Unmasking Myself: Finding Strength and Joy in Being Autistic

Why happiness isn’t about achieving an ideal but about noticing the moments that resonate with who you are.

Living with autism is a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. It shapes how I experience the world — sometimes in ways that are challenging, but often in ways that offer unique insights.

My path has not been without struggle, but it has taught me to embrace my differences and find fulfillment in unexpected places. This is a reflection on the complexities of living authentically as an autistic adult, balancing challenges with a sense of purpose and joy.

It’s okay if your emotions don’t always ‘show’ the way people expect. You’re still seen, still valid, and still worthy of connection

When My Face Says the Wrong Thing

One of the subtler, yet persistent, challenges I face is that my facial expressions don’t always align with how I feel. I might appear neutral when I’m deeply engaged or look upset when I’m perfectly content. This often leads to well-meaning but frequent questions like, “Are you okay?” or “Is something wrong?”