“Inside the Life of a ‘High-Functioning’ Autistic Woman”
Exploring the hidden challenges that come with masking and navigating life as an autistic woman.
Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how individuals think, feel, and behave in daily life, as well as how they handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Good mental health enables people to cope with challenges, work productively, and contribute to their communities. Poor mental health can lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and other disorders that impact overall quality of life.
Exploring the hidden challenges that come with masking and navigating life as an autistic woman.
I was diagnosed with ADHD not once, but twice — and for most of my life, I only knew about one of those diagnoses.
Before I was officially diagnosed, my brain always felt like a puzzle I couldn’t solve. Getting re-diagnosed with ADHD at 31 helped clarify some things — impulsivity, forgetfulness, hyperfocus — but there were still pieces missing.
For most of my life, I felt like I was different — but not in a way that made sense. Growing up, my classmates seemed to move through life so easily. They made friends, handled routines, and kept up with school. Meanwhile, I stood on the sidelines, unsure how to jump in. I wasn’t just shy — I felt like I’d missed the manual on how to be a person.