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Jenna profile picture
The Struggle of Being Autistic and Identifying Emotions
by Jenna
Last post
 August 31st
...See more **Disclaimer** I cannot and do not speak for all autistic people. As an autistic person, one of the biggest challenges I face is identifying and understanding my emotions. It’s not that I don’t feel emotions. In fact, I often experience them intensely, but I struggle to recognize and label them. This disconnect between feeling something deeply and not being able to articulate it can be confusing and overwhelming. Sometimes, emotions feel like a wave crashing over me, but I can't tell if it's sadness, anger, or frustration. Other times, I know something is off, but I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is. It's like having a whirlwind of feelings inside but no clear way to describe the storm. I might react to something, and later when I reflect, I realize I was angry or anxious, but in the moment, it was just a blur of overwhelming sensations. The process of identifying emotions can feel even more daunting for many autistic people because there’s often pressure to explain how they're feeling to others, but finding the right words doesn’t come easily. I tend to rely more on physical cues, like noticing if my body is tense, my breathing shallow, or my heart racing, as a way to recognize what I’m feeling. Sometimes it’s easier to express a feeling through a sound, like a sigh or groan, than to find the exact word to describe it. What adds to the challenge is that neurotypical people often expect quick, clear emotional responses. But for many of us with autism or neurodivergence, emotions take time to process. It can feel like we're on a delay, needing space to sit with what’s going on inside before we can understand or talk about it. I’ve had to learn that it’s okay to take that time and not rush to name my emotions if I’m not ready. Being autistic means we process the world differently, and that includes emotions. It’s a journey to understand them, and sometimes, we have to be patient with ourselves, accepting that we don’t always have the answers right away. I’ve learned to explore my emotions through journaling, creating art, or even just sitting with a feeling without trying to label it immediately. The struggle to identify emotions is real, but over time, I’ve come to see it as part of my unique way of experiencing life. For anyone else out there who shares this struggle, know that it’s okay not to have everything figured out all at once. Emotions can be complex, and finding your own way of understanding them is a process. Why Is It Difficult? * Alexithymia: A significant number of autistic people experience alexithymia, a condition where we struggle to identify and describe our own emotions. This doesn’t mean we don’t feel emotions; instead, we find it hard to pinpoint what those emotions are or how they connect to our experiences. For example, someone might feel an overwhelming physical sensation (like a knot in their stomach) but may not realize that they are anxious or upset. * Sensory Overload: Many autistic people experience sensory sensitivities, which can lead to sensory overload. When overwhelmed by stimuli like loud noises, bright lights, or even social environments, the body and mind can react intensely. In these situations, it can be hard to differentiate between physical discomfort and emotional states. For instance, an environment that feels overstimulating may trigger frustration, but the frustration itself might be difficult to separate from the overwhelming sensory input. * Nuanced Emotions: Emotions often come in layers or blends (e.g., feeling both happy and sad at the same time). Identifying these complex emotional states can be challenging for anyone, but for those on the spectrum, this complexity can feel especially confusing. Autistic people might struggle to name nuanced emotions, such as feeling bittersweet, relieved but nervous, or nostalgic. * Social-Emotional Processing: Interpreting others’ emotions can also be difficult, which in turn complicates identifying one's own emotions. Social cues that neurotypical individuals pick up on such as facial expressions, tone of voice, or body language may be harder to interpret for those on the spectrum. This can create a disconnection between what an autistic person feels internally and how they understand the emotional dynamics around them. * Communication Barriers: Language may not always feel like an appropriate tool for expressing emotions. Many autistic people may struggle with verbalizing their feelings, not because they don’t understand them, but because words don’t seem to fully capture the intensity or quality of what they’re experiencing. Non-verbal expressions like sounds, movements, or even art can sometimes be more effective than trying to 'find the right words.' The Emotional Disconnect Because emotions and their physical manifestations may not always align clearly, autistic individuals can experience a sense of emotional disconnect. For instance, they may feel strong emotions but not show them in a way that others expect, leading to misunderstandings in social situations. Conversely, they may appear visibly upset or anxious without being fully aware of the underlying emotional cause. Strategies for Identifying Emotions * Body Awareness: Focusing on physical sensations can be a starting point for identifying emotions. For example, noticing a tightness in the chest may signal stress or anxiety, while a lightness in the body might indicate joy. By tuning into these signals, individuals can begin to make connections between what they feel physically and emotionally. * Emotional Charts or Apps: Visual aids, such as emotion charts or mood-tracking apps, can be helpful for identifying emotions. These break down emotions into basic categories, making it easier to recognize patterns and link feelings to specific experiences. * Routine Emotional Check-ins: Scheduling regular emotional check-ins throughout the day can help build emotional awareness. Asking questions like, “How do I feel right now?” and “What might have caused this feeling?” can develop a habit of reflection, helping us recognize emotions more readily over time. * Creative Expression: Art, music, or other creative outlets can be powerful ways to express emotions when words aren’t enough. Drawing how an emotion feels, playing a musical piece that reflects a mood, or even writing poetry can offer alternative avenues for emotional understanding and communication. * Seeking Support: Working with a therapist or counselor experienced in autism can also provide valuable insights. These professionals can guide us through recognizing our emotions and offering techniques and frameworks that are tailored to our specific needs and experiences. Being autistic doesn’t mean someone is emotionless or lacks empathy; rather, it means their emotional landscape might operate differently. By acknowledging these challenges and providing supportive tools and strategies, we can foster greater emotional self-awareness and communication for autistic people. With understanding, patience, and compassion, we can help create a space where identifying and expressing emotions feels safe and achievable.
