I recently listened to a podcast featuring Paul and Claire, two autistic individuals, and honestly, it was like finding my people. You can check it out here: https://youtu.be/N3vM_tidi2g?si=DAhtqBB_KF6j_rdJ—but only if you promise to come back!
Embracing Individuality
Paul and Claire talked about embracing autism as a positive part of themselves. Now, I’m trying to do the same. It’s not easy; sometimes it feels like trying to find Wi-Fi in a concrete bunker. But hey, if Paul and Claire can do it, I might as well give it a shot. Lonely or not, I’m working on embracing my quirks, even if the rest of the world thinks I’m the Wi-Fi.
Managing Energy
Paul and Claire are all about managing energy, avoiding overwhelm, and making time to recharge. Basically, they’ve mastered the art of adult naptime. And who doesn’t love a good nap? Personally, I’ve been trying this approach—it’s like hitting “pause” on the world until I’m ready to deal with it again. Way better than in-person small talk, and it kind of works.
Masking and Authenticity
Ah, masking—the art of being a social chameleon, minus the cool ability to change colors. It’s exhausting, like trying to run a marathon in dress shoes. Hearing Claire talk about letting go of masking was like someone handing me a comfy pair of slippers. Finally, someone gets it! It’s all about acceptance: if we could just be our awkward, stimming, totally wonderful selves without pressure, life would be like… pajama day, every day.
Control and Communication
Paul’s need for control and predictability totally makes sense to me. Who doesn’t want to know what’s coming? Life is hard enough without surprises (unless they involve cake). Honest communication is another big one—pretending to be polite in uncomfortable situations feels like being stuck in customer service forever: “Sure, let me just smile while everything inside me is screaming.” No thanks, I prefer the truth, even if it’s a bit blunt. Also, having predictable routines, like a daily ride on my mountain bike, brings me some much-needed stability.
Redefining Success
Claire’s take on redefining success really hit home. Forget climbing some societal ladder—I’d rather redefine success as making it through the grocery store without losing my sanity or finding the perfect pair of sensory-friendly pajamas. Traditional success metrics don’t fit everyone, and that’s okay. Let’s set our own standards, even if that just means surviving Monday.
Conclusion
Listening to Paul and Claire felt like discovering a secret handshake for people like me. Their insights were validating, inspiring, and honestly, a bit like someone finally reading the instruction manual I never got. By sharing our experiences, understanding masking, sensory overload, and self-advocacy, we can help each other live more authentically—like comfy pajama-day, honest-to-goodness, Wi-Fi-connected authenticity.
For more insights from Paul and Claire, and for your own secret handshake moment, check out the full podcast: https://youtu.be/N3vM_tidi2g?si=DAhtqBB_KF6j_rdJ.
Boneshakerbike 
Your Thoughts