As an autistic adult and a psychology and philosophy student, I thought I'd share my perspectives. These are answers to the common questions I am asked. — Firstly, you cannot change what you reject, and being undiagnosed means that you do not know because you do not know. Being undiagnosed means that life is effectively in 'hard mode'. …

As an Autistic professional, this is one topic I commonly address in the workplace. Accommodations are tools for success. — Numerous individuals contacted me regarding an article I wrote on Autism in the workplace, so I deemed it significant for a second article. As a design professional with nearly 20 years of experience, I have noticed that how a business approaches accommodations is a common theme among disabled professionals.

Autistic people struggle to keep relationships and are often isolated and lonely. I will explain a few reasons why they struggle. — During a recent coffee catchup with an excellent professional friend, we both had an “aha” moment about the difficulties autistic people have in forming bonds and relationships. Yes, autistics are intense. We overshare and overcommit due to excitement if we like someone or something.

A common misconception about accommodating neurodivergent employees is that by doing so, you will have a ‘lesser’ neurotypical employee. Accommodations will not create a neurotypical employee, and here is why. — From years of professional experience and the lived experience of living on the spectrum. A common assumption with an autistic employee is that accommodating will somehow lessen the effects and the difference of autism. The reality in the statement is that the expectation of accommodation is assimilation.

Gut health and natural therapies are growing in understanding living with autism. Research findings are a definitive association between bacteria, gut biomes, and neurodivergent conditions (like Autism Spectrum Disorder). And no, I’m not talking cures… — A few years back, I had some severe health issues and had to look for options around it. I completed a gut biome test, which was costly. I was initially diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis ME/CFS (or, to the layman, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), post a Glandular Fever rediagnosis.

Some insights around neuronormative thinking (the socially-focused minds) and how the distinction may be pro-social vs. anti-social behaviour. — What if what we deem as neurotypical, or the apt social minds, is nothing more than low-functioning narcissism and sociopathy? If you listen to anyone who is autistic, they may state the standard answer to disclosure is often met with “Everyone is a little autistic”. …

One thing about being on the spectrum few adequately explain is the relationship between anxiety to sensory, and sudden changes. — After returning to university to complete my psychology degree, I’ve been reading up on some coursework, specifically on anxiety and mental healthcare. Yes, it’s fascinating and useful. One thing that caught my eye was regarding anxiety and its definitions towards it. …

Whether or not you know what masking is to autism, this is a must-know for businesses and managers. Your neurodivergent employees will mask their autistic traits and behaviours. — A helpful hint to employers. Whether or not you are aware of masking. Most of your neurodiverse workforce will disguise their symptoms, behaviours, and traits to fit in. Many workplaces fail to understand masking when catering accommodations for Autistic workers. As an employer, this means you may not be accommodating…

A few thoughts about the Fitkidz Stronger Together conference for autism. Some wonderful insights from the broader autism community. And yes, Mr A+ himself was there. — During the weekend, I attended a FitKidz Stronger Together conference focusing on autism. The subjects covered were everything about their lived experience, mental health and the societal barriers facing autistic individuals daily.