Heather225 profile picture
Celebrating Neurodiversity: Autism Acceptance Month (2026)
by Heather225
Last post
 August 31st
...See more April is Autism Acceptance Month, and we want to take a moment to celebrate the neurodiversity within our community, both as members and volunteers.  This is an open floor to share, learn, and connect. Answer either of these prompts: * If you are neurodivergent, what is a unique strength or perspective you feel it brings to your volunteering, be it as a listener or in a leadership role here on 7 Cups? * What is a misconception about autism or neurodiversity that you wish more people understood? Bonus: drop a resource, article, or creator that has helped you feel seen or learn more!
tommy profile picture
Autism Automated Taglist!
by tommy
Last post
 June 4th
...See more Welcome to the Autism Taglist This thread is an auto-updating list. The list is regularly updated by forum leaders and can be found below. Having issues? Reply below and someone will help you! Why should I join the taglist? ✔ Never miss out on sub-community check-ins, discussions or events ✔ Get tagged and notified by community leaders whenever a new relevant thread has been posted ✔ Become a more active member of the community. What do I need to do? ✅ To add yourself to this taglist, press the Post to Thread button below and write the exact words Please add me. ❌ To remove yourself from this taglist, press the Post to Thread button below and write the exact words Please remove me. ------------------------- Current taglist as of 29 Dec (updated by tommy) @Alwayshungry983 @AutiBoy @azuladragon34 @beck1 @courteousCoconut2519 @Fozziewozzie @GwydionRowan @HarmonyBlossom @HatsEatYou @Howegeorgia @Jenna @JovianPlutonian @JustMeUwU @llemonz @LoveMyMoonflowers @NeurospicyGirl @NightOwl2003 @pineapple7722 @Plantsaremybestfriends @RainbowRosie @sentientape @silentbuster26 @SillyBlue32 @SleepyShyCat @smolLITTLEpotato @softParadise5949 @Stasia86 @StressedGirl @SunnyCat0 @teenytinyturtle @theboymoana @tommy @Trosclair03 @Twigo7 @unassumingPeach6421 @Vivikun9 @wishfulWillow6962 @Zahrian2112
Heather225 profile picture
Celebrating Neurodiversity: Autism Acceptance Month (2026)
by Heather225
Last post
 August 31st
...See more April is Autism Acceptance Month, and we want to take a moment to celebrate the neurodiversity within our community, both as members and volunteers.  This is an open floor to share, learn, and connect. Answer either of these prompts: * If you are neurodivergent, what is a unique strength or perspective you feel it brings to your volunteering, be it as a listener or in a leadership role here on 7 Cups? * What is a misconception about autism or neurodiversity that you wish more people understood? Bonus: drop a resource, article, or creator that has helped you feel seen or learn more!
Lonely4Flower profile picture
Introductions and thoughts!
