Autism, often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is understood as a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a person experiences the world, processes information, and engages with others. Recent studies show that autism is not a single condition with one presentation, but a broad spectrum with a wide range of strengths, sensory profiles, communication styles and support needs. No two autistic people are exactly the same, as each person’s experience is shaped by their environment, their identity, and their personal ways of learning and relating.
Scientific research emphasize that autism is not a deficit to be corrected, but a variation in human neurobiology. Dr. Uta Frith, a developmental psychologist who has extensively researched autism, says that many autistic people process information differently, not deficiently. She highlights that difficulties in social interaction often reflect a difference in perspective rather than a lack of capacity. Similarly, Dr. Tony Attwood, a clinical psychologist known for his work on Asperger’s and autism, says that recognising the unique strengths and special interests of autistic people is essential as these traits often serve as the foundation for learning, creativity, and self-confidence.
Many autistic people show specific strengths in areas like pattern recognition, focused interests, creativity, attention to details, and innovative problem-solving. They also face difficulties related to sensory sensitivities, social misunderstandings, anxiety, and the pressure to ‘mask’ or hide their natural behaviours to fit in. These challenges arise from environments that are not designed with neurodiversity in mind.
Therapeutic support for autistic people is most effective when it focuses on understanding the person’s lived experience, building emotional safety, and validating their identity. Approaches, such as sensory-informed interventions, collaborative goal setting, strengths-based framework, can help create a therapeutic environment where autistic people feel respected, included, and empowered to express themselves authentically.
For many autistic people I meet, therapy becomes a place where they can finally take a breath and be themselves. A lot of clients tell me they are exhausted from masking, from pretending they are not anxious or overloaded, from trying to navigate social rules that feel confusing or draining. In our therapy sessions, they can ‘take of that mask’ and get to drop the pressure. There is no expectation to be ‘less autistic’ or to fit into someone else’s idea of normal.
Sometimes we talk about school or work stress, friendships, family dynamics, sensory overload, or identity. Sometimes we explore the things that make them feel grounded – routines, special interests, activities that can bring comfort or excitement. As there is important part of how their brain work and what help them to thrive.
Autism is not something to fix, it is something to understand. Autism shapes a person’s life, but it also gives them strengths, insights, and ways of seeing the world that are valuable and worth living.
If you are an autistic person or if you are questioning and trying to figure it out – I want you to know that you deserve spaces where you are accepted exactly as you are, not where you are asked to shrink or hide. You deserve friendships that feel safe, people who listen without judgement, and support that respects your identity, not one that tries to change it as you are exactly who you are meant to be.
If you ever want support in understanding your brain, your feelings, or your experiences, please be free to contact me.