After Bedtime with Big Little Feelings Autism in Parenting: Embracing Who We Are, Not Fixing What We're Not
Aug 20, 2025
Delve into the heartfelt journeys of late-diagnosed autistic parents as they share personal experiences and challenges. Discover the complexities of neurodiversity and the importance of self-acceptance. They candidly discuss decision-making pressures and sensory sensitivities while navigating parenting. Explore imaginative coping mechanisms from childhood and the dynamics of social interactions. With an emphasis on empathy and clear communication, they share strategies for managing emotions, reminding listeners that being different is something to embrace.
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Late Diagnosis Uncovers Lifelong Patterns
- Deena describes her months-long diagnostic journey that ended with an autism level 1 diagnosis after questionnaires and interviews.
- She credits Kristen for sparking her evaluation and finally finding a framework that made childhood patterns make sense.
Surprising Dual Diagnosis
- Tyler recounts completing endless questionnaires and getting assessed for autism and ADHD, which felt both validating and surprising.
- The clinician told him he had autism plus a combined-type ADHD, explaining long-standing executive function struggles.
Spiky Ball Model Of Neurodiversity
- Tyler reframes autism from a linear scale to a multi-dimensional 'spiky ball' where traits vary independently.
- This model highlights why two autistic people can share traits but experience them in very different combinations.