by Lonely4Flower
Last post
 July 24th
...See more Hey everyone! My name is Rae or Four and I think I may have autism or audhd.  I've been on this forum for a while but I have had a hard time working up the courage to post anything.  I have lots of neurodivergent friends, mainly with ADHD (on various levels of the spectrum) and generally am more attracted to these people. I've always been close friends with people on the spectrum of autism or ADHD but it was never brought up in my case as a kid.  Now, these friends of mine have been suggesting for the past two years that I may have autism or something similar. I feel a little crazy talking about it, like those self-diagnosed people who have nothing to back it up but I really think my friends are right.  The more I think about it and research it, I identify with the label "autism" more. I made a list of the things I and others notice the most: - As a kid I did "dino arms"  - As a kid I jumped around a lot, liked overly tight hugs, and loved spinning - I've never had trouble with socializing but I have been bullied and had trouble understanding what made someone like/dislike me or recognising whether they like/dislike me - I do a lot of "stimming" according to my friends, like tapping, repeating words a lot (especially names I like), jumping up and down, "wagging", scratching or "scritching", humming, etc. - I have food sensetivites like foods touching or contrasting textures, I used to have a lot more but have gotten used to it over time. I recently have been told to start keeping a log of things like this that I really notice each day. Today I was with friends and my voice went monotone a lot, I bounced around the conversation but it still went well, I had to overthink certain things but I also didn't think before I spoke, and I jumped up and down in the pool in a floatie (I like the way it feels and then I noticed it may be "stimming"). Idk, I will be talking to my supportive friends more tho.  Thank you!! Sorry this was so long. Any advice? Tips? Tricks? (I just learned what body doubling is from this forum & it works so well for me, thank you guys.) I recently realised what I identified as "anxiety attacks" may be more than that, and are actually meltdowns. How do I tell? Sending hugs if you'd like them <3 -4rae
Z4IN profile picture
Confirming autism
by Z4IN
Last post
 July 23rd
...See more Hello, I'm gonna yap a bit about how I discovered that I have autism (I need help with with a professional diagnosis) ------------------------- When I was a lil child, my parents mentioned that I used to walk on my toes, they put on a lot of efforts to make me walk on my feet, and I had selective mutism mostly in the morning before I get some time to adjust, besides that lack of surprise I had whenever I get a present, and hyperfixations about anything I loved. ------------------------- When I became an elementary school student, I preferred solitude and had maladaptive daydreaming alone, some students tried to interact with me (because my mom was a teacher in my school), but I get so overstimulated and start crying when they crowd me, not to mention when I got my first friend, I was pushing whoever wanted to talk or play with them. Some of my teachers (mom's colleagues) suggested placing me in a special class for people with disabilities, but my mother strongly refused, considering it an insult to her, and insisted that I was fine. (One day I got SA'd by a teacher who was my uncle's ex-wife when I was 10, mom did nothing) ------------------------- I became a teenager, and my problems became clearer, I couldn't make any friends, and everyone looked at me strangely (or in a rude way) when I covered my ears because of the loud noises, I didn't know what was happening in cl*** sometimes, but I was completely focused, and I was "speaking strangely and using unfamiliar terms" as some people said, I didn't know how to explain my grades to my teachers, and they would take everything I did very seriously, I was approaching students in an unwanted or inappropriate way, laughed at painful moments of people, This made me resort to masking; I try to act naturally like everyone else and learn how to speak from movies and TV series, but it's exhausting because I've chosen other people's boundaries over my own. ------------------------- When I became 17-18, I started a deep research about it, My condition worsened (after the death of both my parents at different times, which led to radical changes in my life) and my guardian (aunt) refused the thought of me visiting a psychiatrist (In Iraq, Psychiatry is not recognized; it is described as madness or something exaggerated by the west) So I started researching and taking tests, and I felt bad that every test wasn't a diagnosis. And I discovered that I had symptoms I didn't know about but I experienced, such as: stimming (rocking back and forth, grazing my nails against my skin), interoception difficulties (I used to struggle noticing the urge to go to the bathroom, hunger and thirst until it's intense), and trouble with expressing my feelings. Lately I took the RAADS-R test, and I got the score of 204 (which is above +150) here I realized that I've been neurodivergent for so long since I was a child and none helped me out. ------------------------- Now, after I finished my highschool exams, I think of going to see a psychiatrist to confirm my autism, idk when will I see him but surely I will. And if you got anything plz say it in comments :3
AbiiStabby profile picture
Autism tips
by AbiiStabby
Last post
 July 20th
...See more FYI I don't personally think I have autism, but tips for it help me ALOT, so do yall have any tips for autism? P.S If anyone knows a professional I can talk to about this casually (I can't pay for an official diagnosis yet, and my parents don't see it) it would be great help. TY<3
Vivikun9 profile picture
Autism and writing
by Vivikun9
Last post
 April 28th
...See more Hi everyone,  Im in a critical thinking class and we do write. Has anyone had issues with writing? Like you know what your brain knows (topic and knowledge) but you can't find a way to write it down. I sometimes feels like in a linguistic is like a skill is almost something I have to learn but don't know how. 
