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How to Find the Right Therapist: A Guide For Autistic Adults
Finding the right therapist can be life-changing, especially for autistic adults, who often face unique challenges that many mental health professionals aren't fully equipped to understand. The therapeutic relationship is a deeply personal one.
For neurodivergent individuals, it's essential that the therapist not only has clinical expertise but also a respectful, affirming approach to autism itself. Too often, autistic adults encounter professionals who pathologize their experiences or prioritize masking over authentic self-expression, which can lead to harm rather than healing.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to find a therapist who truly sees and supports you on your terms, so that you can be partners on your journey toward better mental health.
Top Jobs for Autistic People: Navigating the Workplace with Confidence
Navigating the job market can be difficult for anyone, but it’s especially hard for autistic individuals. Compared to neurotypical adults, autistic adults often face higher rates of unemployment or underemployment. Studies suggest that nearly 40% of autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed in general, and that number may be as high as 85% when considering specifically autistic adults with college degrees.
Therefore, it’s not only important to understand the role that autism spectrum disorder plays in the workforce, but it’s also important to know which jobs may be best suited for autistic employees.
How to Deal with Overstimulation in Autism: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or experienced physical discomfort because of bright flashing lights or the buzz of a crowded room, you may have gotten a glimpse of what overstimulation feels like for an autistic person.
Put simply, overstimulation (also known as sensory overload) occurs when sensory stimuli become too much to handle. There’s just too much sensory information overwhelming your brain. Every sound, color or scent piles up until it feels like everything’s in overdrive. It can range in severity from mildly uncomfortable to physically painful. Research has found that about 90% of autistic individuals struggle with sensory processing, which can lead to feeling overstimulated. Some autistic people will also have co-occurring sensory processing disorder, which deepens the impact of unpleasant sensory stimuli.
Understanding and managing overstimulation is important because it allows us to recognize the warning signs and use effective coping mechanisms. Whether you're a loved one to someone with autism or an autistic adult yourself, learning to notice and reduce sensory overload can make a huge difference in everyday comfort and overall well-being.
