Should you tell people you’re autistic or keep your diagnosis private? For many autistic adults, disclosure is one of the hardest decisions after diagnosis. It can bring relief, connection, and freedom… or confusion and disappointment. On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast, Dr. Quarto talks about why disclosure is such an emotionally charged decision and how it connects to identity, safety, and living more authentically. You’ll learn five key things to consider before telling someone you’re autistic, including how to tell if a person is emotionally safe, how to check your own readiness, and how to decide what - and how much - you want to share. This episode is for autistic adults who want to live more honestly, protect their well-being, and make decisions that truly fit who they are. And if this episode speaks to you, check out Dr. Quarto’s upcoming online course: Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult. (https://chrisquarto.com/online-courses/)

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults that Dr. Quarto mentioned during the podcast episode?  It’s finally done!!  The title of the course is “Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult” and while it's designed for newly diagnosed autistic folks any autistic person will benefit from the content and experiences. Shoot Dr. Quarto an e-mail to learn more about the course: [email protected]

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast Dr. Quarto reviews the results of an informal survey in which autistic adults were asked to specify what prevents them from taking off their “mask” as an autistic person.  Listen now and take one step closer to understanding your authentic self. And if this episode speaks to you, check out Dr. Quarto’s upcoming online course: Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult.

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults that Dr. Quarto mentioned during the podcast episode?  It’s getting closer to being done!!  The title of the course is “Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult” and while it's designed for newly diagnosed autistic folks (i.e., diagnosed within the past few years) any autistic person will benefit from the content and experiences. Shoot Dr. Quarto an e-mail to be placed on a waiting list to be notified about the course when it is done which will likely be in fall 2025 or early winter 2026: [email protected]

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast Dr. Quarto discusses how often depression occurs among autistic adults, factors that contribute to depression (and what keeps it going) and practical ways to deal with it.  Listen and find out things that you might not have known about this all too common mental health condition!

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults that Dr. Quarto mentioned during the podcast episode?  It’s getting closer to being done!!  The title of the course is “Unmasked: Living Authentically as an Autistic Adult” and while it's designed for newly diagnosed autistic folks any autistic person will benefit from the content and experiences. Shoot Dr. Quarto an e-mail to be placed on a waiting list to be notified about the course when it is done which will likely be in fall 2025 or early winter 2026: [email protected]

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast Dr. Quarto discusses the prevalence of anxiety among autistic adults, past experiences that set the stage for the development of anxiety, what “fuels” it, and practical strategies to cope with it.  Listen and find out things that you might not have known about this all too common mental health condition!

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults that Dr. Quarto mentioned during the podcast episode?  It’s getting closer to being done!!  If so, send him an e-mail to be placed on a waiting list to be notified about the course when it is done which will likely be in fall 2025: [email protected]

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast Dr. Quarto talks about how pets help autistic people based on research and what autistic people have expressed about them on Facebook group discussion posts.  In addition, he touches on how the Anchor Framework can be used in conjunction with pets to help deal with emotional overwhelm, procrastination and socializing.  Listen to this podcast episode to find out if it aligns with your experiences with pets!

Join Dr. Quarto’s Adult Autism Spectrum Disorder Community: A Spectrum of Uniqueness Facebook community by clicking on this link:  https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CTRjFsdK9/

Once you log on to the Facebook group scroll down until you find the picture of the cute kitten and answer the question, “What kind of pet do you have and how do they help you in life?”  Also, post a pic of your pet!

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults that Dr. Quarto mentioned during the podcast episode?  If so, send him an e-mail to be placed on a waiting list to be notified about the course when it is done which will likely be in fall 2025: [email protected]

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast Darren Frye, an autistic person, discusses his struggles with addiction and ideas as to how autistic people who struggle with addiction can help themselves.  Listen to this podcast episode and learn more about how addiction is a formidable enemy, but one that is defeatable with ongoing effort.

Here are some resources that are discussed in the podcast episode and some additional resources:

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

* Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults that Dr. Quarto mentioned during the podcast episode?  If so, send him an e-mail to be placed on a waiting list to be notified about the course when it is done which will likely be in fall 2025: [email protected]

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast Jennifer Gerlach, LCSW, discusses the challenges of forming an identity as an autistic adolescent, how masking figures into this equation, and factors that assist these adolescents in developing their identities including special interests.  Listen to this podcast episode and learn more about how identity formation is a key element that helps autistic teens launch into adulthood.

Find out more about Jennifer Gerlach by visiting her website: https://truestorycounseling.com/

Click here to access the blog post written by Jennifer, “Autism, Adolescence, and the Creation of an Identity:”  https://tinyurl.com/3ura4634

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults that Dr. Quarto mentioned during the podcast episode?  If so, send him an e-mail to be placed on a waiting list to be notified about the course when it is done which will likely be in fall 2025: [email protected]

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast Jeffery Bernstein, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist discusses the challenges of parenting a young adult autistic child who lives in the home and what it’s like for the autistic person as they navigate forward into adulthood. Listen to this podcast episode and find out how both parent and child can successfully move into this next phase of life.

* Find out more about Dr. Bernstein by visiting his website: https://www.drjeffonline.com/

* Click here to access the blog post written by Dr. Bernstein, “The Three Challenges for Parents of Adult Children With Autism:”  https://tinyurl.com/4amkxstn

* The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

* Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

* Your uniqueness is AWESOME!!

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast Dr. Quarto puts on his “teacher hat” to help you learn and develop skills that comprise the four parts of the Anchor Framework.  If you like hands-on learning experiences then this episode is for you!  You can get a detailed description of the Framework (including how to use it) and other practical tools by signing up for Dr. Quarto’s newsletter – “A Spectrum of Uniqueness.”  Click here to subscribe:

https://chrisquarto.aweb.page/p/516adbd6-3b3f-4362-bd6c-795a51895bc5

Click here to access a picture of the Anchor Framework that you can download and save as wallpaper on your phone, print and place somewhere in your home, car or elsewhere or anything else you want to do with it:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NBEEm_5bhIw-72QlrSLvZDRbXV0xqFKN/view?usp=drive_link

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/

On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast Dr. Quarto addresses challenges you may experience when using the “Anchor Framework” – a 4-step process to help you “anchor down” when autism rocks your boat – and what you can do to address them.  You can get a detailed description of the Framework (including how-to use it) and other practical tools by signing up for Dr. Quarto’s newsletter – “A Spectrum of Uniqueness.”  Click here to subscribe:

https://chrisquarto.aweb.page/p/516adbd6-3b3f-4362-bd6c-795a51895bc5

Click here to access a picture of the Anchor Framework that you can download and save as wallpaper on your phone, print and place somewhere in your home, car or elsewhere or anything else you want to do with it:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NBEEm_5bhIw-72QlrSLvZDRbXV0xqFKN/view?usp=drive_link

The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome!

Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X

* Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd

* Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/