Jenna profile picture
5 Positive Things About Being Autistic
by Jenna
Last post
 April 4th
...See more When you think of autism, do limitations and impairments come to mind? Unfortunately, the field of psychology has traditionally framed autism as only a disability. Professional descriptions and criteria of autism sadly emphasize what we can’t achieve rather than what we are capable of. Even we on the autism spectrum may also dwell on limitations due to the endless everyday challenges we face. However, research has shown that autism is a complex neurological variation with both strengths and weaknesses. There are plenty of potential benefits that can aid us and others if nurtured in a healthy way. 1) We can spot hidden patterns According to researcher Dr. Simon Baron-Cohen from the University of Cambridge, we are extremely high in a mental trait called “systemizing”. People with this trait are driven to uncover the hidden systems of reality, using focused observation, meticulous experimentation, and the creation of small model examples. Our autistic brains are geared to notice complex and systematic patterns in math, science, music, art, and language that others don’t perceive beyond the surface. For example, one of Baron-Cohen’s autistic patients spent his childhood playtime categorizing thousands of leaves into piles based on their shape and structure. At the time, this was misunderstood as an abnormal and obsessive behavior, but now we know he was engaging in extreme systemizing. Researchers like Baron-Cohen theorize that most of humanity’s greatest discoveries and inventions have been driven by the extreme systemizing trait found in autistic individuals. 2) We are focused on details Autistic people have especially strong attention to detail. While the social world is messy and unpredictable, concrete facts are reliable and comforting. When something interests us, we can hyperfocus and become highly attuned to particular details. In the past, this was misunderstood as a tendency to get distracted and miss the bigger picture, but now we know this can be an asset. In the right setting, our attention to detail can be applied to benefits like categorizing library books, noticing small print in legal texts or inspecting lines of software code. Some companies have successfully run special programs to employ autistic people in environments that are specifically adapted to our needs and thinking styles. At HP Enterprise, these special teams are thirty percent better at finding faults in software than traditional teams, and it all comes down to our attention to detail. 3) We are perfectly honest Another striking trait of autistic people is our honesty. Our brains lack the wiring for white lies, manipulation, deception and scheming, so our language and actions are perfectly straightforward. We speak in totally literal and precise ways, and we deal only with straight facts, regardless of social consequences. In the past, our objectivity was misunderstood as a lack of politeness, but now we know that it can achieve goals more effectively. Imagine a friend, partner or employee who can never lie, twist facts, deny problems, spread rumors, take sides or engage in underhanded tactics. If others understand that we have good intentions, our bluntly honest advice and comments can be leveraged to enhance problem-solving. 4) We have a strong sense of justice The honesty of autistic people also extends to a strong sense of justice. We will pursue fairness, justice and ethics with little concern for personal consequences or social backlash. We are greatly distressed when animals are mistreated, when people are affected by a disaster or when rules are selectively bent to harm or benefit someone. For us, rules and principles are applied consistently, not just when it’s convenient to us, when it benefits those close to us, or when it’s socially acceptable. In the past, our sense of justice was misunderstood as a type of inflexible thinking, but now we know that it can be used to achieve a fairer society. We can excel in careers like teaching, law enforcement or care-giving, where we can apply kindness without any bias or corruption. In other areas, we can also be effective auditors or whistleblowers who value justice over personal reputation. 5) We have a unique perspective Autistic people are born with minds that don’t absorb the conventions, thought patterns and interests of others. We can feel isolated within our own individual thinking styles. When we try to explain ourselves, we find that language is too limiting and we might even need to invent new words. In the past, this was misunderstood as disordered or schizophrenic thinking, but now we know that our unconventional perspectives can lead to unique insights. We tend to be better at lateral thinking tests, abstract thinking and understanding non-human minds like computers and animals. When it comes to unconventional subject areas, it’s actually very helpful for us to have a totally eccentric way of thinking. So there you have it, five positive things about being autistic. Like all superpowers, these abilities need to be properly nurtured and applied to appropriate areas so they can flourish. References -Attwood, A. (2006). The Complete Guide to Asperger’s Syndrome. Jessica Kingsley Publishers. -Baron-Cohen, S. (2020). The Pattern Seekers: How Autism Drives Human Invention. Basic Books. -Bennett, M., Webster, A. A., Goodall, E., & Rowland, S. (2019). Life on the Autism Spectrum: Translating Myths and Misconceptions into Positive Futures. Springer. -O’Toole, J. C. (2018). Autism in Heels: The Untold Story of a Female Life on the Spectrum. Simon and Schuster. credit [x [https://psych2go.net/5-positive-things-about-being-autistic/]]
GoldenRuleJG profile picture
Research on Autism and Interviews and Suitable Adjustments in Workplace.
