Author: semobh

Whether you have an autism diagnosis, suspect you may have autism or want to advocate for others, you can help foster greater acceptance and understanding.

By speaking out, sharing experiences and challenging outdated stereotypes, we can build a world where neurodivergent individuals of all ages feel seen, heard and valued.

There are meaningful ways “alltistic” (non-autistic) people can advocate for autistic individuals. Being an effective ally requires taking time to fully understand the needs, preferences and experiences of the autistic individuals in our lives. Listening without judgment helps build a supportive relationship based on trust and mutual respect.

Remember, communication can look different for everyone. Some people may express themselves through music to share emotions or thoughts that words can’t capture. Others might prefer writing, drawing or painting to express their thoughts. Movement and dance can also be a powerful way for some people to communicate. Cartoons, memes or even movie quotes can convey feelings or ideas. Sometimes, it’s the simple use of sounds, sign language or something totally unique. It’s all about finding the best communication channels for each individual and meeting them where they’re at.

As more people seek self-identified or clinical autism diagnoses, and as research continues to expand our understanding of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), the need for allies, advocates and supporters will only grow. Dr. Seth Allen, ED.D., director of Autism Services at Brightli affiliate Burrell Behavioral Health, is working to change the misconceptions and inaccuracies surrounding autism, including:

• Autistic individuals lack empathy or social interest.

“This couldn’t be further from the truth. Many autistic individuals are deeply caring and socially interested. Although their communication style may differ, that doesn’t mean they lack empathy or a desire and ability for connection.”

• Autism spectrum disorders in adults are all the same.

“Autism is a spectrum, and every autistic individual is unique. They have diverse interests, talents, experiences, and challenges like anyone else.”

• Autistic adults cannot lead independent or productive lives.

“With the right accommodations and support, many autistic adults thrive personally and professionally. In fact, some of the traits associated with autism — like deep focus, passion for specialized interests, and innovative thinking—can make them exceptional contributors in their fields.”

If you suspect you’re autistic, have a loved one on the spectrum or simply want to be a better ally, creating safe spaces for open conversations is key. By listening, learning and challenging outdated narratives, we can build a world where autistic individuals feel safe, seen and valued just as they are.

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For individuals with autism, navigating a world that often misunderstands their behavior can have negative impacts on mental health and well-being. Without a proper diagnosis or support, many adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) must manage their well-being on their own.

Autism is a difference in the way someone’s brain and nervous system function compared to neurotypical brains. It doesn’t need to be “treated” or “fixed.” As Alisyn Van Note, a licensed professional counselor[RB1]  specializing in autism with Burrell Behavioral Health explains: “Autism could best be described as a lens through which we see the world. It is simply how the brain works.”

That said, there are strategies, tools, and skills that can help autistic individuals navigate the challenges they face in daily life.

Dr. Seth Allen, ED.D., director of Autism Services at Brightli affiliate Burrell Behavioral Health recommends several approaches for individuals with autism to manage mental health and reduce the sense of being overwhelmed[RB2] :

1. Establish a predictable routine to reduce anxiety and create a sense of control.
2. Build self-advocacy skills by developing confidence in expressing needs and setting boundaries.
3. Understand your unique needs. Self-awareness is key to effective communication and self-care.
4. Practice self-compassion.

“We are going to mess up; we are human,” Van Note said. [RB3] “We do not need to hold onto the expectations we or others have put up for ourselves; we can, in fact, just exist and just be without doing more.”

Van Note said it’s also important for individuals with autism to be kind and compassionate with themselves.

“We sometimes have a hard time, and we didn’t know then what we know now,” Van Note said. “And when we mess it up, because we will and we do, it is OK. It is OK when we are OK, and it is OK when we are not OK.”

Sensory Well-being and Stimming

Stimming, or self-stimulatory behavior, is a natural way autistic individuals regulate sensory input. Common stimming behaviors include rocking, hand-flapping, humming, or fidgeting, which can help manage stress, improve focus and provide comfort. While stimming is beneficial, it’s also important to recognize when it becomes overwhelming or disruptive and find strategies to balance sensory needs.

