Autism Stories Autism Stories: Stephanie Bealer
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Dec 1, 2025 
Stephanie Bealer, a clinical mental health counselor-in-training and former corporate professional, shares her journey of late autism and ADHD diagnosis. She candidly discusses the burnout that led her to leave corporate America for a more fulfilling career in counseling. Stephanie also highlights the therapeutic benefits of Dungeons & Dragons and the importance of community among neurodivergent women. In addition, she shares her passion for fostering dogs, illustrating how they provide mutual healing and support.
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Early Kindergarten Meltdown
- Stephanie recalls a vivid kindergarten meltdown where she rocked, covered her ears, and felt overwhelmingly different from peers.
- That early memory stayed with her and framed decades of feeling misunderstood until her recent diagnosis.
Diagnosis Journey In Adulthood
- After her daughter was born, Stephanie pursued testing and received an ADHD diagnosis in her mid-30s.
- Later she sought evaluation from a neurodivergent psychologist and was formally diagnosed autistic, which felt validating.
Being Truly Seen Changes Everything
- Meeting an autistic supervisor during her internship made Stephanie feel seen in a way she never had before.
- That recognition helped her realize the depth of lifelong misunderstanding many autistic people experience.