by GoldenRuleJG
Last post
 October 10th, 2025
...See more Interviews can be a scary experience.  What do you think of when you here the word interview?  You ask yourself have you passed the "Professional mixed with People skills test." Research has noted the struggle with autistic perception in interview experience in terms of competence and social skills.  * Qualitative research by Finn et al (2023) [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36794473/] on ten adult autistic participants shared that they felt increased stress after camouflaging in interviews. Camouflaging is a way of hiding parts of the self you are not comfortable with others knowing about (e.g. perhaps this is your interest in anime programs if you are from a culture where this is not popular or made fun of). * The key question next is “Do you advocate for what you need to succeed?” and “Do you feel Safe Disclosing?” Research by Norris et al (2024) [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1750946724000084] has highlighted for future directions when conducting interviews with Autistic interviewees to be written rather than on video camera. This video here by Autism [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYc_-1NzcUA] on The Inside explains how eye-contact combined with verbal communication is draining for this autistic male. Reasonable adjustments for Autism in UK: https://employmentautism.org.uk/reasonable-adjustments-for-interviews-and-assessments/ Reasonable adjustments for those with lived experience of Autism in US: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/autism-discrimination-in-the-workplace#definition
powerfulBeechwood2210 profile picture
Having a hard time adjusting to change
by powerfulBeechwood2210
Last post
 July 11th, 2025
...See more My brother moved out June 28th and ive been crying a lot because I miss him being here and I also miss my sister who moved out in 2023 I’m just starting to miss the way things were. I’ve cried during other times in my life when big changes happened — especially during times of high-anxiety and OCD like in 2022 and 2023. I’m aware it’s partly my OCD and anxiety and maybe my Asperger’s reacting to uncertainty and transition my brother last moved out in 2022 I was sad and anxious but we moved back a few weeks later because a break up my sister also still lived with us so back then but now both are gone what do I do? My brother said he’ll come back to visit soon and use the pool my sister doesn’t know when she’s coming to visit but she hopes it’s soon my sister lives all the way in Colorado my brother is in Philadelphia that’s 2 hours away from Me I don’t really have any friends to talk to I stick with my routine of waking up then taking my anxiety meds and making coffee then playing truck simulator and Listening to podcasts or YouTube videos in the background and at night having a shower then watching a show or movie or playing on my ps5 before Bed but I’m still sad and I’m having a hard time
Tulipppp profile picture
Autism Support and Research Doc (with other resources too)
by Tulipppp
Last post
 March 18th, 2025
...See more Hii this is for @orangeWater710 because they asked but also anyone else who comes across it, its a Google Doc of different resources and link that talk about several Autism and other help things Autism Research  SELF DIAGNOSIS RESOURCES:  DSM5: https://depts.washington.edu/dbpeds/Screening%20Tools/DSM-5%28ASD.Guidelines%29Feb2013.pdf  https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/autism/case-modules/pdf/diagnosis/DSM-5-ASD-Checklist-P.pdf?fbclid=PAAaY1taaHv03sG-WGd9OO4cp_zwfwJVRTOki_vw7SlQaEYyIEbBxRnu8PSwA_aem_th_ARLNUQxEXPJb4Fwf-yiQyT9Ej7L2v9gq4UKNdAGugUvfNtJZLIngCFWMRVN5mLJdROo  ADHD DSM5:  https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/patient_care/adhd_toolkit/adhd19-assessment-table1.pdf  EMBRACE AUTISM:  https://embrace-autism.com WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SELF DX RESOURCES: https://depts.washington.edu/uwautism/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Self-Diagnosed-Adult-Autism-Resources-handout-12.2020.pdf https://depts.washington.edu/uwautism/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Self-Diagnosed-Adult-Autism-Resources-handout-04.05.21.pdf  Diagnostic assessment - a guide for adults who think they might be autistic:  https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/diagnostic-assessment/adults  ADULT EVALUATION FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER:  https://www.psychcaremd.com/psychological-evaluations-2/adult-evaluation-for-autism-spectrum-disorder/amp/  MILESTONE TRACKER: https://www.milestones.org/resources/tool-kits/adult-diagnosis-tool-kit GENERAL INFO ON AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD): https://www.acf.hhs.gov/archive/ecd/child-health-development/asd?fbclid=PAAabL2czPRaD078mT8amluDMGznBQaKawpwBJt2L6-_7Kawb2H1Uop1rqLGs_aem_th_Afi_DJtCCJidfryapXNwIdVMVn4lK6_I4tW2S8WxEau8Pkl8wuKTDnf2GMVyv2-K8V8  https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/facts.html https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd#part_2279 https://www.nimh.nih.gov/sites/default/files/documents/health/publications/autism-spectrum-disorder/19-mh-8084-autismspectrumdisorder.