I didn’t think much about this until it was questioned when I began to have stays in hospitals..but I really like sitting on the floor. It makes me feel grounded, and calm, and safe. Sometimes I even lay on the floor, a nice hard floor, to calm down. When I hear very loud noises, I find it very reassuring to press myself against the floor or a wall. I knew this linked to my autism, but I didn’t know it was ‘a thing’. However, upon speaking to some fellow-neurodivergent friends, it seems it is very much a common experience!

Some reasons why sitting on the floor may feel very comfortable and also be a calming, comforting experience:

– The flat, smooth, hard texture of the floor can provide a break from sensory overload

– A hard surface is much more predictable and stable

– Being lower can make one feel grounded and more in control

– Being lower can mean being further away from lights, noise – feeling hidden and safe

– For various sensory reasons, chairs available may be very uncomfortable

– (It goes without saying that avoiding sensory discomfort is VERY important – when I am wearing uncomfortable materials or feel too hot, or am in a noisy room, I feel so anxious, upset, agitated, and sometimes like I just can’t think or even breathe)

Some comments I have heard from people regarding their experience with sitting on the floor:

– “When I am overloaded or just tired..I used to just melt into the floor”

– “The floor is such a happy, safe Aspie haven”

– “I always sit on the floor – whether it’s rocking or doing homework..it’s the best..this seems to be a uniquely aspie thing”

– “I prefer to sleep on the floor”

Do you like to sit on the floor?