Why does she line up her toys instead of playing with them? Why does he seem desperate for friends but doesn’t engage when they’re over? Why are they such a tough nut to crack? I’m here to lend an ear and offer insight. I’m not a therapist, but I do have the knowledge and experience of having been autistic for 40+ years, and living in a household with four other very different autistic people. I won’t always be right, but I can put you on the right track to answering your questions (and can help begin troubleshooting right away during long waitlists for services!).

We’re not always comforted by the same things or in the same ways as neuro-normative people — or even one another. I’ll help you discover your autistic child’s, partner’s, or family member’s unique sensory profile to help interactions become more intuitive for both of you. It’s a process, even for us! Mistakes will be made; give yourself grace, pick back up, and never stop learning and loving. It won’t be easy; it’s really hard work, and you’ll have to unlearn a bunch of unhelpful societal beliefs and norms that just aren’t normal for us.

Happy Autistic Birthday! Buy yourself some flowers, or perhaps make a cake; you’re about to embark on a huge journey of awakening! Autistic people often have really cool abilities, but also really different social, environmental, sensory, and situational needs. Together, we’ll figure out ways for you to adapt to the different needs and help build those needs directly into your routines, environment, and expectations. I can help you unlearn received ideas about autism that are wildly incorrect, help you process your new identity, or we can just chat about being autistic adults! It’s kind of up to you.