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7082249/  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5509825/ https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html MORE RESOURCES: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/18324004 https://uk.jkp.com/products/the-adult-autism-assessment-handbook?fbclid=PAAab2L21cE32Rygsg59LCLjUHwiWG8L2NgwHdrNB3VoBF7K_-Yaa7AscWGBM  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26813073-am-i-autistic-a-guide-to-autism-asperger-s-self-diagnosis-for-adults?from_search=true&from_srp=K3b41DOMWs&qid=1 https://www.additudemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/The-Truth-About-Autism-in-Adults.pdf  (functioning labels used) https://www.verywellhealth.com/diagnosing-autism-or-asperger-syndrome-in-adults-259946 Look into your family’s history, and other conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Dyspraxia, ADHD, OCD, Non-Verbal Learning Disorder (NVLD), Social Anxiety, PTSD/CPTSD, Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder, Learning Disabilities, and Schizoid Personality Disorder. Look back on your childhood and try to find times you presented autistic traits that were not caused by other factors like the above conditions or trauma. Self diagnosis takes a long time, you’ll have to repeat this process a lot to fully be sure you’re autistic! Why do people Self Diagnose? Is it harmful? https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/autistic-adults/reasons-autism-self-diagnosis-is-valid/ https://autistictic.com/2020/08/10/autism-self-diagnosis-yay-or-nay/ https://autismawarenesscentre.com/am-i-autistic-a-guide-to-diagnosis-for-adults/  https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/aut.2019.0069?journalCode=aut  Predictive validity of self-report questionnaires in the assessment of autism spectrum disorders in adults: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26088060/  Reasons Autism self diagnosis is valid: https://www.autismbc.ca/blog/autistic-adults/reasons-autism-self-diagnosis-is-valid/ I self diagnosed my Autism because nobody else would. Here’s why that needs to change:   https://theswaddle.com/i-self-diagnosed-my-autism-because-nobody-else-would-heres-why-that-needs-to-change/  Developing undergraduate autism education for medical students: a qualitative study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9345079/  Community Newsletter: How much do therapists know about autism, reactions to a rogue stem cell trial: https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/community-newsletter-how-much-do-therapists-know-about-autism-reactions-to-a-rogue-stem-cell-trial/  Why is it so hard to find a psychologist who will diagnose adult autism?: https://helpandhealingcenter.com/blog/why-is-it-so-hard-to-find-a-psychologist-who-will-diagnose-adult-autism/  Racial, Ethnic, and Sociodemographic Disparities in Diagnosis of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8500365/  Researchers Work To Dispel Myths By Studying How Ethnicity & Gender Affect How Autism Is Diagnosed: https://www.keranews.org/health-wellness/2021-09-28/researchers-work-to-dispel-myths-by-studying-how-ethnicity-gender-affect-how-autism-is-diagnosed Righting the gender imbalance in autism studies: https://www.spectrumnews.org/features/deep-dive/righting-gender-imbalance-autism-studies/  Changing College Students’ Conceptions of Autism: An Online Training to Increase Knowledge and Decrease Stigma: https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/46718148/Changing_College_Students_Conceptions_of20160622-10469-10wjc88-libre.pdf?1466636435=&response-content-disposition=inline%3B+filename%3DChanging_College_Students_Conceptions_of.pdf&Expires=1679936616&Signature=NeLp0OQeWaeVMB3rbBhT-563JrV~jWI-OEkzi3wXQ~3ES~MlwI8qA1MXO9trDkl5r8EaI3GoVAiw-DKxd6bg5sE6WZAdgahdkP-rBcqG1tNf2gxV~Y36PRpMTt4LgN~iBvUDDE5hP~Tzr3SNSyvI1gYMvZZ-39ofVcroSoX3AvaPWOKkDF9v3~FLQwZLqRDon7Sop6MBb0YtC7YocBsA01AWvauyde5zP392Ob8Y1VWuTq-kO3PQbW~WRGLFs5m8yXiPUKdodeXEApdSX~FFww118EtC6~Q~6nYzg7fyY-8eIX6vOVsKH3CyiFvtIilKq8zIHeqikiY5u9EP57Zr~g__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJLOHF5GGSLRBV4ZA  An international review of autism knowledge assessment measures: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pierre-Carl-Link/post/Maternal_Autism_Knowledge_Questionnaire/attachment/61d82fa5d248c650edbe7821/AS%3A1109588514484224%401641557925740/download/harrison2016_An-international-review-of-autism-knowledge-assessment-measures.pdf  A Systematic Review of Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Self-Efficacy and Attitudes Towards Working with Autistic People: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40489-021-00263-w  Barriers to healthcare and self-reported adverse outcomes for autistic adults: a cross-sectional study: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/2/e056904  Autism research at the crossroads (low support needs stop speaking over higher support needs): https://www.spectrumnews.org/features/deep-dive/autism-research-at-the-crossroads/  Temple Grandin:  https://intheloopaboutneurodiversity.wordpress.com/2019/07/21/why-temple-grandin-is-not-my-hero/  https://www.autistichoya.com/2013/08/critiquing-temple-grandin.html?m=1  General Research:  https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/adults-with-autism-are-at-risk-for-host-of-health-problems/  https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/autism-without-intellectual-impairments-more-common-than-previously-reported/  https://autism.org/average-or-high-iq-in-individuals-with-asd-may-be-higher-than-previously-estimated/  Visual:  https://www.chirppi.