How well do you know Autism?
1. Masking Can Lead to Burnout
Many of us who suspect that we are on the spectrum, self-identify as Autistic or are late diagnosed as Autistic have spent years, if not our entire life, unconsciously “masking” our Autistic traits to fit into a neurotypical world. This constant effort to appear neurotypical can lead to Autistic burnout which can include physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that may take months or years to recover from.
2. Autistic People Can Have Strong Empathy
If you have heard, or if you believe, that Autistic people lack empathy – you need to know that is a myth. The fact is that many of us actually experience hyper-empathy—feeling emotions so deeply that it becomes overwhelming. The challenge is often in expressing empathy in ways neurotypical people expect.
3. Autism Affects Interoception (Sensing Internal Body States)
Many autistic adults struggle with interoception, meaning they may not recognize when they are hungry, thirsty, in pain, or need to use the restroom. This can also affect emotional regulation, as emotions are linked to physical sensations.
4. Social Exhaustion Is Real
As Autistics we often find socializing draining, even when it is enjoyable. Our social exhaustion is caused by how our brains processes social cues, body language and conversions differently than our Allistic peers. because of this difference, it takes us more effort to navigate social interactions.
5. Stimming Serves an Important Purpose
Stimming (e.g., hand-flapping, rocking, fidgeting) isn’t just random behaviors—it helps us regulate our emotions, process sensory input, and relieve stress.
Many of us, when we start to realize that we are Autistic, may have an epiphany when we realize that we have been suppressing their natural stims for years – if not all of our lives.
6. Sensory Sensitivities Go Both Ways
While hypersensitivity (e.g., sensitivity to light, sound, or textures) is common, some of us on the spectrum experience hyposensitivity, meaning we may not feel pain as intensely or might seek out strong sensory input, like deep pressure or loud music.
7. Autism Can Affect Memory
Did you know that many Autistic people like you and me may have excellent long-term memory but struggle with working memory? Working memory is the holding and manipulating information in the moment. This can make following multi-step instructions or switching tasks difficult.
8. Routine Isn’t Just Preference—It’s a Coping Mechanism
As Autistics we do not only rely on routines for comfort, we rely on routines because unexpected changes causes cognitive overload. Even small disruptions can make it hard for us to think clearly or function.
9. ‘Special Interests’ Are More Than Hobbies
Did you know that special interests for Autistic adults are deep, passionate focuses that can provide us with joy, relief from stress, and even career opportunities. Our special interests are often more intense and all-encompassing than typical hobbies.
10. Eye Contact Isn’t Necessary for Connection
Autistic people may find eye contact uncomfortable or distracting, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t listening or engaged. Some actually process conversations better when avoiding eye contact.
11. Autistic People Communicate Differently, Not Deficiently
Many of us on the spectrum prefer direct communication as we struggle with vague or indirect language as we often struggle with reading between the lines. This preference for direct communication isn’t a flaw—it’s just a different communication style.
12. Autistics May Have Been Misdiagnosed in the Past
For many of us who are late diagnosed Autistic adults, we have experienced misdiagnosis before our Autism diagnosis. These misdiagnoses may include Anxiety diagnosis, depression, ADHD, or personality disorders.
13. Autism Can Affect Motor Skills & Coordination
It is not uncommon for many Autistic adults to experience clumsiness, poor handwriting, or difficulty with tasks requiring fine motor skills (like tying shoes or using utensils). This is due to differences in motor planning and coordination.
14. Alexithymia Is Common
Alexithymia, the struggles we encounter to identify and describe our emotions is common in a high percentage of Autistics. Alexithymia leaves us to feel our emotions strongly but finding it difficult to put our emotions and feelings into words.
15. Autistic People Age Differently
If you feel younger or older than your peers in terms of maturity, interests, or energy levels, you are not alone. This is sometimes called the “Autistic Time Warp” and can impact relationships and social expectations.
