Autistic Shutdowns and Meltdowns: Understanding the Nervous System in Crisis
Autistic shutdowns and meltdowns are often misunderstood, misjudged, or labeled as behavioral problems. In reality, they are involuntary nervous system responses to overwhelming stress. When sensory input, emotional demands, or cognitive overload exceed the brain’s capacity to cope, the body moves into a state of crisis. Understanding what shutdowns and meltdowns truly are helps replace […]
Why Change Feels So Hard: Transitions, Uncertainty, and Neurodivergent Stress
Change is an unavoidable part of life, yet for many neurodivergent individuals, transitions and uncertainty can feel especially overwhelming. While some people adapt quickly to new situations, autistic individuals and people with ADHD often experience change as deeply stressful, even when the change is positive or chosen. Understanding why change feels so hard requires looking […]
Autism, ADHD, and Sleep: How Rest Affects Emotional Well Being
Sleep plays a vital role in emotional health for everyone, but for autistic individuals and people with ADHD, rest can be especially elusive and deeply impactful. Difficulties with sleep are extremely common in both autism and ADHD, and they often go far beyond occasional restlessness or late nights. When sleep is disrupted or insufficient, emotional […]
Emotional Regulation in Autism and ADHD: Why Feelings Can Feel Overwhelming
Emotions are a core part of the human experience, yet for many autistic individuals and people with ADHD, emotions can feel unusually intense, confusing, or difficult to manage. Emotional regulation refers to the ability to recognize, process, and respond to emotions in a flexible and balanced way. When emotional regulation is challenging, feelings can arrive […]
Late Autism Diagnosis in Adults: Why It Happens and Why It Matters
For many adults, discovering they are autistic comes as both a relief and a shock. After years or even decades of feeling different, misunderstood, or out of place, a late autism diagnosis can finally provide clarity. Yet it also raises an important question: why was autism missed for so long? Autism is not a rare […]
Masking and Mental Health: The Hidden Emotional Cost of Fitting In
From an early age, many people learn that being themselves is not always safe or acceptable. For autistic and other neurodivergent individuals, this lesson often comes quickly and repeatedly. Behaviors that feel natural such as avoiding eye contact, speaking honestly, stimming, or needing quiet are corrected, mocked, or punished. Over time, many learn to hide […]
From Misdiagnosis to Clarity: How Autism Is Often Missed in Adults
For decades, autism was widely viewed as a childhood condition, easily recognizable through developmental and speech delays or a set of behavioral traits that stood out early in life. This narrow understanding has left countless adults undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood for years. Many reach adulthood carrying labels such as anxious, difficult, lazy, depressed, or socially […]
Autism and Relationships: Communication, Connection, and Misunderstandings
Relationships are built on communication, shared understanding, and emotional connection. For autistic people, relationships can be deeply meaningful, supportive, and loving, yet they are often shaped by challenges that are misunderstood or misinterpreted by others. Autism does not prevent connection. Instead, it influences how connection is expressed, understood, and maintained. Many difficulties in autistic relationships […]
Executive Dysfunction Explained: Why Daily Tasks Feel Impossible
Most people occasionally forget to pay a bill, lose track of time, or feel too overwhelmed to start a project. But for many neurodivergent individuals, especially those with ADHD and autism, these struggles are not occasional, they are everyday realities. The culprit behind these challenges is often executive dysfunction, a neurological difficulty that makes daily […]
The Overlap Between ADHD and Autism: What Science Reveals
For decades, the medical community maintained that autism and ADHD were mutually exclusive conditions. You couldn’t have both – or so the diagnostic manuals insisted. This artificial separation ignored the lived experiences of countless individuals who clearly displayed traits of both conditions, leaving many without accurate diagnoses or appropriate support. In 2013, this changed when […]
Workplace Accommodations for Autistic Employees: A Guide to Success
When I started my career as a teacher, I had no idea I was autistic. I struggled with overwhelming staff meetings, fluorescent classroom lighting, the understandable but constant noise of school hallways and gathering places and the lack of structure that too often came along, and more. I developed coping strategies without being aware I […]
Autistic Burnout: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Recovery
Key Takeaways: What is Autistic Burnout? Imagine running a marathon while wearing an ill-fitting costume, trying to appear as if you’re casually strolling. Now imagine doing this every day for months or years. This is what life feels like for many autistic individuals before experiencing autism burnout – profound physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that […]
Sensory Overload in Autism: Understanding and Managing Overwhelming Experiences
Imagine walking into a brightly lit supermarket. The fluorescent lights flicker above, music hums from the speakers, carts rattle across the floor, and voices and conversations overlap each other. For most people, this might be mildly distracting. But for many autistic individuals, this scene can feel unbearable, a flood of sounds, lights, and sensations that […]
The Neurodiversity Movement: Embracing Different Minds
