Hackers break down complex systems into smaller, understandable parts.
Life works the same way. By learning to “hack” these systems—school, social rules, daily routines—you can discover adaptive strategies that transform challenges into opportunities.
Click on a tabs to navigate chapters, learn more or play a game, look for resources, etc.
Chapter 1: Understanding Systems (Life is Code)
Hackers break down complex systems into smaller, understandable parts. Life works the same way.
The World is a Series of Systems
- Just like a computer runs on programs, the world runs on rules—some are obvious, others hidden.
- Schools, friendships, family, and work all have structures that can be learned, tested, and optimized.
- Example: The school grading system is a structured algorithm. If you understand how points are awarded, you can "optimize" your effort to focus on what matters most.
Hard Rules vs. Soft Rules
Hard Rules = Cannot be changed (laws, safety guidelines, math formulas).
Soft Rules = Can be adapted or depend on context
(social norms, trends, ways of speaking).
Knowing the difference helps you decide where to be flexible and where to stick to the system.
Debugging Confusing Situations
Sometimes, social situations can be confusing—just like a program that isn't working as expected. We can **debug** the situation step by step, just like fixing a bug in code.
- What was the input? (What happened?)
- What was the output? (What was the result?)
- Where is the bug? (Miscommunication? Misunderstood expectations?)
Example Situation: You sent a message to a friend, but they haven’t responded. How can you debug this?
Are you a visual learner? Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words!Example Pictograms for This Situation:
Debugging Confusing Situations
Sometimes, social situations can be confusing—just like a program that isn't working as expected. We can **debug** the situation step by step, just like fixing a bug in code.
Example Situation: You sent a message to a friend, but they haven’t responded. How can you debug this?
Are you a visual learner? Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words!
🛠 Debugging: Friend Not Responding
📩 "message"
⏳ + "waiting"
🤔 + "confused"
💡 + "thinking"
📢 + "reminder"
😊 + "happy"
🔍 See Pictograms for This Debugging Situation:
Search All Related Pictograms
Want to refine your search?
- 📩 **Sending a Message** – 🔍 "message"
- ⏳ **Waiting for a Reply** – 🔍 "waiting"
- 🤔 **Feeling Confused** – 🔍 "confused"
- 💡 **Possible Reasons (Busy, Forgotten, Misunderstanding)** – 🔍 "thinking"
- 📢 **Sending a Follow-up Message** – 🔍 "reminder"
- 😊 **Friend Finally Replies!** – 🔍 "happy"
🎨 Need More Pictograms?
Use the Pictogram Search Tool to find images that match your situation. Just type a **keyword** (like "texting," "confused," or "waiting") and pick the pictogram that helps tell your story!
Hacker’s Toolkit for Understanding Systems
- Observation: Watch how systems work.
- Experimentation: Try different approaches to see what works.
- Documentation: Keep track of what you learn.
- Iteration: Refine your approach based on feedback.
Key Takeaways
- Life is made up of systems that can be understood and optimized.
- Learn the difference between hard rules (fixed) and soft rules (flexible).
- When something goes wrong, debug the situation by identifying the input, output, and bug.
- Use observation, experimentation, documentation, and iteration to hack systems effectively.
By treating life like a series of systems, you can break down challenges into manageable parts and find creative solutions. In the next chapter, we’ll explore how to use these skills to navigate social interactions—because even social rules can be hacked!
This is Chapter 7: But it is really a Resource Hub
Welcome to the Resource Hub! Below you’ll find links, downloads, or references for each chapter’s main topics, including open-source tools and support guides.
- Chapter 1 Resources:
- Chapter 2 Resources:
- Chapter 7 Resources:
Classic Games from Ready Player One
Select a game to play, or learn more about its history.
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Historical Video Games
CRT Amusement Device
Tennis for Two
Control Left Paddle: Up/Down Arrows | Control Right Paddle: W/S
Spacewar!
