Episode 8: Breaking the Mold: Embracing Your Neurodivergence in a World That Doesn’t Understand

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Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction: Navigating societal expectations and harmful comments
• [02:15] The impact of hearing “You don’t look autistic”
• [07:00] The pressure to mask and fit into societal norms
• [11:40] Creating belonging by embracing who you are
• [16:15] Personal stories of navigating self-acceptance and external judgments
• [21:00] Closing thoughts and call to action

Episode Introduction:

In this episode of Neurodivergent Mom Life: Unfiltered and Unstoppable, we dive into the harmful impact of hearing comments like “You don’t look autistic” and the pressure of societal expectations. I share personal stories about my own journey through these challenges, from being told I didn’t seem “autistic enough” to navigating the emotional toll of masking. If you’ve ever felt the need to conform or hide your neurodivergence, this episode will help you find strength in your authenticity. Let’s explore how we can break free from these limiting beliefs and embrace who we truly are.

Main Topics Covered:

1. The Harm of 'You Don’t Look Autistic' [00:00]
   I explain how comments like “You don’t look autistic” dismiss the lived experiences of neurodivergent individuals. We explore the emotional and psychological toll that comes from constantly feeling like you need to explain or justify your neurodivergence to others.
2. The Pressure to Mask and Conform [07:00]
   We discuss the societal expectations placed on neurodivergent people, particularly the pressure to mask. This segment covers how masking impacts self-worth, self-identity, and mental health, and how I came to realize that masking was taking away my sense of self.
3. Embracing Who You Are for True Belonging [11:40]
   True belonging doesn’t come from fitting in; it comes from embracing who we truly are. I share insights on how I stopped trying to fit into societal molds and started creating environments where my neurodivergence was celebrated, not hidden.
4. Personal Stories: Navigating Self-Acceptance [16:15]
   I share my journey of self-acceptance, from my ADHD and autism diagnosis to dealing with comments like “You don’t look autistic.” I also talk about how my life changed when I embraced my neurodivergence and stopped apologizing for being different.

Topic Recaps:

• Comments like “You don’t look autistic” are dismissive and harmful to neurodivergent people.
• Societal expectations often force us to mask, which can take a toll on our mental and emotional health.
• True belonging begins with accepting and embracing who we are, quirks and all.