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/visual_symp.pdf  The Brain:  https://www.healthline.com/health-news/spinal-fluid-may-be-connected-to-autism-risk https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/molecular-mechanisms-autism-linked-to-small-hypothalamus/  Immune System: https://www.autism.org/immune-system-function-autism/  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2663897/  Autism and Dementia: https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/autism/dementia#:~:text=In%20the%20case%20of%20autism,can%20affect%20memory%20and%20communication.  https://www.spectrumnews.org/news/the-search-for-a-link-between-autism-and-neurodegenerative-conditions/  “Highly Sensitive People” https://medium.com/neurodiversified/we-all-need-accommodations-to-thrive-e4b93d32b459  https://medium.com/@smcnett/highly-sensitive-person-is-an-ableist-sham-653fabd0bc52  https://aninjusticemag.com/the-highly-sensitive-person-is-still-code-for-autistic-455278374f83  *** accounts: (see HSP? highlight) https://***.com/neurodifferent?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.***.com/p/CuGUakitOc0/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  https://www.***.com/p/CoNIfo-uXcV/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  https://www.***.com/p/CttjTNwO4lH/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  https://www.***.com/reel/CY9n-zvLwrf/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  https://www.***.com/p/CTz8iNsrdM4/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  https://www.***.com/p/CMp1d7hBhIh/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==  Autism Comorbidities:  https://www.chop.edu/news/autism-s-clinical-companions-frequent-comorbidities-asd  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8085719/#sec-4title https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-023-02374-w  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-023-02374-w  ADHD and Autism: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20148275/  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8918663/#abstract-1title  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1750946721000349 OCD: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4641696/  Gastrointestinal issues: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/expert-answers/autism-and-digestive-symptoms/faq-20322778  https://journals.lww.com/hrpjournal/fulltext/2014/03000/gastrointestinal_issues_in_autism_spectrum.5.aspx  https://www.kennedykrieger.org/stories/interactive-autism-network-ian/what-causes-gi-problems-autism  Joint Hypermobility  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6292952/  Learning Disabilities: https://www.learningdisabilities.org.uk/learning-disabilities/help-information/statistics/learning-disability-statistics-/187690#:~:text=60%2D70%25%20of%20people%20who,disability%20or%20lower%20verbal%20IQ.&text=Autism%20spectrum%20conditions%20are%20associated%20with%20educational%20qualification.  Scoliosis: https://wrongplanet.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=354621&p=7913220  https://www.scoliosisassociates.com/conditions/autis m/  https://www.yai.org/news-stories/around-yai/posture-and-gait-individuals-autism-spectrum-disorder-asd  Ehlers Danlos Syndrome: https://autismspectrumnews.org/ehlers-danlos-syndrome-and-its-comorbidities-as-a-co-occurring-health-issue-in-autistic-people/  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7711487/ BPD: https://www.pasadenavilla.com/resources/blog/can-you-have-autism-and-bpd-at-the-same-time/#elementor-toc__heading-anchor-2  Anxiety: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6946757/#Abs1title  https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/anxiety  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5764108/#S18title  Depression: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34605156/  Bipolar Disorder: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health/bipolar-disorder  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35472236/  Eating Disorders:  https://embrace-autism.com/autism-and-eating-disorders/#  Epilepsy: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00787-006-0563-2 https://practicalneurology.com/articles/2020-oct/epilepsy-and-autism  Intellectual Disabilities: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/ss/ss6706a1.htm  PTSD: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/ptsd-autism  https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1362361320912143  https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/aur.2306  Tic Disorders: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17175571/  Psychosis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8918655/#s8title  Temperature regulation:  https://www.spectrumnews.org/wiki/fever/ https://www.adultandgeriatricautism.com/amp/autism-and-temperature-awareness-winter-in-shorts 
