Feeling out of place in a world that doesn’t always understand autism? It’s time to ditch the pressure to “fit in” and discover the joy of your authentic self. Here’s your roadmap to embracing neurodiversity, healing from past hurts, and living a fulfilling life.
The Problem with Pathologising Neurodivergence such as Autism
“Feeling like something’s ‘wrong’ with you is hurtful. It can lead to hiding your true self, anxiety, and depression.”
For example there has been a long history of people seeing autism as a deficit. There have been harmful beliefs such as:
-autistic people are not a person
-they have no sense of self
-they have no empathy or theory of mind
-they have poor or no social skills
Here’s an interesting point: autistic people aren’t lacking in empathy or social skills, as some might think. Instead, they might struggle to connect with non-autistic people, similar to how misunderstandings can occur between different cultures. Studies show that autistic people can communicate well with each other, forming strong bonds and understanding one another without trouble. This is known as the “double empathy problem,” a term coined by Milton in 2012, highlighting that misunderstandings are often mutual.
What is Neurodiversity (and Why It Matters)
Our brains work in unique ways, and that’s awesome! Neurodiversity celebrates differences like autism, ADHD, and more.” Understanding neurodiversity helps us see strengths, not deficits. It means acceptance, not fixing. ’
The neurodiversity movement promoted by the autistic community, promotes the idea that we all think, feel, learn, and behave differently — and that’s perfectly okay. There’s no single “normal” or “right” way to be. Let’s step back and think about this: Evolution itself thrives on diversity. It’s all about different traits and mutations mixing up to give species a better shot at survival. Same goes for finance and business — diversification is key. It spreads risks and opens up new opportunities for growth and innovation. As a society we are already embracing diversity for the powerhouse of benefits it brings. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a neuroscientist and psychology professor, backs this up with her research. She shows us that no two brains are the same — everyone sees the world through their own, unique mental lens. This isn’t just cool trivia; it’s crucial for our survival. The diversity in our brains leads to more creative solutions and makes us all around more adaptable.
Think about it — every single thought, emotion, dream, and bit of your internal life shapes who you are. Your brain’s unique wiring makes your life uniquely meaningful. And that’s not something to cure; that’s something to celebrate. So how do we embrace neurodiversity and be ok with being different? Here are 7 ways to embrace your authentic autistic self.
7 ways to Embracing Your Authentic Autistic Self
- Learn About Autism and Neurodiversity: “Read books by autistic authors, find online communities – knowledge is empowering.”
- Celebrate YOUR Strengths: “Focus on what you do well – creativity, deep thinking, loyalty – we all have them!”
- Know Your Sensory Needs: “Loud noises too much? Find tools to manage them (earplugs, quiet spaces).”
- Challenge Negative Self-Talk: “Practice replacing harsh thoughts with kinder ones. A therapist can help with this!”
- Find Your People: “Connect with supportive friends, online groups, or an autism-friendly social club.”
- Routine is Your Friend: “Predictability reduces stress. Plan your ideal day and stick to it as much as possible.”
- Ask for What You Need: “Accommodations at school or work are your right. Advocate for yourself!”
“Embracing autism isn’t just about you – it helps create a kinder, more accepting world for everyone.” “Share your story, inspire others. Finding your authentic self is the greatest gift you can give.”