Radio Headspace Autism, Unmasking, and Living Authentically, with Taylor Heaton
Dec 7, 2025
In a compelling conversation, Taylor Heaton, an autism educator and founder of Mom on the Spectrum, shares her journey of diagnosing autism at 31. She discusses the importance of unmasking, explaining how sensory needs and stimming play crucial roles in regulation. Taylor challenges stigma by reframing autism as a valid identity rather than something to fix, emphasizing community support and the power of shared experiences. Her insights encourage curiosity and kindness towards neurodivergent individuals, fostering a more understanding world.
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Late Diagnosis As A Turning Point
- Taylor Heaton describes realizing she was autistic after a college friend’s diagnosis opened her perspective and felt like a key fitting a lock.
- She pursued assessment at 31 and says the diagnosis made her feel seen though it didn’t change who she is.
Sensory Needs And Hidden Stimming
- Taylor shares sensory preferences: she avoids overhead lights, needs solitude, and must recharge after social events.
- She also explains that many late-diagnosed adults suppress stimming because others criticized it.
Autism As A Different Way Of Being
- Taylor reframes autism as a different valid way of processing the world rather than something to pity or fix.
- She compares accommodations to wheelchair ramps: small changes let autistic people participate fully.