The way society thinks about the human mind has been undergoing a quiet revolution. For decades, conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences were viewed primarily through a medical lens, as “disorders” to be cured or corrected. But over the past few decades, a new framework has gained traction: neurodiversity. The neurodiversity movement […]
ADHD and Autism in Women: Common Yet Overlooked
For decades, ADHD and autism were thought of as conditions that primarily affected boys. The textbooks, diagnostic tools, and even media portrayals all leaned heavily on male-centered stereotypes: the disruptive schoolboy with ADHD, or the socially withdrawn boy with autism. As a result, thousands of women and girls grew up unnoticed, undiagnosed, or misdiagnosed. Today, […]
Understanding Restrictive Behaviors in Autism: Monotropism Explained
Autism is often described as a spectrum, not just because people present differently, but also because the same person can experience variations in their own traits over the course of even a single day. One of the most important and least understood aspects of autism is the presence of restrictive behaviors. These can include a […]
Discovering Autism in Adulthood: Late Identification Matters
Key Takeaways: The Moment Everything Changes Picture this: You’re scrolling through social media when a post about autism catches your eye. As you read about someone’s experience, something clicks. The struggles they describe sound familiar – the sensory overwhelm at grocery stores, the exhaustion after social events, the feeling of being different but never understanding […]
Why Autism in Females is Misunderstood and Overlooked
Key Takeaways: The Hidden Struggle: When Autism Goes Unrecognized For decades, autism has been viewed through a predominantly male lens. The very criteria we use to identify autism were developed based on observations of boys and men, leaving countless girls and women struggling with hidden autism. These women never fully understand why life feels so […]
How to Embrace Your Autism Diagnosis: Advice from an Autistic Teacher
If you have recently been diagnosed with autism, you may be feeling scared, confused, or overwhelmed. You may be wondering what autism means for you and your future. You may be facing stigma, stereotypes, or ignorance from others. You may be feeling alone or different. But you are not alone. Yes, you are different, but […]
ADHD and Autism in Women: Unveiling Hidden Connections
When in a crowd, how easy is it to pick out the silent figures, the withdrawn wallflowers observing from the outskirts? The reality is that it’s not. Much like recognizing those unnoticed in a social gathering, identifying ADHD and autism in women has proven to be a similar challenge. Think of it in the same […]
Why Could a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder be “Good News”?
Thank you, Samantha Hiew, PhD, a London-based neurodiversity advocate who founded ADHD Girls in January of 2021, for recently proposing on LinkedIn that “one day…neurodivergence will be a good news diagnosis.” Through the neurodiversity lens, no one brain style or experience is superior. Those with ASD or ADHD certainly experience life differently, but not in an […]
Guide to Late Autism Identification Interview on Neuro Chat with AG
Wow! Dr. Temple Grandin of Colorado State University, Mr. Joed Godi of NeuroGifted, Dr. Lawrence Fung of Stanford University, Dr. Jaime King of The University of Auckland and University of California, San Francisco, and Mr. Christopher Banks of the Autism Society of America…all of these esteemed individuals and MORE have been interviewed by one motivated high […]
Lara Schaeffer to Moderate at United Nations’ World Autism Awareness Day 2024
Key Takeaways: Information Details Date April 2nd, 2024 Theme Moving from Surviving to Thriving: Awareness, Acceptance, and Appreciation Format Virtual, pre-recorded, 3 hours Website https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day Focus Showcasing Autism experiences across six continents Goal Promote thriving for autistic individuals globally Moderator (North America) Lara Schaeffer, Autism Coach at Autism-Discovery.com and innovator of Guided Self-Assessment for Autism in Adults […]
Restricted Behavior: Beyond Rigid Routines, Discovering Unseen Wonders
Key Takeaways: Understanding Our Unique Landscape: What is Restricted Behavior in Autism? For many autistic individuals, the world can be an overwhelming symphony of sights, sounds, smells, and sensations. To navigate this complex landscape, we often develop unique coping mechanisms, one of which is restricted behavior. This term encompasses a range of actions and preferences, including: […]
Repetitive Behavior in Autism: What It Is, Why It Happens, and Why It Is Often Not a Problem
Key Takeaways: Introduction Repetitive behavior is a term that describes a range of behaviors that are repeated over and over again, in a fixed or rigid way, and often without a clear purpose or goal. Some examples of repetitive behaviors in autism are: Repetitive behavior is one of the core features of autism spectrum […]
Understanding Autism Therapy: A Personal Journey
Key Takeaways: Living with Autism: Personal Experiences and Insights Autism therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a journey, and for Lara Schaeffer, it’s a journey she knows well. As an autistic individual, she understands the unique challenges and experiences that autism brings. Navigating through school, work, and relationships while being autistic is not always […]
Autism Acceptance: Why Society Needs to Be More Informed and Inclusive
Autism acceptance is not just a slogan or a hashtag. It is a vital and urgent need for millions of autistic people around the world who face challenges and barriers in their daily lives. Autism acceptance means recognizing and respecting the diversity and dignity of autistic individuals and providing them with the support and opportunities […]
Should You Seek Out a Late Autism Diagnosis?
