Ep 2: Understanding Autism: Traits, Truths & Lived Experience

🎙 Episode 2: Understanding Autism: Traits, Truths, and Lived Experience

"When viewed through the lens of difference, rather than disorder, we often find that it's expectations that warrant changing, not humans."

Summary:
In this episode of the AuDHD Psych podcast, Aaron Howearth, a clinical psychologist, discusses the diagnosis of autism, its characteristics, and some of the lived experiences of some on the spectrum. The conversation delves into sensory overload, the impact of masking and unmasking, and the phenomenon of autistic burnout. Aaron shares personal insights on communication challenges and reframes neurodivergent strengths, emphasizing that autism is a unique way of being rather than a deficit.

Takeaways:
- Autism is diagnosed based on social communication differences and restricted patterns of behavior.
- Neurodivergent individuals may communicate in a "different dialect" leading to social disconnects.
- Sensory overload can be overwhelming, especially in busy environments.
- Masking is a common behavior among autistic individuals to fit in socially.
- Unmasking can be a liberating experience but is not easy for everyone.
- Autistic burnout can manifest as chronic fatigue and withdrawal from social situations.
- Scripting can help autistic individuals navigate social interactions more comfortably.
- Neurodivergent strengths, such as detail orientation, can be valuable in various contexts.
- Distractibility can lead to creativity and beauty in art and life.
- Autism should be viewed as a way of being, not a deficit.

Keywords: AuDHD podcast, autism and ADHD, neurodivergent psychologist, neurodiversity affirming, Howearth Psychology, queer psychologist, autism diagnosis, ADHD awareness, lived experience, neurodivergent mental health, clinical psychology podcast