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Navigating Autism: Understanding, Support, and Real-Life Strategies 🌈

Autism isn’t a flaw in the system. It’s a different operating system. 🧠✨

For many adults—especially women—Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) isn’t diagnosed until later in life, if

at all. And that late discovery can come with a mix of clarity, grief, and relief. You’re not too much. You

were never “broken.” You were simply autistic—and 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 place—only to discover that autism explained so

much. If that’s you, let’s walk this road together. 💛

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What Is Autism, Really?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects communication, social

interaction, and behavior. But autism is not a disease—and it’s not something to “fix.” It’s a unique brain

wiring with both challenges and incredible strengths.

Autism is called a “spectrum” for a reason—because 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. 💬💡

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Signs of Autism in Adults

Recognizing autism in adulthood often starts with that gut-level feeling of, “Wait… this has always been

me.” Common signs include:

🔹 Social Differences: Struggling with small talk, social norms, or interpreting body language

🔹 Communication Style: Preferring direct, clear language over subtle cues or sarcasm

🔹 Repetitive Routines: Relying on structure, rituals, or specific sequences

🔹 Sensory Sensitivities: Intense discomfort around lights, sounds, fabrics, or smells

🔹 Hyperfocus & Special Interests: Deep dives into topics others may not understand

And while these can be labeled as “quirks,” they often impact daily life—especially when misunderstood

or unsupported.

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The Strengths and Challenges of Adult Autism 🌟

Let’s be honest: life on the spectrum as an adult can be both beautiful and brutal.

Common Challenges:

💬 Difficulty with social interaction

🧩 Executive functioning struggles (planning, starting, or completing tasks)

🌪️ Overstimulation and burnout from masking

Core Strengths:

🔍 Strong attention to detail

🧠 Deep focus and knowledge on specific interests

🤍 Authenticity, loyalty, and powerful empathy (yes, empathy!)

Being autistic doesn’t mean being less—it means being wired differently. With the right environment and

support, those differences can absolutely become your superpowers.

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High-Functioning Autism: A Misleading Label?

Some adults are labeled “high-functioning” because they appear independent or successful. But many are

quietly exhausted, anxious, or constantly masking. 😔

“High-functioning” doesn’t mean the struggle isn’t real. It just means the outside doesn’t show what it

costs you on the inside. Let's drop the labels and focus on support, not appearances.

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Diagnosis and Self-Discovery Later in Life

For many adults, especially women and gender-diverse individuals, diagnosis comes after years of

misdiagnoses—depression, anxiety, bipolar, borderline, or even just “too sensitive.”

A late autism diagnosis can bring:

🎯 Validation: “I wasn’t crazy—I was autistic.”

😥 Grief: For the years spent misunderstood

💡 Empowerment: Knowing your brain helps you build a better life around it

You don’t need permission to seek answers. And you don’t need a formal diagnosis to deserve support.

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Thriving With Autism: Strategies That Help

Living as an autistic adult takes creativity, self-compassion, and practical tools. Here’s what helps:

✅ Create predictable routines

✅ Use sensory tools (noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, soft clothing)

✅ Take social breaks without guilt

✅ Schedule downtime after high-stimulus situations

✅ Communicate needs clearly—you don’t owe the world “normal”

And yes—autistic joy is real joy. It just looks a little different. 🎨🌱

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Work and Career Success 🧑‍💻

Traditional workplaces aren’t always autism-friendly—but with the right role and accommodations,

autistic adults thrive in environments that value precision, creativity, and focus.

💼 Job Matching: Lean into your interests and strengths

🗂️ Written Instructions: Ask for clarity in tasks and expectations

🎧 Quiet Workspaces: Minimize overwhelm by reducing sensory input

🗣️ Advocate for Yourself: You have a right to reasonable accommodations

You're not unprofessional—you just have different processing needs. And that’s valid.

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Navigating Relationships and Community 💞

Social connections can be hard—but they are possible, and meaningful. You just need the right people.

💬 Join autism support groups (virtual or local)

🌱 Practice social scripts—they’re helpful, not fake

🎨 Build relationships around shared interests

🧍‍♀️ Honor your boundaries—it's okay to say no or need recovery time

You're not “bad at relationships.” You just relate differently—and that’s beautiful when respected.

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Managing Sensory Sensitivities 🔊

Lights too bright? Sounds too sharp? Clothing tags unbearable? That’s sensory sensitivity, not fussiness.

Strategies:

🕯️ Create calming spaces at home or work

🎧 Noise-canceling headphones are your best friend

📦 Pack sensory kits with fidgets, sunglasses, snacks

🧘‍♀️ Schedule quiet time like your peace depends on it (because it does)

You’re not being dramatic. Your nervous system is just wired for depth.

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Mental Health & Well-Being 🧘‍♀️

Autistic adults are more prone to anxiety, depression, OCD, and burnout—especially if undiagnosed or

unsupported.

💛 Therapists who get autism make all the difference

💛 Mindfulness, routines, and self-care help regulate emotions

💛 Building a support network can be life-changing

Mental health isn’t separate from autism—it’s part of the whole picture.

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Therapeutic Approaches That Work

🧩 ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis)—controversial for adults, but some find value in adapting it for

social or life skills

🧠 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—especially when tailored for autistic minds

🤝 Occupational Therapy—to support sensory and executive functioning

👩‍⚕️ PDA-Informed Care—for those with Pathological Demand Avoidance profiles

What works for one may not work for another. That’s okay. Your care should reflect you.

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Embracing Neurodiversity 💫

We’re not broken—we’re different. The neurodiversity movement reminds us that autism is a natural, valid

part of human diversity.

🌍 World Autism Awareness Month (April) celebrates these differences

📢 Self-advocacy and peer-led spaces are leading the conversation

🎉 Celebrating strengths instead of pathologizing differences

You don’t have to conform to be accepted. You have to be understood.

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Final Word: You Belong Here 🧡

Autism in adulthood comes with questions, grief, triumphs, and transformation. Whether you’re newly

diagnosed, self-identified, or still figuring things out—there’s room for you here. 🫶

You’re 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.

We’ll be there—ready to welcome you into a space where autism is respected, honored, and celebrated.