Meet My Autistic Brain

Why Self-Help Fails Autistic People

Jul 14, 2025
Self-help often misses the mark for autistic individuals, causing more harm than good. The discussion reveals the disconnect between mainstream advice and the unique needs of autistics. Listeners are encouraged to seek out resources created by autistic voices, highlighting the importance of tailored strategies. This approach empowers individuals to navigate their challenges more effectively.
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INSIGHT

Self-Help's Neurotypical Bias

  • Self-help often fails autistic people because it is designed for neurotypical brains, expecting fitting into that mold.
  • This mismatch means self-help can backfire, making autistics feel worse rather than empowered.
ANECDOTE

Struggling to Apply Self-Help

  • The Autistic Woman consumed many self-help books before knowing she was autistic but struggled to apply their advice.
  • She could advise others well but felt mortified about her own lack of progress.
INSIGHT

Self-Help Implies Self-Failure

  • Self-help often subtly implies something is fundamentally wrong with autistic people and they must fix it themselves.
  • When improvements don't happen, this message can cause feelings of failure and damage self-esteem.
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