🧠 Unmasking 101: How Embracing Your True Self Can Change Everything! 💡

🧠 Unmasking 101: How Embracing Your True Self Can Change Everything! 💡 For years, society has taught us to hide our quirks, tone ourselves down, and blend in just to be accepted. But here’s the truth: masking is exhausting, and it takes a serious toll on our mental health. If you’re neurodivergent—whether autistic, ADHD, or somewhere in between—you’ve likely spent years suppressing stims, forcing eye contact, or rehearsing conversations just to “fit in.” 

But at what cost? Studies show that masking is linked to burnout, anxiety, and even identity loss. Unmasking isn’t about rejecting everything you’ve built—it’s about recognizing which parts of you are authentic and which were just survival mechanisms. 

Imagine a world where you could communicate naturally, stim freely, and express yourself without fear. The first step? Finding safe, supportive spaces where you can start peeling back the layers. It’s not about dropping the mask overnight, but learning when and where it’s safe to be unapologetically YOU. 

Because the truth is, you were never broken—society just didn’t make space for you. And now? It’s time to take up that space. 🌿✨

About the Author

Celia St. James @celiajamesse creates 🍋 Slice of life diary, neurodivergent advocacy, vlogs, and autism awareness + gaming content. Gaming & Life Vlog 🍋 | ASD | Digital Content Creator. My gaming channel feat. Wholesome Cozy Games, Adventure, Point & Click, Puzzle, Mystery & Detective, Story-Rich, Visual Novel, Role-Playing, Simulation, MMO, and Open World.

More Adults Are Wondering: “Could I Be Autistic?” Here’s What You Need to Know 🧩🧠

More Adults Are Wondering: “Could I Be Autistic?” Here’s What You Need to Know 🧩🧠 Autism isn’t just a childhood diagnosis—more adults are now questioning whether they might be on the spectrum. Natasha Nelson, a 35-year-old entrepreneur from Georgia, is one of them. After years of feeling out of sync with social norms, she was diagnosed with autism shortly after her youngest daughter received the same diagnosis. “If your life has always felt chaotic and you’re just surviving, what do you have to lose?” Nelson says, encouraging others to seek answers.  

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by challenges with social communication, repetitive behaviors, and intense focus on specific interests. While it’s often diagnosed in childhood, many adults are now recognizing these traits in themselves, often after their children are diagnosed or through social media awareness. A 2023 study in *JAMA Network Open* revealed a staggering 452% increase in autism diagnoses among adults aged 26 to 34 over the past decade.  

For some, autism symptoms go unnoticed until adulthood, when new social or professional demands highlight their struggles. Others may have learned to “mask” their behaviors, hiding traits like difficulty with eye contact or a need for rigid routines. Whitney Ence, a psychologist at UCSF, explains, “Adults have learned to compensate over time. They might think, ‘I can’t display that in public, so I do it in private.’”  

But diagnosing autism in adults isn’t straightforward. Symptoms often overlap with conditions like ADHD or OCD, and there’s a shortage of specialists trained to work with adults. Dr. Arthur Westover, a psychiatrist specializing in autism, emphasizes that while many people enjoy routines or deep dives into niche topics, autism involves significant impairment in daily life. “It goes deeper than just liking structure,” he says.  

Russell Lehmann, a 34-year-old motivational speaker, has lived with autism for over 20 years. For him, routines are both a comfort and a burden. “Every night, I go to bed knowing I have to do a routine I don’t like just to function,” he shares. His story highlights the complex reality of living with autism as an adult.  

If you suspect you might be autistic, experts recommend starting with your primary care physician for a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist. Diagnosis often involves interviews with family or friends who knew you as a child, as well as standardized tests. However, the process can be costly and time-consuming. Nelson’s diagnosis took three years and cost over $3,000 out-of-pocket.  

The growing awareness of adult autism is a step forward, but there’s still much work to be done in providing accessible resources and support. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite fit in, it might be worth exploring—because understanding yourself is always worth it.  

About the Author

Celia St. James @celiajamesse creates 🍋 Slice of life diary, neurodivergent advocacy, vlogs, and autism awareness + gaming content. Gaming & Life Vlog 🍋 | ASD | Digital Content Creator. My gaming channel feat. Wholesome Cozy Games, Adventure, Point & Click, Puzzle, Mystery & Detective, Story-Rich, Visual Novel, Role-Playing, Simulation, MMO, and Open World.

Autism and Eating Disorders: The Connection You Need to Know! 🍽️

Autism and Eating Disorders: The Connection You Need to Know! 🍽️ Did you know that children with autism spectrum disorder are more likely to have eating difficulties? They might refuse food, fixate on certain foods, or even restrict their intake. 

Autism is also connected to eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), which is an extreme form of picky eating. 

For those with both autism and an eating disorder, sensory issues around food are often the root cause, rather than body image concerns. These challenges can lead to health issues like nutrient deficiencies and dental caries.

Dr. Jennifer Seidenberg from Ochsner LSU Health has observed a strong link between autism and eating disorders. She mentions that many autistic boys develop obsessive behaviors around eating, making it difficult to treat their conditions. 

Families with autistic children, especially those with selective eating habits, should work closely with pediatricians and explore cognitive behavioral methods to manage these challenges effectively.

It’s crucial to foster a supportive environment for these children, focusing on understanding their unique needs and providing appropriate care. Together, we can help them lead healthier, happier lives. 🍽️💙

About the Author

Celia St. James @celiajamesse creates 🍋 Slice of life diary, neurodivergent advocacy, vlogs, and autism awareness + gaming content. Gaming & Life Vlog 🍋 | ASD | Digital Content Creator. My gaming channel feat. Wholesome Cozy Games, Adventure, Point & Click, Puzzle, Mystery & Detective, Story-Rich, Visual Novel, Role-Playing, Simulation, MMO, and Open World.

Transforming the Perception of Neurodiversity: UB's Inclusive Club 💡

Transforming the Perception of Neurodiversity: UB's Inclusive Club 💡   In recent years, the concept of neurodiversity has been gaining significant traction online, promoting the idea that neurological differences, such as autism and ADHD, are simply variations in human wiring and not flaws. 

The Accessibility Resources office at UB has embraced this perspective and initiated the Neurodivergent Affinity Group to provide a supportive community for neurodivergent students. Unfortunately, despite the noble intention, attendance has been disappointingly low.

The Neurodivergent Affinity Group was founded by Hannah Premo, the assistant director of programming for Accessibility Resources. Inspired by a conference she attended in July 2024, Premo partnered with the Center for Excellence in Writing, and the club received official sanction last semester. 

Yet, even with designated event planning positions and regular activities like body-doubling sessions and Hot Beverage Hour, the group's turnout hasn't met expectations.

Body-doubling, a practice particularly beneficial for students with ADHD, involves a peer mentor who helps students stay focused and complete tasks. On Fridays, the Hot Beverage Hour offers coffee, tea, and snacks to help students unwind from their hectic week. 

Despite these thoughtful initiatives, the stigma surrounding being neurodivergent seems to keep many students away.

Premo acknowledges that revealing a hidden disability can be daunting and is often fraught with misconceptions about permanent records and potential discrimination. This is especially true for international students who might face deeply ingrained cultural stigmas about disabilities. 

Premo’s commitment to creating a just and inclusive community is unwavering, as she continues to balance her role as a staff member while ensuring students feel empowered to lead and participate in the group.

The Neurodivergent Affinity Group is more than just a club; it's a platform for fostering connections, combating isolation, and providing justice for students with disabilities. With ongoing efforts, there's hope that attendance will grow, and the community will flourish.

About the Author

Celia St. James @celiajamesse creates 🍋 Slice of life diary, neurodivergent advocacy, vlogs, and autism awareness + gaming content. Gaming & Life Vlog 🍋 | ASD | Digital Content Creator. My gaming channel feat. Wholesome Cozy Games, Adventure, Point & Click, Puzzle, Mystery & Detective, Story-Rich, Visual Novel, Role-Playing, Simulation, MMO, and Open World.

How Being Bullied Made Me Stop Making New Connections and Friends 🍋 PODCAST! Celia St. James

How Being Bullied Made Me Stop Making New Connections and Friends 🍋 PODCAST! Celia St. James 🍋 Slice of life diary, neurodivergent advocacy, vlogs and autism awareness. Living alone. 🍋 PODCAST! Celia St. James

🍋WATCH: https://youtu.be/51X25qnACOk

Today's topic is a spicy one: "How Being Bullied Made Me Stop Making New Connections and Friends, and Turned Me into a Mysterious Loner." Yep, you heard that right. So let's dive into the wild ride of how bullying flipped my social life upside down.

Back in the day, I was that kid who thought making friends was as easy as pie. Then bam! Along came the bullies, like a tornado ripping through my self-confidence and security. Suddenly, I was more closed off than a bank vault at midnight. Every new acquaintance? A potential threat. Making friends? More like making enemies, right?

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About the Author

Celia St. James @celiajamesse creates 🍋 Slice of life diary, neurodivergent advocacy, vlogs, and autism awareness + gaming content. Gaming & Life Vlog 🍋 | ASD | Digital Content Creator. My gaming channel feat. Wholesome Cozy Games, Adventure, Point & Click, Puzzle, Mystery & Detective, Story-Rich, Visual Novel, Role-Playing, Simulation, MMO, and Open World.