The Blog
The Invisible Autistic Elders: What We Can Learn from Late-Diagnosed Seniors
Many autistic elders have lived their entire lives without knowing they were autistic, often enduring decades of misunderstanding, misdiagnosis, and internalized shame. A late diagnosis can bring both relief and grief, offering clarity while highlighting years of unmet needs and lost support. By listening to their stories and advocating for age-inclusive recognition and care, we can learn from their resilience and ensure that no one feels too late to belong.
The Silent Struggle of Postpartum Depression in Late-Diagnosed Autistic Women
Postpartum depression in late-diagnosed autistic women is often misunderstood and overlooked, as it presents not just as emotional distress but also as sensory overwhelm, executive dysfunction, and deep exhaustion from masking and societal expectations of motherhood. Many autistic mothers struggle to access appropriate support due to medical professionals’ lack of understanding, the isolating nature of neurotypical parenting spaces, and the pressure to meet unrealistic standards of caregiving. Recognizing the unique challenges autistic mothers face, advocating for accommodations, and creating sensory-friendly, structured postpartum care can make a significant difference in ensuring that autistic women receive the support they need to not just survive but thrive in motherhood.
Why Autistic People Hate ‘Small Talk’ (And Why That’s Okay)
Autistic people often struggle with small talk because it feels unnatural, lacks depth, and requires rapid social processing that can be overwhelming. While neurotypical society views small talk as an essential social skill, many autistic individuals find more fulfillment in deep, meaningful conversations that allow for genuine connection. Instead of forcing ourselves to engage in draining surface-level interactions, we should embrace our natural communication style and advocate for social spaces where autistic ways of engaging are respected and valued.
Autism is Genetic, Not Environmental
Autism is a genetic, inherited neurotype that runs in families, often spanning multiple generations without being recognized due to outdated diagnostic criteria and societal misconceptions. Many late-diagnosed autistic adults are now realizing that their parents, grandparents, and other relatives likely had autistic traits but were mischaracterized as shy, eccentric, or difficult. Understanding that autism is not caused by environmental factors but is a natural part of human diversity helps shift the conversation toward acceptance, accurate diagnosis, and better support for autistic individuals across all generations.
The Rise of Autistic Mutual Aid: How We’re Supporting Each Other When No One Else Will
Autistic mutual aid networks have emerged as essential support systems in response to the failures of government and nonprofit organizations to adequately serve autistic individuals. These grassroots efforts provide financial assistance, employment support, housing aid, healthcare navigation, and emotional solidarity, ensuring that autistic people have access to resources that traditional systems often deny them. By prioritizing community-driven care and lived experience, autistic mutual aid is reshaping disability support, proving that when institutions fail, autistic people step up to support one another.
Neurodivergent Parenting: Breaking the Cycle of Shame and Ableism
Neurodivergent parents are breaking the cycle of shame and ableism by rejecting the harmful parenting practices they experienced and raising their children with acceptance, validation, and autonomy. Instead of forcing their children to mask, suppress their natural behaviors, or conform to neurotypical expectations, they are creating environments where neurodivergent children are supported in ways that honor their needs. This shift not only helps children thrive but also allows parents to heal from their own past experiences, fostering a new generation where neurodivergence is embraced rather than erased.
Parental Estrangement and Autistic Adults: Understanding the Why and What Comes Next
Parental estrangement among autistic adults is often the result of years of unmet needs, invalidation, and the pressure to mask or conform to neurotypical expectations. Many autistic individuals reach a breaking point where continued relationships with family members feel harmful, leading them to make the difficult decision to go no-contact as an act of self-preservation. While some relationships can be repaired through genuine understanding and respect, others require separation for the sake of well-being, highlighting the need for greater societal recognition of autistic experiences and family dynamics.
How to Navigate Family Gatherings as a Neurodivergent Person
Family gatherings can be overwhelming for neurodivergent individuals due to social exhaustion, sensory sensitivities, and unspoken family dynamics, but setting boundaries and preparing in advance can help manage these challenges. Strategies such as taking breaks, using sensory tools, and having pre-planned responses to difficult conversations can make interactions more manageable. Prioritizing self-care before, during, and after gatherings ensures that participation happens in a way that respects personal limits and well-being.
How to Talk to Family Members Who Dismiss Your Diagnosis or Self-Identification
Many neurodivergent individuals face dismissal from family members when sharing their diagnosis or self-identification, often due to misinformation, internalized ableism, or cultural stigma. This article explores strategies for navigating these conversations, including providing factual information, setting firm boundaries, and recognizing when disengagement is necessary for self-preservation. Ultimately, seeking validation from supportive communities and embracing self-acceptance can be more empowering than trying to change the minds of unwilling family members.