Samantha Stein, author of "So You Think You’re Autistic" and host of "Yo Samdy Sam," shares her personal journey to discovering her autism. She discusses creating a workbook to help others understand their diagnoses. The conversation dives into sensory processing, the struggles of masking, and the emotional complexities of disclosing autism to loved ones. Samantha also highlights how intersectionality impacts autistic experiences, emphasizing the importance of representation and understanding in discussions around neurodiversity.
Samantha Stein emphasizes the importance of personal reflection and understanding through her workbook to aid those questioning their autism identity.
The podcast discusses how sensory processing differences, including interoception, significantly impact the daily experiences and self-awareness of autistic individuals.
Deep dives
Understanding Autism Diagnoses
Many individuals discover their autism through personal experiences that highlight their differences, often feeling lost or confused about their identities. One guest shared that during her psychology studies, she initially resonated more with borderline personality disorder due to the narrow stereotypes of autism she encountered. After becoming a mother and facing challenges related to executive functioning, she started uncovering characteristics that hinted at autism, including the phenomenon of masking her true self. This personal journey underlined the importance of accessing a diagnosis for clarity and validation, especially when understanding the unique presentation of autism in different individuals.
The Role of Sensory Processing
Sensory processing, particularly beyond the traditional five senses, plays a crucial role in understanding the experiences of autistic individuals. The discussion highlights lesser-known senses, such as interoception, which affects how individuals perceive internal bodily sensations. For instance, someone with heightened interoception may experience anxiety due to an acute awareness of slight changes in heart rate, while others might struggle to recognize basic bodily needs, like thirst or hunger. Understanding these diverse sensory processing traits can promote self-acceptance and improve strategies for navigating day-to-day experiences.
Imposter Syndrome and Autism
Imposter syndrome is frequently felt by late-diagnosed autistic individuals who may struggle to reconcile their identity with societal perceptions of autism. This phenomenon often manifests as feelings of not being 'authentic' enough or questioning the validity of their diagnoses compared to those with more visible needs. Such feelings can be exacerbated by societal comparisons that suggest higher-functioning autistic individuals detract from the experiences of those with more profound challenges. Addressing imposter syndrome is essential in fostering self-acceptance and ensuring that all experiences within the autism spectrum are acknowledged and validated.
Navigating Disclosure of Autism
When sharing their autism diagnosis with family and friends, individuals are encouraged to consider their motivations and desired outcomes. It's important to approach these conversations with clarity about what one needs, whether it be support or validation from loved ones. This proactive strategy can help avoid disappointment from misunderstood reactions and foster better communication. Simplifying the information shared by focusing on relatable traits may also facilitate understanding and bridge the gap for family members who may not be well-versed in autism.
In this episode I’m talking with Samantha Stein, author of So You Think You’re Autistic, A Workbook for the Confused Person Who's Just Trying to Figure Things Out and host of the popular YouTube channel Yo Samdy Sam. Samantha talks about her experience learning she’s autistic and how it led to a book for readers to reflect on and work through their thoughts and questions about autism. A must-read!
Links: So You Think You’re Autistic, A workbook for the confused person who's just trying to figure things out https://mybook.to/thinkyoureautistic