Written by Evan Oeinck, MA, LPCC
Whether self-diagnosed, late in life diagnosed, or just neuro-curious, being autistic also means noticing that there are just as many ways of engaging with the world as there are people on the planet. Each of us has a unique way we think, act, behave, and perceive the world. This neurodiversity is one of the things that keeps life so interesting. Recognizing your own autism or autism in a family member or friend can lead to a wonderful and at times life-changing experience.
First, let’s clear up a few things, there is no “treatment” for autism, there is no “curing” autism in the same sense that you cannot cure the color of your skin or the length of your fingers. Society has a lot of ideas about what autism is and is not; this is one of the reasons having conversations about autism can be so difficult. For many autistic individuals, sharing their personal experiences can be met with misunderstandings and invalidations such as “we are all a little autistic,” “you can’t be autistic because…,” “you don’t look autistic.” Or beliefs that autism only fits a rigid definition. For folks who are exploring their own place on the autism spectrum, misunderstandings and invalidation can cause a lot of confusion and hurt.
Autism does not mean “broken!” Being autistic and living in a neurotypical world can feel like playing a game where everyone seems to know the rules, but no one ever bothered to write them down or teach you how to play. Additionally, because autistic minds work differently, trying to be “normal” or to stop “acting weird” can be an exhausting all day everyday task. Recognizing and acknowledging these aspects of life can help to better understand that being autistic does not mean there is something wrong, only that there are different tools, techniques, and skills needed to navigate a world that was not necessarily designed for the autistic brain.
Exploring our inner world can be challenging, but there are some helpful tips and tools for those who feel ready to learn more about themselves and how autism may be impacting their life. There are many free assessments available online and a good starting place would be the Autism Spectrum Quotient (Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) – Psychology Tools ). This is a quick and easy assessment that can help guide your next steps. Be warned, this is a rabbit hole that can be quite eye-opening, profound, and fun. For many folks exploring their own autistic identity for the first time, there is a tendency to find as many free online tests as possible and take them all! Go for it! The autism community is filled with great information, connections, organizations, and most importantly, autistic people who understand the challenges and superpowers that are a part of the autistic mind.
A therapy room is a place where many folks can gain deep insight and understanding of themselves and how the external world impacts their lives. This space can be a safe and supportive place for people to embrace their inner wisdom and reframe their world through an autistic lens; however, while therapy can be helpful, it is not the only way to explore autistic experiences. National, international, and local autistic communities are great resources for information, and social media is filled with autistic creators who help reframe the world from an autistic lens; sometimes highlighting the challenges and many times showcasing how humor and community can help build self-confidence and show how important autistic individuals are to society. We each have our unique way of moving through the world, and it is this diversity and beauty that is at the core of what it means to be human. Embrace the neuro-spicy!
At the Counseling & Education Center, we provide caring, age-appropriate therapy for children and teens in Grand Junction. If you’re looking for a kids therapist or a teen counselor near you, our team understands the unique challenges young people face. We offer a welcoming, home-like environment and make therapy accessible through sliding scale fees , whether or not you have insurance. Get in touch to find the right fit for your family.
Learn more about Evan here: https://www.cecwecare.org/therapists/evan-oeinck/