Autism Blog: Understanding Autism

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

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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...
Stimming-in-ADHD-vs-Autism-Similarities-Differences-and-Why-It-Matters
Stimming in ADHD vs Autism: Similarities, Differences, and Why It Matters
Stimming is often misunderstood — yet for many autistic and ADHD adults, it’s a vital way to cope, focus, and self-regulate. This guide explores the similarities and differences between ADHD... Read more...
Stimming-in-Adulthood-Why-It-s-Normal-Valid-and-Essential-for-Autistic-Adults
Stimming in Adulthood: Why It’s Normal, Valid, and Essential for Autistic Adults
Stimming doesn’t disappear when we grow up. For autistic adults, it’s a vital part of self-regulation, expression, and survival in a world that rarely bends to meet us. Far from... Read more...
Is-Sherlock-Holmes-Autistic-Rethinking-the-World-s-Greatest-Detective
Is Sherlock Holmes Autistic? Rethinking the World’s Greatest Detective
Sherlock Holmes has always stood apart — sharp, eccentric, and endlessly observant. Many wonder: was he autistic? This piece looks beyond labels to explore his traits, the way adaptations shape... Read more...
Parallel-Play-in-Autism-Together-In-Our-Own-Way
Parallel Play in Autism: Together, In Our Own Way
Parallel play isn’t about being distant, it’s about being together, in our own way. For autistic people, it’s a valid, comforting way to connect without pressure. This guide explores what... Read more...
Autistic-Adults-and-Animals-Understanding-A-Bond-Beyond-Words
Autistic Adults and Animals: Understanding A Bond Beyond Words
For many autistic adults, animals are more than pets, they are steady companions who offer comfort without judgment. In their presence, we can unmask, breathe easier, and feel accepted for... Read more...
No-Tylenol-Does-Not-Cause-Autism.-Donald-Trump-is-Wrong-Again.
No, Tylenol Does Not Cause Autism. Donald Trump is Wrong Again.
Donald Trump has declared that Tylenol “causes autism.” It doesn’t. Autism is not a disease, and Tylenol is not the cause. What is dangerous are the headlines that stigmatize autistic... Read more...
Autistic-Adults-and-Productivity-A-Kinder-Way-Forward
Autistic Adults and Productivity: A Kinder Way Forward
Productivity often feels like a heavy word for autistic adults, tied to burnout, pressure, and unfair expectations. This guide offers a gentler path: one that values rest, sensory needs, and... Read more...

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Sunflower Necklace for Autism Awareness

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Sunflower Necklace for Autism Awareness
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Stimming Is Sacred – Calming Pillow

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Autism Awareness Sunflower Tee

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I Love My Autism Shirt – Sensory-Friendly Tee

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I Love My Autism Shirt – Sensory-Friendly Tee
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