Understanding all eight of your sensory systems can help manage overstimulation and sensory distress. Identifying sensory triggers and using personalized regulation strategies—such as noise-canceling headphones, adjusting lighting, or taking sensory breaks—can make a big difference in daily life.

The eight sensory systems include:

1. Auditory (Hearing) – Noise levels, background sounds and voices
2. Visual (Sight) – Lighting, colors and movement sensitivity
3. Olfactory (Smell) – Sensitivity to scents and odors
4. Gustatory (Taste) – Textures, flavors and food preferences
5. Proprioception (Body Awareness) – Awareness of body position and movement
6. Tactile (Touch) – Sensitivity to textures, fabrics or physical contact
7. Vestibular (Balance & Movement) – Sensation of motion, dizziness or balance issues
8. Interoception (Internal Awareness) – Sensations like hunger, thirst or emotions

Recognizing and respecting sensory needs benefits everyone, not just autistic individuals. Workplaces, schools, and public spaces can normalize sensory-friendly accommodations like quiet rooms, flexible seating, and scent-free policies. By understanding sensory regulation and advocating for adjustments, we can create environments where everyone feels comfortable, focused, and supported.

Co-occurring diagnosis

Autism rarely exists in isolation. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), autistic individuals are more likely to experience a range of co-occurring mental health and medical conditions, including:

1. Anxiety (up to 84%)
2. Depression (26%)
3. Epilepsy (35%)
4. Gastrointestinal issues
5. Metabolic disorders
6. Sleep disorders

Co-Occurring Conditions and Autism – Autism Research Institute

There are also strong connections between autism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The two conditions share overlapping symptoms like sensory sensitivities, difficulties in social situations, repetitive behaviors, emotional regulation challenges, avoidance and communication difficulties. Autism and PTSD: Overlap, link, and treatment

Some conditions, like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sensory processing disorder (SPD), share similarities with autism, sometimes leading to diagnostic confusion. Because of this, it’s crucial to seek care from professionals who understand autism and its co-occurring conditions.

Autism can be challenging due to social stigma, unique sensory needs and co-occurring conditions that often accompany it. But it doesn’t have to define or constrain anyone’s future. With the right strategies and support, challenges can become growth opportunities.

The path forward isn’t just about managing autism. It’s about creating spaces where autistic individuals can thrive in a way that works for them, unapologetically. In our next article, we’ll explore the ways society can embrace and support neurodivergent adults, paving the way for a more open and accepting future.

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Adults diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can lead fulfilling lives despite the challenges they face in a world full of barriers to success. Recognizing the obstacles and embracing the strengths that come with autism can lead to fulfillment in the workplace and more meaningful connections.

Personal and professional relationships play a key role in wellness for autistic and non-autistic people alike. Differences in social cues, communication styles, and emotional expression can sometimes create misunderstandings. However, these differences can also offer opportunities for deeper connection and learning. When both autistic and non-autistic individuals make the effort to understand and support one another, relationships become richer, more authentic, and more fulfilling for all involved.

Strengths and struggles of autistic employees

Unique sensory needs and rigid workplace expectations that don’t accommodate different approaches can add pressure for autistic employees, who must work harder to meet standards that may not align with their natural ways of thinking and operating. While bright lights, loud noises and open office spaces can overwhelm anyone’s nervous system, these conditions may be particularly challenging for many autistic folks. Likewise, misunderstanding social cues or receiving vague instructions from supervisors can lead to stress and confusion. Employees with autism often experience heightened emotional responses in these environments.

“Autistic individuals often feel emotions deeply and can easily sense when their coworkers are upset,” said Alisyn Van Note, a licensed professional counselor specializing in autism for Burrell Behavioral Health. “This can lead to a defensive response or emotional overload, making it hard to manage work stress due to the mask they wear to fit in.”

The emotional burden of masking autistic behaviors can significantly increase the risk of burnout. Autistic burnout is more than simple exhaustion. It’s an intense, overwhelming state caused by prolonged masking, sensory overload and the constant effort to navigate environments that don’t accommodate neurodivergent needs. Unlike general workplace burnout, which is often linked to overwork, autistic burnout can lead to heightened sensory sensitivities, difficulty with communication, and even a temporary loss of skills.

