Understanding Autism

🌱 Understanding Autism: 

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person experiences the world—including how they communicate, process sensory input, regulate emotions, and connect with others. It’s not a flaw or a disease—it’s a different way of being human.

Autism exists on a spectrum, which means it looks different in every person. Some traits may be very visible, while others are internal and harder to detect. There’s no one way to be autistic—and no one way to experience it.

🧠 How Autism May Be Experienced

Here are some common ways autistic people describe their experiences. You might relate to a few, many, or all of these:

• Sensory sensitivity – Lights, sounds, textures, or smells may feel overwhelming or even painful. Conversely, some sensations may feel deeply soothing.

• Social exhaustion – You may enjoy being around people but feel drained after socializing. Small talk or group dynamics can feel confusing or unnatural.

• Needing routine – Predictability helps reduce stress. Changes without warning can feel disruptive or anxiety-inducing.

• Focused interests – You might have deep, immersive interests that bring joy, purpose, and a sense of calm.

• Communication differences – You may prefer clear, direct communication or have difficulty interpreting tone, body language, or unspoken rules.

• Masking – Many autistic people learn to “camouflage” their traits to fit in, which can be exhausting and lead to burnout.

• Emotional intensity – Emotions may feel deep and hard to regulate, especially when others expect quick responses or emotional filtering.

🌟 Strengths Often Seen in Autistic People

Autism isn’t just a list of challenges—it often comes with powerful gifts and ways of thinking:

• Creative problem-solving

• Strong memory and attention to detail

• Deep empathy (even if expressed differently)

• Commitment to honesty and authenticity

• Expertise in focused areas of interest

• Innovative, “outside-the-box” thinking

With the right support, autistic people can thrive in relationships, careers, and communities—on their own terms.

🧬 What’s Going on in the Brain?

One emerging theory in autism research involves a process called synaptic pruning. During childhood, the brain creates many neural connections. Over time, it prunes away the ones it doesn’t use, helping the brain become more efficient.

🔍 In some autistic people, this pruning process happens less than usual, leaving them with a higher number of neural connections.

What this might mean:

• The brain may process more information at once, leading to sensory overload

• Emotions, thoughts, and stimuli may feel stronger or harder to filter

• The brain may take in more from the environment, not less

This doesn’t mean something is broken—it simply shows that autistic brains may be more connected, which can affect how the world is experienced. These connections may also support strengths like vivid memory, creativity, or advanced pattern recognition.

Bottom line: If you’ve ever felt like the world is “too much,” or like your brain doesn’t have an “off” switch, this may help explain why.

🛠️ What Helps

You don’t need to change who you are—but support can make life feel more manageable and self-directed.

• Therapy or peer support from people who understand autism (especially neurodiversity-affirming care)

• Accommodations at school or work—such as written instructions, sensory-friendly spaces, flexible timing

• Sensory supports—noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, quiet time

• Unmasking—learning to reduce the pressure to perform or hide autistic traits

• Community—connecting with other autistic people can be healing, validating, and empowering

✏️ Want to Explore if You Might Be Autistic?

If you resonate with what you’ve read and want to explore further, you can try a free, research-backed screening tool. This is not a diagnosis—but it can help you reflect.

👉 Take the free RAADS-R autism self-assessment

This tool is often used by clinicians and has been adapted for self-reflection. It may be especially helpful if you're exploring autism later in life or were previously misdiagnosed.

❤️ Final Thoughts

Being autistic isn’t about being “too much” or “not enough”—it’s about having a brain that’s wired differently. That difference comes with challenges, yes—but also with beauty, insight, and strength.

You are not alone. You are not broken. You are allowed to ask for help, take up space, and build a life that works for you.