Beyond Stereotypes: How Therapy Can Support Autistic Adults to Thrive

Authur: Elisha Lloyd, Psychotherapist & Expressive Art Therapist, MBG Clinic CA office

Despite growing awareness, many people still hold a narrow understanding of autism—shaped largely by outdated portrayals in media and limited public dialogue. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in utero and uniquely impacts how an individual perceives, processes, and responds to the world—not just in childhood, but across the lifespan.

While autistic individuals often share some overlapping characteristics, no two experiences are identical. As the saying goes, “If you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person.” Each person brings a deeply personal and valid expression of their identity to the world.

🧠 What Makes Autistic Neurology Unique?

In my work as an autism specialist, one common thread I’ve observed is that autistic individuals often absorb and process more information than their neurotypical peers. This is due to heightened activity across cognitive and sensorimotor systems.

This incredible neurology often comes with exceptional strengths:

  • 🎨 Creativity and divergent thinking

  • 🔍 Intense focus and deep subject knowledge

  • 💡 Innovative ideas and unique problem-solving approaches

But with those strengths often comes a hidden cost: sensory overwhelm and autistic burnout—especially when the demands of daily life exceed their nervous system’s capacity.

⚠️ The Hidden Strain: Burnout from Living in a Neurotypical World

Many of my clients describe a daily sense of chaos from simply interacting with the world. They often feel a heaviness or wall-like sensation, brought on by the need to:

  • Manage constant sensory input

  • Navigate personal tasks and work responsibilities

  • Juggle social norms and emotional expectations

And all of this happens while trying to conform to a world that wasn’t built for their neurology.

🎭 What Is Masking—and Why Does It Matter?

Masking is the act of concealing natural behaviors, emotions, or communication styles in order to appear more “typical.” For autistic people, this might look like:

  • Suppressing stimming (self-regulating movements)

  • Altering natural speech patterns

  • Mimicking neurotypical social behaviors

  • Hiding discomfort, fatigue, or sensory pain

Masking is not deception. It is a survival strategy developed to fit into a world that often misunderstands or stigmatizes difference.

But masking comes at a high cost:
Over time, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, identity confusion, and long-term mental and physical health challenges.

Recent research has linked chronic masking with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout among autistic adults—especially those who are undiagnosed or late-diagnosed.

💬 Why “Looking Typical” Isn’t the Goal

Unfortunately, many therapeutic models still focus on helping autistic individuals appear more socially acceptable—rather than supporting them in understanding and honoring their true needs.

But true support doesn’t mean “fixing” someone.
It means listening, validating, and helping them thrive as their authentic self.

🧩 My Approach as an Autism Specialist

In my practice, I focus on:

  • 🧠 Neurodiversity-affirming care

  • 💛 Self-awareness and self-advocacy tools

  • 🌿 Nervous system support & sensory regulation

  • 🗣️ Safe spaces for unmasking and identity exploration

As an autism specialist, I focus on providing my clients with tools rooted in understanding, validation, building self-awareness and self-advocacy, and nervous system support. My goal is to help them navigate the world in a way that honors their unique neurology, reduces overwhelm, and fosters well-being rather than asking them to hide who they are.

🔄 It’s Time to Broaden the Conversation

My hope is to broaden the conversation around autism and start listening to autistic voices. The more we truly listen to autistic voices, the more equipped we are to show up—not just as clinicians or educators—but as fellow humans.

If you or someone you love is autistic and seeking support that honors difference rather than erases it, know that compassionate, individualized help is available.

Here are some wonderful resources on autism：

Starting with an article by Nick Walker who shares a holistic definition of autism

A book by Devon Price that explores “Masked Autism,” and what presentation of autism most often leads to adult diagnosis

Here is AASPIRE’s guide to connecting with the Autistic community

A great article by Sarah DeWeerdt that explains autistic burnout

Another illuminating article on autistic burnout by Dr. Neff, this one includes a helpful workbook


Written by Elisha Lloyd, a psychotherapist and expressive art therapist working for the MBG clinic.If you or a loved one is seeking support from an autism specialist who values neurodiversity, learn more about working with Elisha Lloyd here.


This article is brought to you by Mind & Body Garden Psychology —- Psychological services available in multiple languages (English, Mandarin, Cantonese): 650-434-2563 (Voicemail only); admin@mindbodygarden.com. We are out-of-network providers, HSA/FSA accepted. Send us a text message on the phone, or call us and leave a voicemail.


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