As burnout worsens, masking becomes harder, making it more difficult to regulate emotions, maintain productivity, and meet social expectations. This can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, or performance struggles that may ultimately result in job loss—whether due to an employer’s decision or the individual leaving to protect their well-being.

Despite the difficulty of adapting to workplace norms, many autistic individuals leverage their unique strengths to excel in their careers. Their preference for structure and routine makes them dependable and committed team members. A keen attention to detail allows them to catch inconsistencies others might overlook, making them highly effective in precision-based work. They often display deep focus, expertise, and dedication when engaged in meaningful tasks. Many thrive in environments where they can work independently, demonstrating strong self-motivation and efficiency without the need for micromanagement. These strengths contribute valuable, innovative problem-solving skills that can help any organization succeed.

Relationships, social life and masking

One requirement for an autism diagnosis involves social-emotional difficulties, which affect how individuals connect with others. Although ASD has some common traits, every autistic person is unique. Some autistic people thrive in social settings and have meaningful relationships. These same people may need time by themselves to recharge once their social energy runs out. Interactions are much more complex for others who may struggle to interpret social cues, understand context or navigate conversations without taking all words literally.

“Autistic individuals think in facts first, whereas most neurotypical people, or ‘allistics,’ think with emotions,” Van Note said. “These differing ways of processing emotions and communication can lead to misunderstandings. For example, when an allistic asks, ‘How are you?’ and the autistic person answers honestly, ‘Not great, it’s been a rough day,’ it can cause confusion. An autistic person might also hear ‘I’m fine’ and interpret it literally, missing the emotional cues that would prompt further conversation.”

Building supportive relationships is crucial for anyone’s mental health. While autistic people may express empathy in nontraditional ways, they care deeply about the well-being of those they love. It’s essential to recognize that autistic individuals, like neurotypical people, desire relationships, friendships and intimate connections. However, their needs in these relationships can differ significantly, whether around physical touch, emotional regulation or sensory experiences.

Many autistic people communicate directly and honestly, which can sometimes cause challenges in relationships if this straightforward communication style is interpreted as rude or seems abrasive. It can also lead to clear, open conversations without hidden agendas that build deep and trustworthy connections. Enthusiasm for topics they love can bring excitement, shared learning, and unique perspectives to relationships.

Although we are all unique as individuals, neurodivergent and neurotypical people benefit from relationships built on mutual understanding, respect, and authenticity. When we embrace each other’s differences and communicate with openness and empathy, we create stronger, more meaningful connections that enrich everyone’s lives.

Success in careers and connections

Dr. Seth Allen, ED.D., director of Autism Services at Brightli affiliate Burrell Behavioral Health, highlights the importance of understanding and collaboration in both professional and personal settings.

“There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, so collaboration is key,” Allen said. “It’s essential to ask and listen to individuals about what accommodations or supports will work best for them.”

Healthy relationships allow for growth and learning, even when the process takes time and intentional effort. Autistic individuals often feel pressure to mask their traits—suppressing stimming, forcing eye contact, or carefully scripting conversations—to fit into neurotypical expectations. Over time, this mental and emotional burden can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self.

But when workplaces, friendships, and families foster environments where autistic people feel truly comfortable and authentic, everyone benefits. Autistic individuals can engage more fully without the stress of masking, and neurotypical people gain deeper, more meaningful connections built on mutual trust and understanding. Embracing neurodiversity doesn’t just support autistic individuals. It enriches communities, strengthens teams, and creates space for all minds to thrive.

In decades past, the general public saw Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as something that only affected children. Today, thanks to more awareness and better research, we’re starting to see autism in a new light. However, outdated diagnostic criteria, gender biases and misconceptions about what autism looks like have left countless autistic adults navigating life without a formal diagnosis. Many learn to mask their traits, mimicking neurotypical behaviors to fit into society. Masking might help in social situations, but it can be deeply exhausting, leading to constant stress, burnout and a painful feeling of never truly fitting in.