Player 1 (Green, left side):
Rotate: A/D Thrust: W Fire: Q
Player 2 (Red, right side):
Rotate: Left/Right Arrows Thrust: Up Arrow Fire: Spacebar
Lunar Lander (1969 Text Version)
Recommended Books
Here are some books I recommend for understanding autism, sensory processing, and life hacks:
-
A Hacker’s Mind (Bruce Schneier)
Subtitle: How the Powerful Bend Society’s Rules, and How to Bend Them Back
Short Description: Security expert Bruce Schneier explains how corporations, governments, and other major players “hack” financial, legal, and political systems for their own gain. He offers insights and strategies for recognizing these hacks and pushing back to protect fairness and transparency. -
Calm in the Chaos (Multiple Contributors)
Subtitle (approx.): A Quick-Relief Guide for Managing Anxiety & Overwhelm in Today’s Uncertain Times
Short Description: Various mental health professionals present fast, practical strategies for handling anxiety and stress. Techniques include mindfulness, cognitive reframing, and other simple exercises to find calm amidst life’s uncertainties. -
Unstuck & On Target! (Second Edition)
Authors: Lynn Cannon, Lauren Kenworthy, Katie Alexander, Monica Adler Werner, Laura Gutermuth Anthony
Tagline: An Executive Function Curriculum to Improve Flexibility, Planning, and Organization
Short Description: A structured program that helps students with autism or ADHD build core executive functioning skills—like flexible thinking, self-regulation, and organization—through lesson plans, group activities, and practical assignments. -
As If Human (Nigel Shadbolt & Roger Hampson)
Subtitle: Ethics and Artificial Intelligence
Short Description: Investigates the moral and societal implications of AI and robotics. The authors discuss potential benefits of cutting-edge technology while proposing guidelines to address challenges around autonomy, accountability, and privacy. -
Smart but Scattered — and Stalled (Richard Guare, PhD; Colin Guare, MS; Peg Dawson, EdD)
Subheading: 10 Steps to Help Young Adults Use Their Executive Skills to Set Goals, Make a Plan, and Successfully Leave the Nest
Short Description: Focuses on teenagers and young adults transitioning into independence. Offers a 10-step framework for boosting executive skills (time management, organization, follow-through) and navigating life changes with clarity and confidence. -
Self-Care for Autistic People (Dr. Megan Anna Neff)
Subheading: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Unwind
Short Description: A practical guide presenting over 100 strategies specifically geared to help autistic individuals manage stress, avoid burnout, and build supportive routines. Emphasizes neurodivergent-affirming perspectives and step-by-step coping ideas.
ASD Books
Curated books and resources for enhancing relationships and personal development
Note: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you.
Find the Right Resources for Your Needs
Recommended Resources
Resources
-
Sensory Processing and Motor Skills
-
Development of Hand Skills in the Child - Jane Case-Smith, Charlane Pehoski
Summary: Focuses on the development of fine motor skills in children, essential for daily activities and academic tasks. -
Oh Behave! Sensory Processing and Behavioral Strategies - Maryann Colby Trott, MA
Summary: Provides practical strategies for addressing sensory processing challenges and associated behaviors. -
School Hardening: Sensory Integration Strategies for Class and Home - Lynne Courtney Tupper, Kathryn E. Klosterman Miesner
Summary: Sensory integration techniques to help children feel secure and ready to learn in different environments. -
S.M.I.L.Y. (Sensory Motor Integration & Learning with Yoga) - April Merrilee, MA, OTR
Summary: A yoga-based sensory motor program aimed at improving sensory integration through structured movement sessions. -
Sensory and Motor Strategies - Corinna Laurie
Summary: Practical sensory and motor activities to support learning and development, especially in autistic children.
Amazon Link: Buy Now -
Sensory Secrets: How to Jump-Start Learning in Children - Catherine Chemin Schneider
Summary: Explains the connection between sensory processing and learning with hands-on strategies. -
The Sensory Connection: An OT and SLP Team Approach - Nancy Kashman, Janet Mora
Summary: Collaborative strategies for occupational and speech-language therapists working with sensory processing challenges.
Amazon Link: Buy Now -
Time Timer
Summary: Visual timer that helps individuals manage time more effectively, often used in sensory processing or executive functioning settings.
Amazon Link: Buy Now
-
Development of Hand Skills in the Child - Jane Case-Smith, Charlane Pehoski
-
Social Skills and Emotional Development
-
Autism & PDD: Social Skills Lessons - Pam Britton Reese, Nena C. Challenner
Summary: Lessons to build social skills for children with autism and pervasive developmental disorders.