Jenna profile picture
5 Things You Shouldn’t Say to Someone on the Autism Spectrum
by Jenna
Last post
 February 20th, 2025
...See more Although the general public has become more aware of autism, there’s still a long way to go. The autistic community has commonly been told some phrases that we frankly don’t want to hear. These comments can be ignorant and hurtful, even with good intentions. Here are five things you shouldn’t say to someone on the autism spectrum. 1) “You can’t possibly be autistic” Why would you flat-out deny something I know I am? It’s not up to you to decide who is autistic! We often get this comment when others hear that we have a relationship, a job, a child, or an educational qualification. They become skeptical and say, “But you’re doing so well. You can’t possibly be autistic!” Unusually, we also get this from those who are very familiar with autism. A parent might say, “You’re not autistic! You’re nothing like my autistic child who can’t do anything independently.” The truth is that everyone with autism is different and a diagnosis is not destiny. We consider it prejudiced to assume that autistic people are all lost causes who can’t possibly succeed in life. We can be capable of so much if we have an open mind. 2) “You must be good at math” Not this misconception again! We get it, you’ve heard too many negative things about autism and you want to compliment us instead. But again, we’re all different. People on the autism spectrum have just as much variety as those outside it. This includes our abilities, which don’t always match the media stereotype. Some of us are great at math and some of us are terrible. Some of us are natural with computers and some of us are technologically illiterate. Some of us are savants and some of us struggle intellectually. Just like you, there’s no single profile of our mental abilities. Putting some abilities on a pedestal can exclude autistic people who lack those abilities and make them feel inferior. 3) “You don’t look autistic. You seem so normal” What does this even mean? How does someone look autistic? How does someone look normal? We’re physically no different from the rest of you. There’s no way for someone to look autistic at all. This comment is even worse if this is supposed to be a compliment. It suggests that seeming “autistic” is inferior and seeming “normal” is an ideal standard. We’re just different from you and we don’t want to be forced to be someone we’re not. 4) “What’s it like to be autistic?” What a strange and generic question. I might as well ask you, “What’s it like to be not autistic?” We don’t even know where to begin to answer this. Being autistic is everything we know. It’s in every single experience we have from day to day. Also, there’s no unified autistic life experience. Every autistic person has their own unique life, with experiences different from the others. Are there any experiences that are universally shared between all of us? Sure. We all get asked these silly questions. 5) “Everyone’s on the autism spectrum” No, they’re not. Trust me. Those who make this comment are suggesting that everyone understands and shares our struggles to some degree. Is this supposed to make us feel better? Well, it doesn’t work, because it’s a totally false suggestion. Others don’t know what it’s like to be autistic and never will. As funny as it is to say, only autistic people are autistic. This comment isn’t reassuring, it’s totally dismissive of our unique struggles and experiences. Have you heard any of the comments mentioned in the article? References Brown, L. (2012, February 27). 15 Things You Should Never Say To An Autistic. AWN. https://awnnetwork.org/15-things-you-should-never-say-to-an-autistic/ Hirschberg, E. (2017, December 13). What To Say & What Not To Say To Someone With Autism. Research Autism. https://researchautism.org/what-to-say-what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-autism/ [https://researchautism.org/what-to-say-what-not-to-say-to-someone-with-autism/] Stout, A. (2016, July 6). 11 Things Not to Say to Someone with Autism. The Autism Site. https://blog.theautismsite.greatergood.com/dont-say-autism/ [https://blog.theautismsite.greatergood.com/dont-say-autism/] credit [x [https://psych2go.net/5-things-you-shouldnt-say-to-someone-on-the-autism-spectrum/]]
LaVonne08 profile picture
how do i get my parents to believe me?
by LaVonne08
Last post
 October 8th, 2024
...See more so basically my parents don’t believe me. im 16 struggling with these symptoms and my parents just think its my teen years. what do i do? im around the level 1/2 area. they think just because i didnt struggle as much as others do i dont have it. so any tips?
thatweirdfallkid profile picture
wondering if i have a low level of autism
by thatweirdfallkid
Last post
 September 3rd, 2024
...See more i haven't been formally diagnosed, but i'm pretty sure i have a degree of ADHD and possibly mild autism if anyone wants to discuss that might be helpful, i kinda want to talk to somebody about it i guess

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