduce the impact.

How to Manage Your Energy & Reduce the Impact of Masking

💡 You don’t have to stop masking entirely—but you can make it less draining.

1. Recognise Your Triggers

Start noticing when and where you mask the most. Which situations leave you feeling completely drained? Awareness is the first step to managing your energy better.

2. Schedule Recovery Time

If you know you’ll be masking, plan for decompression time afterwards. Give yourself permission to rest, engage in quiet activities, or spend time alone.

3. Find Safe Spaces to Be Unmasked

It’s important to have environments where you can be fully yourself. Who are the people you don’t need to pretend around? Where do you feel truly comfortable?

4. Set Boundaries & Advocate for Yourself

Saying no to overwhelming situations is an act of self-care. If possible, adjust your environment or routine to reduce the need for masking. Small changes—like wearing noise-cancelling headphones or taking regular breaks—can make a big difference.

5. Use Energy Management Strategies

The Bucket Theory: You have a limited amount of energy (‘buckets’) per day—use them wisely.
The 3 Rs: Rest, Recharge, and Reconnect with what makes you feel like you.

Embracing a Life with Less Masking

Masking may be part of your life, but it doesn’t have to control you. By understanding your energy limits, setting boundaries, and prioritising rest, you can navigate the world in a way that feels sustainable and true to who you are.

If this resonates with you and you’re ready to build a life where you don’t have to mask as much, I invite you to explore Radiance Coaching. Together, we’ll create a way forward that honours your unique energy and needs. Click here to learn more!

Also, I’d love to hear from you—when do you find yourself masking the most, and what helps you recharge? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments!

Summing Up

Masking is something many of us do—but we don’t have to let it rule our lives.

By understanding your energy limits, setting boundaries, and prioritising rest, you can reduce exhaustion and honour your true self.

If this resonates with you, let’s talk about ways you can build a life where you don’t have to mask so much.

I offer Radiance Coaching to help unique people like you navigate life with more ease and joy. Want to explore what that could look like for you? Click here to learn more!

Also, let me know in the comments: When do you find yourself masking the most, and what helps you recharge?

5 Signs You’re Different – And Why That’s a Gift

by Lucinda | 28, Feb 2025 | Empowerment, Neurodivergent, Uniqueness

5 Signs You’re Different (And Why That’s a Gift)

Do you often feel like you don’t quite fit into the world around you? Have you noticed that you’re different? Maybe you’ve been told you’re “too much” or “too different,” but what if those very traits are what make you extraordinary?

If you’re wondering if you’re different, the truth is—you probably are.

And that’s not just okay; it’s a gift.

Here are five signs that set you apart—and how they can empower you to create a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and completely your own.

1. You Struggle to Fit In

It’s not always easy to blend in with the crowd, and that’s okay.

Many people who are different find it hard to conform to societal expectations.

But here’s the thing: trying to fit into a box that wasn’t made for you only dims your true light.

The fact that you don’t fit in means you have the freedom to create your own path and live authentically.

2. You See Things Differently

People who are different often have a unique perspective on the world.

Whether it’s how you process information, approach challenges, or create solutions, your mind works in ways others might not understand.

While this can feel isolating at times, it’s also an incredible strength—your ability to think outside the box allows you to bring fresh ideas and innovation to the world.

3. You Don’t Mind Standing Out

While many fear standing out, those who are different often embrace it.

Whether it’s through your personal style, beliefs, or passions, you’re not afraid to be yourself.

This might intimidate some people, but it’s also incredibly liberating.

When you stand in your truth, you inspire others to do the same.

4. You Experience Emotions Deeply

Being different often comes with heightened emotional sensitivity.

You may feel things more deeply than others, be highly empathetic, or experience an intense connection to the world around you.

While society sometimes labels this as “too sensitive,” it’s actually a profound gift.

Your emotional depth allows you to form meaningful connections and understand people in a way that others can’t.

5. You Feel a Strong Sense of Purpose

If you’ve always felt a deep drive to do something meaningful—even if it’s different from what others expect—you’re likely someone with a strong sense of purpose.

People who are different don’t follow trends; they create them.

Your passion and vision are powerful forces, guiding you toward a life that truly matters.

You’re Different—And That’s a Strength

Recognising that you’re different is the first step in unlocking your full potential.

The world needs people who think differently, act boldly, and embrace their uniqueness.

When you lean into who you truly are, you not only empower yourself—you give others permission to do the same.

Next Steps: Step Into Your Radiance

If this resonates with you, and you’re ready to fully embrace your uniqueness, I invite you to take the next step with Radiance Coaching.

🌟 Radiance Coaching is designed to help you:
✅ Embrace what makes you different with confidence
✅ Overcome self-doubt and societal expectations
✅ Step into a life that feels authentic, fulfilling, and joyful

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Let’s uncover your true radiance together.

