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Autistic Confessions: Why Parties Feel Like a Battlefield (And How I Survive Them)
When someone invites me to a party, my brain goes into overdrive. What should I…
Author: Rae Elise
I'm Elise, an autistic advocate, writer, and perpetual overthinker. Writing is my therapy and my rebellion. I live in a cozy corner of the world with a collection of fidget toys and a love for midnight snacks. Sharing my story is my way of connecting with others and breaking down stereotypes, all while staying tucked safely behind my pseudonym. I hope you’ll find comfort, humor, and maybe a little bit of yourself in these pages. - Elise R. (Pen name: Elise Rae)
Coming to Terms with the DSM-5: Why Autism Isn’t Just One Thing
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition—or DSM-5 for short—is the clinical…
Autistic Confessions: Why I Can’t Follow (Spoken) Directions
I hate spoken directions. Not because I don’t care, or because I’m not listening, but…
Meltdowns are part of my reality as an autistic person
A meltdown is a storm. Sometimes, I can see it coming—dark clouds gathering on the…
A Day in the Life of Sensory Overload
Imagine waking up to a radio tuned just slightly off-station, where static drowns out the…
Autistic Burnout: When Life Feels Like Too Much
There’s a difference between being tired and being burned out. Tired is what I feel…
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Meltdowns and Me: What I Learned in the Stairwell at Work
The first time I had a meltdown at work, I thought I’d ruined everything. I…
My 10 Ridiculous Rules for Surviving Social Life as an Autistic Woman
Socializing is like playing a game where everyone else knows the rules, but I’m making…
Autism and Stigma: Why Misunderstanding Hurts Everyone
When people misunderstand autism, it doesn’t just hurt autistic people—it hurts everyone. It fuels stereotypes,…
Hidden in Plain Sight: Why Autism Often Looks Different in Women
When I was 27 and finally diagnosed as autistic, the first thing I thought was:…