"Am I Autistic, or Just Burnt Out?” Late Diagnoses, Neurodivergence, and the Power of Self-Discovery
You’ve always felt a little different. Maybe you were the quiet one in school—kind, observant, maybe even a little anxious. You worked hard to fit in, followed the rules, and tried not to take up too much space. But underneath it all, things felt... off. Like the world wasn’t quite designed with you in mind. And now, you’re wondering: Could I be autistic?
As a therapist supporting Millennials and Gen Z navigating ADHD, anxiety, and identity, I hear this question often. And as I complete my training as a Certified Autism Specialist, I want to help folks like you feel more understood and less alone.
Why Autism Often Gets Missed
Autism doesn’t always look like what people expect—especially for folks who’ve learned to mask, blend in, or overperform to avoid standing out. For many, particularly those socialized as female or raised in high-expectation environments, autistic traits can be hidden in plain sight:
Sensory overload from everyday environments
Difficulty switching tasks or handling sudden changes
Relying on routines for predictability
Feeling deeply about everything
Immersing in interests or hobbies with passion
Burnout from constant masking and emotional labor
Burnout Is a Systemic Issue, Not a Personal Failing
Autistic burnout isn’t about personal weakness—it’s about the cumulative toll of navigating environments that aren’t built to accommodate neurodivergent needs. When systems ask you to perform "normal" endlessly, your energy runs dry.
Too often, people experiencing this are misdiagnosed or told they’re just anxious, depressed, or sensitive. That misunderstanding can delay healing.
Therapy That Meets You Where You Are
In a neurodivergent-affirming space, therapy isn’t about "fixing" you. It’s about:
Creating sustainable rhythms that fit how you function
Naming and healing from shame, invalidation, or past harm
Affirming your identity—diagnosed or not
Reclaiming rest, regulation, and joy without apology
You don’t need a label to begin this work. You just need a space where your experiences make sense.
You Deserve to Be Supported Without Being Changed
You’re not broken. You’re not behind. You’re navigating a world that wasn’t built with your wiring in mind—and you’re doing your best. I’d be honored to support you in understanding yourself more deeply and building a life that honors who you are.
Curious to explore further? I offer identity-affirming, neurodivergence-informed therapy for adults exploring ADHD, autism, and anxiety.
