Have you ever wondered if you might be autistic? You may have always felt like you don't quite fit in with the rest of the world. When you try to share your experiences with others, they think you must be joking. Being on the autism spectrum can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding what it means and whether or not it applies to you. The symptoms and characteristics of autism can vary widely from person to person, and it can be tough to know what to look for.
One of the most powerful ways to understand whether or not you may be on the spectrum is to connect with others who share similar experiences. Finding your tribe, so to speak, can be a game-changer in terms of gaining a deeper understanding of what it means to be on the autism spectrum.
April is Autism Awareness Month and for today’s blog post, I’d like to help you do just that. Meet Paul. He runs a channel on Youtube called Autism From the Inside and he has created an amazing video called, “Are you an Undiagnosed Autistic? How to Tell if You’re On the Autism Spectrum.”
In his video, he explains the problem with only focusing on behaviors can be problematic and deep dives into three defining ‘inner’ autistic experiences that I was just not prepared for — but are absolutely brilliant! Especially if you, like me, struggled with identifying your authentic self because you really didn’t understand what autism was or because what you really needed was for someone to describe what it “feels like” to be autistic.
Connecting with others who share similar experiences can be incredibly validating and empowering for those who may be on the autism spectrum. It can help individuals better understand their own unique experiences and find a sense of community and belonging. By exploring the inner experiences of autism, as discussed in Paul's video, we can gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be on the spectrum. Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to autism, but finding your tribe can make all the difference.
If you are struggling with any of these experiences, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you understand and manage your autism. You can also find support from other autistic people who can share their experiences and offer advice.
Recently I became part of an amazing online community called, Nerurospicy Accountability Partners. The term, ‘Nerurospicy’ is a brand new word popping up all over the random little corners of the internet I like to inhabit. It is a term coined by the neurodivergent community that encompasses conditions such as autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyscalculia, Tourette syndrome, and others. The idea behind this term is that everyone's brain works differently, so there isn't one way of thinking or experiencing things that apply to everyone.
The group was set up by an amazing woman in Asheville, NC who is on the spectrum and if it were not for the help of this amazing group, this blog, as well as last week’s blog, would have never been written. It is incredibly empowering to be a part of a community that gets it and helps provide support in achieving my goals in life. Especially when those with neurodivergent brains, like me, suffer in our extremely individualistic society.
The power of connection and belonging is truly amazing. There is no need to be alone with our struggles, and it can be a great gift to know that you are not alone. Each of us in the group was paired with an accountability buddy and it’s been two weeks now and I already noticed a huge change in my overall productivity! To achieve our goals, it's beneficial to vocalize them and have a person who can monitor our self-promises, provide support as we address obstacles, and understand our challenges by encouraging us with affirming words, rather than using phrases like "try harder,” “It’s not that big of a deal”, or “It’s all in your head.”
With their help, I created a 16-week schedule to avoid burnout, organized my priorities so that I could get the important stuff done, and used a body doubling session to finish a personal project (pictured: hand-painted Kavu cross-body bag) that has taken me two months to get back around to.
In conclusion, if you are feeling alone, and confused and just need someone to talk to, I encourage you to reach out for support. The power of community and support cannot be overstated and I would love to share my tools and resources with you. We are in this together. I see you. You are loved. Keep being you!