Autistic women often develop sophisticated strategies to mask our autistic traits, a phenomenon known as camouflaging.  This “silent mask” allows us to navigate social situations and meet societal expectations, but at a significant cost.  This article delves into the complexities of camouflaging, its impact on identity loss, and provides essential insights for clinicians and therapists working with autistic women. The Phenomenon of Camouflaging Camouflaging involves ...

Have you ever felt like you're wearing not just one mask, but a multitude? Shifting seamlessly between social roles, adopting different personas, and drawing upon an arsenal of learned behaviors to navigate the world?  If you're an autistic woman who has mastered the art of integrated masking, this intricate dance is your reality. Think back to your last social interaction. Did you find yourself effortlessly switching between mirroring body language, reciting pre-planned scripts, ...

In the realm of autistic masking, the Observer stands as a figure of quiet strength and profound insight. This masking style involves a preference for observing social dynamics from a distance, analyzing patterns, and understanding the unspoken rules of engagement. Understanding the Observer The Observer approaches social situations with a keen eye and a thoughtful mind. They prefer to: Analyze Before Engaging:  Carefully watch and listen before participating in conversations. Identify ...

For some autistic women, masking takes the form of a captivating performance. The Performer masking style involves using charm, humor, and a theatrical flair to navigate social interactions. They become social entertainers, captivating their audience and creating a sense of ease. Understanding the Performer The Performer sees social situations as a stage, where they play a role to engage and entertain others. This might manifest as: Exaggerated Expressions:  Using dramatic facial ...

For many autistic women, social interactions can feel like navigating a minefield. That's where the Script Reader masking style comes in.  These individuals excel at creating and adhering to mental scripts, checklists, and rules to navigate social situations with precision. Understanding the Script Reader The Script Reader approaches social interactions with a structured, analytical mindset. They meticulously observe and analyze social cues, creating a mental library of "correct" ...

Have you ever found yourself unconsciously mirroring the people around you? Adjusting your tone, posture, even your expressions to match theirs?  If you're an autistic woman, this isn't just a quirk – it's a common masking behavior known as social mimicry. Think back to the last social gathering you attended. Did you notice yourself adopting the same slang as the people you were talking to? Did you find your body language shifting to mirror theirs, even if it felt unnatural? This ...

Understanding Eating Disorders and Sensory Experiences in Autistic Women and Girls: A Lifesaving Perspective As an AuDHD woman who has walked alongside many autistic women, I've witnessed firsthand the profound misunderstandings faced, particularly concerning our relationship with food and eating.  Imagine standing at a crossroads where sensory experiences, emotional safety, often unidentified co-occurring health conditions and a quest for autonomy all converge—this is where many ...

Autistic women experience exhaustion in ways that go far beyond feeling tired—learn to identify the hidden signs of burnout that often go unnoticed by healthcare professionals. Exhaustion in autistic women often looks and feels different from the tiredness experienced by others. It’s not just about being physically drained—it can manifest in subtle, sometimes hidden ways that are easily overlooked, even by healthcare professionals. For those who work in mental health and ...

Trusting the unknown during times of lightning change, chaos, and uncertainty, while acknowledging our discomfort and fear, is the solution. Here's why… Many are feeling the visceral notes of the rapid fire changes happening in the US right now because as humans we need order, structure and predictability to nourish our well-being and to keep us in a state of feeling safe.  When we don't have this sense of safety we expend tremendous amounts of energy seeking it and risk going ...

I learned from early childhood to pull all my feelings and experiences inside because when my emotions were "too much" or others didn't understand because they were having a different experience, they silenced and dismissed me for their comfort.   I learned to be quiet. I learned to hold it all in and stuff it down. I did this to feel SAFE. Holding it all in, stuffing it down, ignoring my own experiences, discomfort, pain, fear, all became my survival tactic to get through each ...

Burnout doesn’t always shout—it whispers, hides, and sometimes even convinces us that what we’re feeling is just how life is. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been navigating exhaustion for longer than you care to admit. As autistic women, we’re often pros at masking, adapting, and pushing through. We’ve heard the world’s messages loud and clear: "You’re overreacting," "It’s not that bad," "Just toughen up." So we do. We ...

As the year winds down, I prepare for my annual break—something I’ve been practicing for the past three years. Typically, I block off the time between Christmas and New Year’s, a week dedicated to unplugging, savoring family moments, organizing my workspace, enjoying the magic of holiday lights, and cozying up with a warm cup of cocoa by the fire. This year, though, I’m viewing this season with new eyes. My colleague Samantha Pickering recently shared a term that ...

As the days shorten and the temperature drops, many of us feel the seasonal changes more intensely. For those who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), especially in winter, lower energy and mood can make connection—both with ourselves and others—feel “off.” This season can also bring holiday gatherings, which may amplify feelings of either inclusion or isolation, affecting our sense of belonging. In The Recharge newsletter this month, we’re focusing on ...

With the season of thanks here, how will you recharge your sense of gratitude? What's Inside: This November, as the season of thanks surrounds us, we’re diving into powerful ways to nurture gratitude and belonging. Inside, you’ll find a quick recharge exercise perfect for grounding, a worksheet to identify your core values, and a personal reflection on gratitude for our bodies—even in challenging times. Plus, don’t miss the weekly check-in prompts to help you feel more ...

In this article, we’ll explore four common struggles: a lack of personal time, an inability to disconnect from work, difficulty maintaining focus and productivity, and the challenge of balancing leadership with day-to-day tasks.

This month, we're centering all our efforts on something near and dear to our hearts—Community and Connection. Why? Because no one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone, especially when those challenges can feel isolating and overwhelming. October is filled with crucial awareness campaigns—from Disability Employment Awareness Month to ADHD Awareness Month, and from Breast Cancer Awareness Month to National Bullying Prevention Month. In each of these areas, many have experienced pain, isolation, or silence due to illness, difference, or trauma.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of your high-stress profession? Do you sometimes find yourself feeling isolated, even when surrounded by colleagues? Discover how community and connection can significantly decrease stress, reduce loneliness, increase well-being, and improve performance for professionals like you. Emotional Support: Imagine a comforting shoulder to lean on during tough times. Sharing your challenges with others provides that much-needed comfort and understanding. ...

Are you feeling the sleep deprivation struggle? 😴💤 Over 30% of US adults aren't getting enough sleep, and it's taking a toll on our health and well-being. Want to know if you're one of them? Check out my latest article on the signs of sleep deprivation and how to improve your sleep quality. #sleepdeprivation #sleephealth #wellbeing #productivity #selfcare #healthtips #wellness #mentalhealth

In today's fast-paced world, chronic exhaustion has become an all-too-common experience, especially in high-demand environments like healthcare, IT, education, and leadership roles. Understanding the signs of exhaustion and integrating self-care practices into your daily routine is crucial for maintaining overall well-being. This guide explores five key aspects of a misaligned steady state, offering practical self-care tips to help you optimize your steady state for more energy each day.. #1 ...

Introduction Experiencing burnout can be overwhelming, especially for those in high-demand environments like healthcare, IT or for neurodivergent and disabled adults. This comprehensive guide aims to provide self-care strategies that go beyond the basics of sleep, nutrition, and exercise. By incorporating these methods into your daily routine, you can begin to master your energy, restore vitality, foster innovation, and optimize performance. Understanding Burnout & Self Care Definition and ...