Amazon Link: Buy Now -
People Skills - Robert Bolton, PhD
Summary: Teaches techniques for effective communication, assertiveness, active listening, and conflict resolution.
Amazon Link: Buy Now -
Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors - Robyn Gobbel
Summary: Strategies for understanding and managing complex behaviors in children, with a focus on brain-body-sensory integration.
Amazon Link: Buy Now -
Surviving Your Adolescents - Thomas W. Phelan, PhD
Summary: Guidance on effective communication and boundary-setting with teenagers.
Amazon Link: Buy Now -
Talking It Out: A Guided-Question Approach to Problem Solving - Monica Gustafson, Margaret Owen
Summary: Encourages children to develop problem-solving skills through guided questions.
-
Autism & PDD: Social Skills Lessons - Pam Britton Reese, Nena C. Challenner
-
Executive Functioning and Life Skills
-
HBR Guide to Emotional Intelligence
Summary: Tools for building emotional intelligence, focusing on relationships, resilience, and leadership skills.
Amazon Link: Buy Now -
Smart but Scattered—and Stalled - Richard Guare, PhD, Colin Guare, MS, Peg Dawson, EdD
Summary: A 10-step program to help young adults improve executive functioning skills, set goals, and transition to independence.
Amazon Link: Buy Now -
Unstuck & On Target! - Lynn Cannon, Lauren Kenworthy, Katie C. Alexander, Monica Adler Werner, Laura Gutermuth Anthony
Summary: Curriculum to improve flexibility, planning, and organization in children, with a focus on executive function skills.
Amazon Link: Buy Now -
101 Activities for Kids in Tight Spaces - Carol Stock Kranowitz
Summary: Creative activities for children to engage in confined spaces, supporting flexibility and executive skills.
Amazon Link: Buy Now -
Survival Signs Curriculum
Summary: Teaches essential safety and survival signs, often used in special education to promote independence.
-
HBR Guide to Emotional Intelligence
-
Therapeutic and Educational Resources
-
I Can Primary Skills K-3 - Janet A. Wessel, Lauriece L. Zittel
Summary: Skills workbook for young learners focusing on foundational skills in early childhood education. -
SASP (Spatial Awareness Skills Program) - Jerome Rosner
Summary: Helps children develop spatial awareness, crucial for early learning in math and reading. -
See It. Say It. Do It! - Dr. Lynn F. Hellerstein
Summary: Guide for using visualization to improve children's confidence and goal-setting abilities. -
The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome - Tony Attwood
Summary: Comprehensive overview of Asperger's, covering diagnosis, social skills, and coping strategies.
Amazon Link: Buy Now -
Yogarilla Exercises and Activities
Summary: Illustrated yoga card deck to encourage movement and mindfulness in children, supporting physical and sensory needs.
Amazon Link: Buy Now
-
I Can Primary Skills K-3 - Janet A. Wessel, Lauriece L. Zittel
-
Parenting and Family Dynamics
-
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents - Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD
Summary: Offers strategies for healing from the effects of having emotionally immature parents.
Amazon Link: Buy Now -
Daughters of Divorce - Terry Gaspard, MSW, LICSW, Tracy Clifford
Summary: Guidance for women dealing with the legacy of parental divorce, with a focus on building healthy relationships.
Amazon Link: Buy Now -
Surviving Your Adolescents - Thomas W. Phelan, PhD
Summary: Practical strategies for managing and letting go of teens during the challenging adolescent years.
Amazon Link: Buy Now -
The Orchid and the Dandelion - W. Thomas Boyce, MD
Summary: Examines personality differences, explaining why some children are more sensitive and how to help them thrive.
Amazon Link: Buy Now
-
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents - Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD
Welcome to ASD Hacks!
About asdhacks.com:
I'm an Occupational Therapist dedicated to fostering an inclusive world by raising awareness and providing resources on neurodiversity and sensory challenges. My work includes supporting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those navigating sensory processing differences.
Through asdhacks.com, asksibot.com, and asksibot.org, I aim to offer free hubs for helpful tools, innovative visual aids, assistive technology, and neurodiverse-friendly resources to enhance communication, learning, and daily life.
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Explore the Book
This online book is divided into six main chapters, plus a seventh chapter as a resource hub. Each chapter explores “hacks” for life with autism, from social interaction to managing sensory overload.
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