Autism and Change- Iphone Update Edition

I recently updated my phone to IOS 26 because the update description sounded new and exciting. However, my first clue that the update would be drastically different would be the term "new" being featured in multiple parts of the description. This week, I want to talk about how I struggle with changes as an autistic person.

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Change is hard for me. I think I have shared that in the past. I don't hate all types of change; I like changing my haircut, buying new clothes, and getting a new phone of the same brand. However, there are things I absolutely do not like to change. For example, I keep computers for different stages of my life. My current computer is my Channel Islands laptop. I had a Moorpark College computer. If I get a laptop for another degree, I won't use it until I start that degree. I keep my computers in phases because I need to ease into the change of having a new device. I also do not like changing seats. In college, I almost did not enroll in a class I needed to take because it was during the time I ate dinner, and I did not want to deviate from my routine. At my house, I have a specific spot where I sit at the table. If I am sitting at that table, I don't sit anywhere else. It is to the point where my friends and family, lovingly, all know when they come over that any seat is available to them except for that one. I also do not like changing brands of food. Once I know I like a specific brand, I buy that brand because it is familiar. I am especially particular about food, and I do not deviate unless I have to.

This leads me to the absolute shock I had earlier this week when I updated my phone. I stare at my phone every day for emails, texting, and phone games when I am bored. At this point, I could probably be on my phone less. So, when the screen changed from a typical iPhone look to a clear, bubbly, and confusing home screen and text messages screen, I immediately hated it. For a good part of the week between updating my phone and when this blog comes out, I mostly texted on my computer because my computer screen has not betrayed me yet. I am sure I will get used to it, but so far I have not. If I see you in real life and seem overwhelmed, it is fair to assume a small part of that is due to adjusting to a new technology interface I didn't realize I signed up for. I usually like Apple products, so I am sure I will get used to it. However, that time has not yet arrived.

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Change is hard for me, in part because I am autistic. I have done a lot of work to be more flexible, but I would still describe myself as more rigid than flexible. Familiarity for me feels safe, structured, and secure. When I encounter change that is not on my own terms, I have to work through that adjustment period. I am sure I am not the only person who hates change, so I want to share some ways you can support those in your life who might also have a significant reaction to a sudden change, no matter how severe.

1: Have patience

I might be more irritable when big changes happen, and it's not intentional or even fair. However, my tolerance for change is low, so it affects my stress levels more than might be typically expected. By showing patience, even if you don't personally understand why it is overwhelming, you can bring comfort to someone already overwhelmed.

2: Offer to talk about it

Sometimes, it might help someone to process a change by having a healthy venting session. In my case, I feel overwhelmed because it seems more cluttered and like glass, as the update predicted. I'll adjust, but by having a healthy venting session, I can sort through my emotions and acknowledge that nothing bad is happening to me, apart from the minor inconvenience of adjusting to something new.

3: Don't pass judgment

It can be easy to think that someone is overreacting. It's a phone display interface that slightly changed aesthetics. However, everyone's brain works differently. We can all benefit from grace and understanding. I use a term in my life from mediation called good faith process, which means going into a process or task with good intentions. By keeping an open mind, we can create safe spaces for each other, and maybe even learn something about ourselves.

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Change can be hard, no matter the significance. I hope this blog helped provide some insight into how change can have an impact on someone, whether they are neurodivergent or neurotypical. Thank you for reading about my reaction to changes through adjusting to a new iPhone update. If you have any questions or comments, please comment on the blog, reach out at @Anniekrollblog on Instagram or Facebook, or email me at Anniekrollblog@gmail.com. I hope to see you next week!