Adults Living with Autism

Navigating Autism: Understanding, Support, and Real-Life Strategies š
Autism isnāt a flaw in the system. Itās a different operating system. š§ āØ
For many adultsāespecially womenāAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) isnāt diagnosed until later in life, if
at all. And that late discovery can come with a mix of clarity, grief, and relief. Youāre not too much. You
were never ābroken.ā You were simply autisticāand doing the best you could in a world not built for your
brain.
At The Lorelei Molinari Home of Mental Health Info & Support Groups, we hold space for those of us
who grew up masking, mimicking, or feeling out of placeāonly to discover that autism explained so
much. If thatās you, letās walk this road together. š
What Is Autism, Really?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social
interaction, and behavior. But autism is not a diseaseāand itās not something to āfix.ā Itās a unique brain
wiring with both challenges and incredible strengths.
Autism is called a āspectrumā for a reasonābecause every autistic person is different. Some need daily
support. Others live independently, excel professionally, and still struggle quietly in social or sensory-
heavy environments. There's no one way to be autistic. š¬š”
Signs of Autism in Adults
Recognizing autism in adulthood often starts with that gut-level feeling of, āWait⦠this has always been
me.ā Common signs include:
š¹ Social Differences: Struggling with small talk, social norms, or interpreting body language
š¹ Communication Style: Preferring direct, clear language over subtle cues or sarcasm
š¹ Repetitive Routines: Relying on structure, rituals, or specific sequences
š¹ Sensory Sensitivities: Intense discomfort around lights, sounds, fabrics, or smells
š¹ Hyperfocus & Special Interests: Deep dives into topics others may not understand
And while these can be labeled as āquirks,ā they often impact daily lifeāespecially when misunderstood
or unsupported.
The Strengths and Challenges of Adult Autism š
Letās be honest: life on the spectrum as an adult can be both beautiful and brutal.
Common Challenges:
š¬ Difficulty with social interaction
š§© Executive functioning struggles (planning, starting, or completing tasks)
šŖļø Overstimulation and burnout from masking
Core Strengths:
š Strong attention to detail
š§ Deep focus and knowledge on specific interests
š¤ Authenticity, loyalty, and powerful empathy (yes, empathy!)
Being autistic doesnāt mean being lessāit means being wired differently. With the right environment and
support, those differences can absolutely become your superpowers.
High-Functioning Autism: A Misleading Label?
Some adults are labeled āhigh-functioningā because they appear independent or successful. But many are
quietly exhausted, anxious, or constantly masking. š
āHigh-functioningā doesnāt mean the struggle isnāt real. It just means the outside doesnāt show what it
costs you on the inside. Let's drop the labels and focus on support, not appearances.
Diagnosis and Self-Discovery Later in Life
For many adults, especially women and gender-diverse individuals, diagnosis comes after years of
misdiagnosesādepression, anxiety, bipolar, borderline, or even just ātoo sensitive.ā
A late autism diagnosis can bring:
šÆ Validation: āI wasnāt crazyāI was autistic.ā
š„ Grief: For the years spent misunderstood
š” Empowerment: Knowing your brain helps you build a better life around it
You donāt need permission to seek answers. And you donāt need a formal diagnosis to deserve support.
Thriving With Autism: Strategies That Help
Living as an autistic adult takes creativity, self-compassion, and practical tools. Hereās what helps:
ā
Create predictable routines
ā
Use sensory tools (noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, soft clothing)
ā
Take social breaks without guilt
ā
Schedule downtime after high-stimulus situations
ā
Communicate needs clearlyāyou donāt owe the world ānormalā
And yesāautistic joy is real joy. It just looks a little different. šØš±
Work and Career Success š§āš»
Traditional workplaces arenāt always autism-friendlyābut with the right role and accommodations,
autistic adults thrive in environments that value precision, creativity, and focus.
š¼ Job Matching: Lean into your interests and strengths
šļø Written Instructions: Ask for clarity in tasks and expectations
š§ Quiet Workspaces: Minimize overwhelm by reducing sensory input
š£ļø Advocate for Yourself: You have a right to reasonable accommodations
You're not unprofessionalāyou just have different processing needs. And thatās valid.
Navigating Relationships and Community š
Social connections can be hardābut they are possible, and meaningful. You just need the right people.
š¬ Join autism support groups (virtual or local)
š± Practice social scriptsātheyāre helpful, not fake
šØ Build relationships around shared interests
š§āāļø Honor your boundariesāit's okay to say no or need recovery time
You're not ābad at relationships.ā You just relate differentlyāand thatās beautiful when respected.
Managing Sensory Sensitivities š
Lights too bright? Sounds too sharp? Clothing tags unbearable? Thatās sensory sensitivity, not fussiness.
Strategies:
šÆļø Create calming spaces at home or work
š§ Noise-canceling headphones are your best friend
š¦ Pack sensory kits with fidgets, sunglasses, snacks
š§āāļø Schedule quiet time like your peace depends on it (because it does)
Youāre not being dramatic. Your nervous system is just wired for depth.
Mental Health & Well-Being š§āāļø
Autistic adults are more prone to anxiety, depression, OCD, and burnoutāespecially if undiagnosed or
unsupported.
š Therapists who get autism make all the difference
š Mindfulness, routines, and self-care help regulate emotions
š Building a support network can be life-changing
Mental health isnāt separate from autismāitās part of the whole picture.
Therapeutic Approaches That Work
š§© ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)ācontroversial for adults, but some find value in adapting it for
social or life skills
š§ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)āespecially when tailored for autistic minds
š¤ Occupational Therapyāto support sensory and executive functioning
š©āāļø PDA-Informed Careāfor those with Pathological Demand Avoidance profiles
What works for one may not work for another. Thatās okay. Your care should reflect you.
Embracing Neurodiversity š«
Weāre not brokenāweāre different. The neurodiversity movement reminds us that autism is a natural, valid
part of human diversity.
š World Autism Awareness Month (April) celebrates these differences
š¢ Self-advocacy and peer-led spaces are leading the conversation
š Celebrating strengths instead of pathologizing differences
You donāt have to conform to be accepted. You have to be understood.
Final Word: You Belong Here š§”
Autism in adulthood comes with questions, grief, triumphs, and transformation. Whether youāre newly
diagnosed, self-identified, or still figuring things outāthereās room for you here. š«¶
Youāre allowed to move at your own pace. To unmask. To find joy. To be fully, unapologetically you.
Click the Support Groups Schedule button above to find a time that feels right for you.
Weāll be thereāready to welcome you into a space where autism is respected, honored, and celebrated.
