Being highly sensitive, or autistic, or both - especially as a woman

"I didn’t like to be touched, I laughed at inappropriate times, ate the same foods every day, and was frequently overstimulated by smells, textures and sounds.” || “There are huge crossovers between non-binary, transgender, and gender and sexual non-conforming people who are autistic. Huge crossovers." Zhara Astra

"Although there may be some similarities between the sensory processing challenges experienced by highly sensitive individuals and those with autism, there are some key differences..." Jules De Vitto

Therapist and author Julie Bjelland, LMFT comments about her podcast Episode 189: Highly Sensitive, Autistic, or both? Understanding the Differences. See page on her site for the HSP and Neurodivergent Podcast.

"I discuss the differences that set autism apart from high sensitivity, particularly in women. I highlight the outdated diagnostic criteria for autism and the misdiagnosis or lack of diagnosis in many women.

"We'll explore the unique characteristics of autistic women, such as the challenges of masking, the need for solitude, and the intense sensitivity across multiple senses. I also emphasize the importance of self-compassion and acceptance for autistic individuals and the need for a neurodiverse society."

Understanding Autism in Women - An Online Guide - Author Julie Bjelland, LMFT, summarizes: "This guide is important for individuals and practitioners and contains the most recent research and information we know about autism in adult women. Many sensitive women are discovering that they are also autistic because past diagnostic criteria has been inaccurate."

Also see her list of Courses for the Sensitive and Neurodiverse including "Brain-Training for the Highly Sensitive Person - Techniques to Reduce Anxiety & Overwhelming Emotions."

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