Understanding Late Autism Diagnosis: Late autism diagnosis is a term that refers to people who are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) later in life than in childhood. Some people self-diagnose after a thorough investigation, and now there is the option of guided self-assessment through Lara Schaeffer’s Autism Discovery services. A guided process with Lara allows a […]
What is Autism Discovery, and How Can It Help You?
Imagine a world where being autistic is as normal and accepted as having red hair or being good at sports. A world where autistic people are not judged or misunderstood but celebrated and supported for their unique strengths and perspectives. A world where autism is not a mystery or a problem but a part of […]
Autism in Females: Unmasking the Misunderstood Reality and Urgent Need for Awareness
Revisiting Expectations of Autism in Females: The expectations of how autism in females presents need to be revisited, reframed, and aligned with reality. Crucial moves in that direction can help address the pressing issue of missed identification in this large group of adults and young adults with autism. This problem is at once urgent and multi-faceted: females […]
How My Autistic Life Experience Inspires Me to Help Others
The Photo That Captured My Autistic Life Experience Being an autistic individual means a life full of discovery, challenges, and wonder. But it also means a life full of struggles, misunderstandings, and isolation. That is why I was so moved when I saw this striking photograph by Marianna Smiley on Unsplash. This photo by Mariana […]
The Neurodiversity Movement Can Change the World
What is Neurodiversity and Why Does It Matter? The neurodiversity movement is a powerful force for social change that aims to promote the rights, dignity, and inclusion of people with different neurological profiles, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. The neurodivergent community, along with their allies who share their vision, is what drives this […]
How Autistic Expression Differs from Non-Autistic Expression
The Problem with Telling an Autistic Person to “SMILE!” You may think it is a harmless request: Smile! You may think you are expressing your good intentions: I want you to be happy. But when you say that to an autistic person, you may not realize how complicated and problematic it is. Autistic expression is […]
Neurodivergent Masking: What It Is, Why It Happens, and Why It Should Be Discouraged
The Basics of Masking and Why Neurodivergent Individuals Should Be Encouraged to Stop: Masking is a term that describes the behavior of neurodivergent individuals who, either deliberately or subconsciously, try to hide or suppress their natural tendencies and reactions to fit in with the neurotypical majority of society. Neurodivergence refers to the variation in the […]
How Neurodivergent Teens Can Thrive Socially in a Neurotypical World
How Neurodivergent Teens Can Thrive Socially in a Neurotypical World: The teenage years are a time of great change and challenge for everyone. But for neurodivergent teens, who have different ways of thinking and learning than the neurotypical majority, the social aspect of growing up can be especially difficult. Teens who are neurodivergent may be autistic or […]
A Late Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Changes Everything
When we think of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we often think of children who are diagnosed early in life and receive support and intervention at a young age. But what about those who are diagnosed later in life, after years of struggling to fit in and cope with a world that does not understand them? How […]
How Lara Schaeffer Helps Adults Discover Their ASD
What is ASD and Why is it Hard to Detect in Adults? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex and diverse condition that affects how people perceive, communicate, and interact with the world. ASD can manifest in different ways in different people, and some may not even realize that they have it. This is especially […]
How Autism Discovery Can Make a Difference; Lara Schaeffer on Instagram
Hello, I’m Lara Schaeffer, an autistic teacher and mentor for autistic people, especially those who discovered their autism after childhood. I want to welcome you to my Instagram account, Autism Discovery. This is a place where I share my insights, experiences, and photos as an autistic person. I also post facts and tips about autism that […]
Discovering My Autistic Identity: A Personal Journey
Lara Schaeffer’s Path to Understanding Her Autistic Identity: I’m Lara Schaeffer, an advocate for autistic identity, and I’d like to share my journey of self-discovery and acceptance. In this article, I’ll answer the questions sent to me by Jackie Schuld, an art therapist who works with autistic clients. My story of realizing my own autistic identity is […]
How Autism in Females is Often Missed or Misunderstood
Autism in Females: Often A Hidden Challenge Autism is a condition that affects how people communicate, interact, and behave. Current diagnosis rates reflect that it is more common in males than in females, but many experts believe that the actual difference in prevalence is smaller than what these statistics suggest. Many females with autism are […]
How Many Young Adults Have Undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder in New Jersey?
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition that affects how people communicate, interact, and behave. It is usually diagnosed in childhood, but many adults may have undiagnosed autism. This is especially true for those who have masked their autistic traits to better fit in with the non-autistic majority population. In this article, I will show […]