Being Autistic in a Neurotypical World is a Balancing Act

It’s no wonder we’re often *this close* to burnout.

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Navigating life as someone autistic comes with its unique set of challenges — something I’ve come to understand deeply in adulthood.

Even after receiving my diagnosis, I have often found myself trying to comply with neurotypical norms, because after all, we live in a predominantly neurotypical world.

For me, balancing my needs with the needs of others around me is a balancing act. Sometimes, it feels like I’m constantly managing my “spoons.”

For those of you who might not be familiar with Spoon Theory, it’s a way to describe the limited energy available to those of us with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Each activity, big or small, takes up a “spoon,” and once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Most of the time, it feels like I’m running low on spoons. Working a full-time job adds another layer to this equation, making it crucial for me to manage my energy wisely.

So, while on the surface it might seem like I’ve got everything under control, underneath it all, there are things I find challenging in relation to being autistic that many people often don’t really see.

That’s why I wanted to write this blog post. It’s not just a space for me to share…