A decade-long study by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) Network found autism reports in young adults have increased by 450%. In 2011, about 2.3 out of every 1,000 people were diagnosed with autism; by 2022, that number had grown to 6.4 per 1,000. Source: Autism diagnosis on the rise, according to trends study | autism Speaks This dramatic increase is more than a number. It illustrates the expanding presence of autistic adults, drawing attention to critical gaps in support and resources that still need to be filled.

For adults who begin to recognize they may be autistic, self-diagnosis is often the first step. With limited access to autism-informed providers and a medical system that struggles to identify autism in adults, many turn to research, personal reflection and the experiences of other autistic people for answers. Self-diagnosis is a valid and meaningful way for individuals to understand themselves, especially when barriers to formal diagnosis remain high.

Why do so many adults go undiagnosed?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening all children for autism by 18-24 months, which helps identify and implement autism support early (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding autism may stop parents from seeking a diagnosis, as they fear that the label might limit their child’s opportunities.

Even children screened for autism may not receive accurate diagnoses. Teachers, caregivers, and doctors sometimes miss or misinterpret signs of autism. Dr. Seth Allen, ED.D., director of Autism Services at Brightli affiliate Burrell Behavioral Health, explains how misinterpretation happens.

“Clinicians might mistake speech delays for shyness, interpret social withdrawal as introversion, or dismiss repetitive behaviors as quirks, especially when a child is generally friendly,” Allen said.

By adulthood, many individuals with ASD learn to mask their symptoms, which makes it even more difficult for professionals to recognize signs of autism. Dr. Allen points out that just like children, certain autistic traits can be mistaken for personality characteristics, even though they stem from the neurological differences of autism. Some autistic individuals may never understand why they experience the world differently. Without a diagnosis, many face feelings of isolation, anxiety and self-doubt, blaming themselves for challenges that were never their fault. Society must acknowledge the importance of validation, resources and accommodations for autistic individuals, regardless of their age or formal diagnosis.

Finding Resources and Support
The journey to better understanding adult autism often requires significant self-education. Autistic adults frequently must push past medical biases and dismissive attitudes to receive a proper evaluation from a specialist familiar with diagnosing autism in adults.

Alisyn Van Note, a licensed professional counselor specializing in autism, highlights one of the most significant barriers to navigating autism: a lack of available resources.

“Ideally, every autistic person of any age would have access to a range of supports, including mental health counseling, occupational therapy, speech therapy and social groups,” Van Note said. “But for adults, these services can be incredibly difficult to access due to long waitlists, limited providers or lack of insurance coverage.”

Connecting with a counselor can be crucial for autistic adults. Therapy offers validation, helping individuals understand their unique autistic traits and begin to reframe negative experiences caused by misunderstandings or lack of prior knowledge. Understanding why certain social situations or sensory experiences feel overwhelming can bring profound relief. Instead of feeling “broken” or “too sensitive,” they can begin to see themselves through a new, more compassionate lens.

Navigating federal disability is also a significant concern for many in the adult autism community. Securing disability benefits remains a major hurdle when relying solely on an autism diagnosis. Without these benefits, many individuals find their income options limited to family support or taking on employment with its own set of risks, rewards and challenges.

The potential for discrimination in the workplace, difficulties with job retention due to sensory sensitivities or communication differences and the mental strain of adapting to an environment that may not be accommodating can seem daunting. However, the rewards can include financial independence, personal fulfillment, and the opportunity to develop valuable skills and build social connections.

Looking Ahead
Despite these obstacles, autistic adults build fulfilling lives by embracing their strengths, redefining success on their terms and creating spaces where they can thrive authentically. During Autism Awareness Month, our article series explores the realities of adult autism and provides guidance for coping. We will also offer helpful insights for non-autistic folks who want to learn how to support autistic people in their families and communities.

Follow along this month as we highlight strategies for self-advocacy, workplace success, meaningful relationships and overall well-being. By challenging stereotypes and recognizing the progress still needed, we can uplift and empower autistic adults while fostering a more supportive community for all.