How to Enjoy the Laundromat When You’re Autistic

Don’t forget to bring earbuds

They hear nearly every sound, notice every movement, and process the expression on every person’s face. And that means that simply walking through a public space can be an assault on their senses.~Andre Sólo, Everything You Need to Know About Highly Sensitive People

Sensitive folks need to prepare to go out in public.

The laundromat is no exception. Every time I drive toward the parking lot, I check to see how many cars are parked. If it’s nearly empty, I’m good to go. Otherwise, I wait for another day and time, so fewer people will be there. That means less noise and fewer strong smells.

Here’s the most comfortable way to wash your clothes at the laundromat if you’re autistic or highly sensitive (I’m both).

Go on a weekday morning when it’s not crowded.

I went on a Wednesday around 9:30 am. It’s a perfect time to chill, almost by myself. There were only 3–4 people there.

It’s not that I mind people. I rather enjoy meeting and talking with fellow patrons on most days. But when the noise overwhelms me, I need to go within for a time.

I notice how easy it seems for others to tolerate the hustle and bustle. They appear to feel comfortable with all those noises at once. I’m not sure if anyone can tell that it bothers me, so who knows. But I’m uncomfortable with too many people in one place. I feel crowded with even the smallest of groups.

Bring something to cancel out the cacophony of sounds.

When I arrived, there was a person playing slots on their phone. They had an incessant ding sound every time they pulled the slot. There was a Spanish TV combined with a crime show in English. And some other TV show down the hall. I had to break out my earbuds to calm down my nervous system.

My sensitivity to sounds fluctuates, unless it’s media or something electronic. I’m overloaded by the buzzing of the TV, humming of washers, and loud multiple voices at once. I’m so grateful I came prepared with those earbuds.

Find sweet new music on your own phone, then turn up the volume.

I discovered a new folk artist by happenstance when I scrambled for my Apple Music. I turned it up louder than usual so I wouldn’t hear all the other undesirable noises. What a lovely treat.

Music soothes my soul. I felt like I was transported into a new land as I listened to her sing and play guitar.

I grew up with live music. My dad plays a plethora of stringed instruments, including guitar and banjo. He sings in a choir. I’m also musically inclined. I play guitar and sing. Music brings me joy. I felt much calmer from listening.

Wash far away from someone with smelly detergent.

I’m sensitive to synthetic fragrances. So going to the laundromat can be quite a challenge. Most people use scented detergent and fabric softener. Everything smells. I usually get headaches and feel generally unwell from fragrance.

I’ve learned to sort of tune it out. Our bodies are adaptable to an extent. I’m lucky enough to manage well, despite my discomfort.

Meet a friend to help pass the time.

Tell them everything about your life, then be sure to ask about theirs.

Sometimes I reveal more about my life than they expect. It can be ok to do that if the other person is open. It’s a good way to become fast friends. I’ve found that asking them poignant questions helps place the focus on them. Most people love to share about their lives.

I didn’t know I was autistic for the longest time. I believed in the stereotype that we don’t want to interact or connect with others. I’m actually ok making eye contact and have some wonderful exchanges with new people.

That’s why we call it a spectrum. I have some, but not all, autistic traits. Most autistic folks will communicate that they want to connect.

Other people probably don’t know I’m autistic, either. It’s not like we carry signs or anything.

I met two lovely ladies, both named Maria Louisa. One is the owner and speaks mostly Spanish. The other was a patron and she only speaks English. I speak both, so we all chatted together. We had a wonderful conversation as I finished drying my laundry.

I recognize my unique approach to an everyday task.

No one knows how I prepare. Most people can go to the laundromat with no fuss or fanfare. I want allistic (non-autistic) folks to know that we all have particular needs and feelings that come with menial tasks like laundry.

I’ve adjusted well, so I can handle it. But I know I’m extra sensitive to stimuli. I know it’s not the best idea to go on a Sunday afternoon. I allow myself time and space to make my experience as comfortable as possible.

We all have things going on in our lives. We don’t know what burden or challenge someone else carries. We have no idea what another person is going through.

They didn’t know those loud noises bothered me. They might have needed the sounds to distract them from things they don’t want to think about.

Who knew that something as simple as washing my clothes would feel so important.

Looking at the bigger picture often gives me pause. Self-reflection leads me to think of others and their uniqueness. We’re all here together, navigating life, one pair of pants at a time.

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