New stories every week exploring neurodivergence and emotional processing.
SubscribeThe autistic experience
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how people perceive and interact with the world. It's characterized by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of thinking—not deficits, but a different way of being human.
I don't experience the world less—I experience it differently, and often more intensely.
Autism is a neurological difference that shapes how people experience and interact with the world. The neurodiversity movement has helped shift understanding from seeing autism as a disorder to recognizing it as a natural variation in human neurology.
Autism affects social communication, sensory processing, and patterns of behavior and thinking. But these differences aren't inherently negative—they're simply different from neurotypical norms. Many autistic traits, like attention to detail, deep focus, and honest communication, are genuine strengths.
The spectrum concept is often misunderstood. It's not a linear scale from "a little autistic" to "very autistic." Instead, think of it as a multi-dimensional profile where each person has different strengths and challenges across various areas.
Many autistic people, especially those diagnosed later in life, have developed sophisticated "masking" strategies. Masking means suppressing natural autistic behaviors and mimicking neurotypical ones to fit in or avoid negative reactions.
While masking can help navigate social situations, it comes at a significant cost. It's exhausting, can lead to burnout, and often means living inauthentically. Many late-diagnosed adults describe finally understanding why social interactions always felt so draining.
Unmasking—learning to be authentically yourself—is a journey many autistic adults undertake after diagnosis. It involves recognizing which behaviors are genuine versus performed, and gradually giving yourself permission to exist as you naturally are.
The majority of autistic adults weren't diagnosed as children. Many spent decades feeling "different" without understanding why, often developing anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem as a result.
Discovering you're autistic as an adult can be transformative. Suddenly, a lifetime of experiences makes sense. The social struggles, the sensory sensitivities, the intense interests, the need for routine—all of it clicks into place.
Some people embrace autism as a core part of their identity; others see it as just one aspect of who they are. Both perspectives are valid. What matters is finding understanding, community, and ways of living that honor your authentic self.
Have autism spectrum disorder (CDC, 2024)
Rise in adult diagnoses ages 26-34 from 2011-2022
Autistic adults with co-occurring alexithymia
Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, and other stimuli.
Different ways of connecting and communicating that don't match neurotypical expectations.
The exhausting effort of hiding autistic traits to appear "normal" in social situations.
Deep, passionate engagement with topics that bring joy and expertise.
Exploring whether you might be autistic
Learning to be authentically yourself
Creating environments that work for your brain
Want to be notified when new resources are available?
Subscribe to updatesGet new articles on neurodivergence, emotional processing, and personal growth delivered to your inbox. No spam, just stories that matter.