Are you a high-masking autistic adult who has felt misunderstood throughout your life?

• Have you always felt a bit different than everyone else?
• Have others judged your socially or do social situations make you anxious?
• Do you sometimes burnout or feel completely depleted by life, work, or social responsibilities?

As the world of psychology learns more about autism, we are understanding that many autistic people were overlooked in childhood even though they were struggling inside.

You may have been especially good at academics so your teachers didn’t think your anxiety or unique behaviors were cause for concern. You may have received feedback that you were quiet or didn’t speak up in groups, but adults just thought you were shy. Former therapists may have interpreted your mental health struggles as trauma or depression instead of burnout and other autistic related experiences.

Sometimes we first discover our autism because a child or family member was diagnosed. Sometimes we self-discover after identifying with autism stories on social media or tv.

At first we are curious, learning more and more about autism. We start to think maybe we are autistic, but we also doubt ourselves. Once we have confirmation it can feel like a relief. Finally we make sense!

But it can also bring up other feelings: grief, confusion, even anger that it took so long to figure this out.

You make sense just the way you are.

Despite what society says, autistic people are hugely empathic, incredibly capable and they make oh so much sense. We are creatives, scientists, teachers, nurturers and maybe even therapists ourselves.

We are often misunderstood and judged. This can lead us to to turn on ourselves inside or we may shut down and withdraw from life.

It doesn’t need to be this way–therapy can help you feel better again.

Therapists should not just be Autism-knowledgeable, but Autism-Affirming 

Most therapy is not helpful for autistic folks because most therapists simply do not understand autism and all the ways it impacts a person. Therapists who are not autism-affirming may stay focused on helping you heal your trauma or cope with anxiety and depression. This is not helpful enough for an autistic person.

There is also often an under-lying misunderstandings in the therapy room when autistic folks seek therapy for themselves or with a partner. Too often, the therapist misinterprets an autistic person’s experiences or needs–leading the autistic person to have the same pain in the therapeutic relationship that they experience in other social settings.

Autistic folks deserve better than this. They need deep understanding from others and skills that help them feel less alone. We are proud to be autistic-affirming at Love Heal Grow.

Love Heal Grow Therapists: