The Blog
The Reality of Parental Estrangement Among Autistic Adults
Autistic adults experience higher rates of parental estrangement due to childhood trauma, forced masking, ableism, and a lack of familial understanding or acceptance. Many face rejection when setting boundaries, unmasking, or receiving a late diagnosis, leading to emotional distress and the difficult choice of distancing themselves for self-preservation. While estrangement can be painful, healing is possible through community support, chosen family, and reclaiming autonomy in relationships.
What It Really Means to Be AuDHD (Autistic & ADHD)
AuDHD, the intersection of autism and ADHD, combines traits that can sometimes amplify or contradict each other, affecting focus, sensory processing, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Individuals may experience both hyperfocus and distractibility, sensory sensitivity alongside sensory-seeking behaviors, and intense emotions that are difficult to process. Navigating these challenges requires tailored strategies, including task chunking, sensory regulation tools, emotional check-ins, and self-advocacy, while also recognizing the strengths of deep thinking, creativity, and resilience.