Autism Blog: Understanding Autism

Articles about understanding autism, written with lived experience and community insight.

An autistic adult standing in a hall of soft mirrors, seeing their true reflection for the first time.
Autism and Echoism: When Empathy Becomes Survival
For many autistic adults, echoism is a quiet survival strategy, mirroring others to feel safe, accepted, and connected. This article explores how masking, over-empathy, and self-suppression intertwine, and how to... Read more...
Interoception-and-Autism-Reconnecting-With-Your-Body-s-Inner-World
Interoception and Autism: Reconnecting With Your Body’s Inner World
Interoception is your body’s way of speaking to you - through hunger, heartbeat, or fatigue. For many autistic adults, those signals can be muted or confusing. Understanding your interoceptive sense... Read more...
A cinematic digital painting of an autistic adult bathed in warm golden light, gazing upward with wonder as glowing, ethereal fish-like shapes drift through the air.
Autistic Infodumping Explained: Why Sharing Deeply Is an Act of Trust and Connection
Autistic infodumping is more than talking, it’s a way of saying, “You matter enough for me to share what lights me up.” This guide explores why autistic people infodump, how... Read more...
Autistic Adults: Living Authentically, Comfortably, and Connected
Autistic Adults: Living Authentically, Comfortably, and Connected
This guide explores what autism looks and feels like in adulthood, from self-discovery and diagnosis to sensory wellbeing, relationships, and unmasking. Written through lived experience, it’s a reminder that being... Read more...
An impressionist painting of an autistic adult sitting peacefully by a sunlit window, gently holding a small pebble in their hands. The soft brushstrokes and warm pastel tones of sage, cream, and muted gold evoke calm, connection, and sensory comfort.
Autistic Pebbling: The Meaning Behind This Beautiful Neurodivergent Love Language
For many autistic people, sharing small treasures—a stone, a leaf, a meme—isn’t random; it’s love. This gentle practice, known as autistic pebbling, is how many in the neurodivergent community express... Read more...
Impressionist painting of a calm, strong autistic woman standing under a soft sage and golden sky, symbolizing resilience, growth, and self-acceptance within the autism community.
ABA Therapy & Autism: Understanding Methods, Success Stories, and Modern Perspectives
ABA therapy has long been one of the most discussed supports for autism. This guide explains how it works, shares real stories, and explores how modern ABA is changing to... Read more...
Autism Assessments for Adults: Finding Clarity, Validation, and Self-Understanding
Autism Assessments for Adults: Finding Clarity, Validation, and Self-Understanding
Many adults reach a moment in life when everything starts to make sense. This guide explores how autism assessments work for adults — from early reflections to formal diagnosis —... Read more...
What-Is-Autistic-Joy-A-Celebration-of-Being-Authentically-You
What Is Autistic Joy? A Celebration of Being Authentically You
Autistic joy is the deep, full-body happiness that comes from being your authentic self without masking or judgment. This guide explores what it means, how it feels, and how to... Read more...
A tranquil swamp at golden sunrise, with soft mist drifting through trees and warm light reflecting on still water — symbolizing peace, solitude, and autistic self-acceptance.
Is Shrek Autistic? Why So Many of Us See Ourselves in the Beloved Ogre
Many autistic adults see similiarities between ourselves and Shrek — a misunderstood character who values honesty, solitude, and authenticity. His journey from isolation to self-acceptance mirrors the real-life experience of... Read more...
An adult in a grocery store covers their ears, surrounded by soft light and muted tones, representing the emotional weight of anxiety and sensory overstimulation.
Anxiety and Overstimulation: When the World Feels Too Loud
For many autistic and sensitive adults, anxiety and overstimulation go hand in hand. This guide explains why it happens — and how to gently restore calm. Read more...
Abstract illustration showing the balance between autism and OCD, featuring a green infinity symbol and soft spiral line art on a sage, cream, and mustard background — representing calm, clarity, and neurodiversity.
Autism vs OCD: How to Tell the Difference (and When It’s Both)
Autism and OCD can look similar but feel very different. This guide explores how to tell them apart—with compassion, clarity, and real-life insight from autistic perspectives. Read more...
Autism-and-Alcohol-Why-We-Drink-What-It-Means-and-Finding-Safer-Paths
Autism and Alcohol: Why We Drink, What It Means, and Finding Safer Paths
For many autistic adults, alcohol isn’t about celebration — it’s about survival. It’s the borrowed calm we reach for in a world that refuses to quiet down. But that calm... Read more...

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About Our ASD Blog

HeyASD is more than a store, it’s a calm, supportive space for autistic adults and the people who care about them. Explore identity-affirming stories, sensory regulation tools, and uplifting resources from our community.

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