💛 Let’s Chat about Your Personalised Radiance Coaching Package today.

Understanding Autistic Shutdowns

by Lucinda | 28, Feb 2025 | Autism, Neurodivergent, Shutdowns

Understanding Autistic Shutdowns: What Happens When Overwhelm Takes Over?

What is an Autistic Shutdown?

An autistic shutdown is a response to extreme overwhelm, where the nervous system essentially “powers down” to protect itself.

Unlike meltdowns, which are outward expressions of distress, shutdowns involve withdrawal, silence, and exhaustion.

The brain and body go into a low-energy state, making it difficult to think, speak, or respond to stimuli.

Understanding autistic shutdowns is essential for recognising when they happen and responding with self-compassion.

Common Triggers for Shutdowns

Autistic shutdowns are often triggered by prolonged stress, overstimulation, or emotional overload. Some common causes include:

Sensory Overload: Loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, or crowded spaces can overwhelm the senses.
Social Exhaustion: Too many interactions, deep emotional conversations, or feeling misunderstood.
Emotional Stress: Conflict, unexpected changes, or being confronted with intense emotions from others.
Cognitive Overload: Too many decisions, rapid-fire information, or complex problem-solving.
Physical Fatigue: Lack of sleep, too many back-to-back activities, or not enough downtime.

Signs of an Autistic Shutdown

Because shutdowns are often internal experiences, they can be difficult to spot. Here are some signs:

Becoming non-verbal or struggling to form words.
Feeling disconnected, distant, or numb.
Needing to withdraw from people or tasks.
Struggling to process information or make decisions.
Feeling physically drained or dizzy.

For those who experience shutdowns, recognising these signs early can help prevent deeper exhaustion.

How to Recover from a Shutdown

Once a shutdown begins, the best approach is to allow yourself time and space to recover. Here are some ways to help the process:

Create a calm environment – Reduce sensory input by dimming lights, wearing noise-cancelling headphones, or retreating to a quiet space.
Engage in soothing activities – Stimming, listening to music, wrapping up in a weighted blanket, or sitting in nature can help.
Prioritise rest – Allow yourself to step away from responsibilities and recharge.
Communicate your needs – If possible, let others know you need space and quiet.
Hydrate and nourish your body – Simple self-care actions like drinking water and eating a small snack can support recovery.

How Others Can Support Someone in Shutdown

If you know someone experiencing a shutdown, here are a few ways to support them:

Respect their need for space and quiet.
Avoid asking too many questions or expecting immediate responses.
Offer practical help, like bringing them water or a comfort item.
Be patient and understanding—it’s not personal.
Check in later, once they’ve had time to recover.

Final Thoughts

Shutdowns are a natural response to overwhelm, not a sign of weakness or failure. Recognising them, allowing recovery time, and building strategies to manage energy levels can make a world of difference.

Have you ever experienced an autistic shutdown? What helps you recover? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

Why I Created Different… and Loving It!

by Lucinda | 21, Feb 2025 | Empowerment, Neurodivergent, Uniqueness

Why I Created Different… and Loving It!

Have you ever felt like you just don’t fit into the mould the world expects?

Maybe you’ve been called too much or too different, or you’ve had to work harder than others to be understood or even (somewhat) accepted. I know that feeling.

It’s one I’ve carried for a long time—and it’s exactly why I created Different… and Loving It!

This YouTube channel is more than just videos. It’s a community and a movement—a place where unique people can feel seen, heard, and valued.

The Spark That Started It All

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to the people who see the world differently—those who think outside the box, feel deeply, and live in ways that don’t always follow the ‘norm.’

Whether through coaching, sound healing, or education, my work has always been about supporting people who feel different to embrace their brilliance.

But I wanted to reach more people.

I wanted to create something accessible, uplifting, and free, so that anyone who needed encouragement could find it—no matter where they were in their journey.

That’s how Different… and Loving It! was born.

What You’ll Find on the Channel

This channel is for unique people—for those who feel different and are ready to embrace that as a gift.

Here’s what you can expect:
🎥 Inspiring conversations about what it really means to be different
🎥 Sound healing sessions to support emotional and energetic balance
🎥 Encouragement and insights to help you live as your most authentic self

Every video is created with the intention of helping you feel empowered, understood, and celebrated.

Why This Matters

Too often, the world tries to tell us that being different is a problem to be fixed.

But what if it’s the exact opposite?

What if your uniqueness is your greatest strength?

My hope is that through this channel, you’ll not only see the beauty in your differences—you’ll embrace them fully.

Different... and Loving It! community and youtube channel - LucindaCurran.com

Join the Community

If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to be part of Different… and Loving It!

🌟 Subscribe to the channel for regular new videos
🌟 Join the our private (free) community and connect with like-minded people
🌟 Take the next step—if you’re ready to dive deeper into embracing your uniqueness, check out Radiance Coaching for personalised guidance