What is it like to be an Autistic woman? What are the signs of Autism in girls? What is dating like for an Autistic woman?

Taylor Heaton (@taylor_heaton_ [https://www.instagram.com/taylor_heaton_/]) is the owner of the popular Autism YouTube channel Mom On The Spectrum which is closing on 40k subscribers at the time of recording. Taylor also coordinates peer support groups and does group and 1-2-1 coaching with Autistic clients across the globe.

Taylor's Links - https://linktr.ee/Hikihttps://linktr.ee/momonthespectrum // My Links - https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK

Diagnosed at 31 with Autism, as well as ADHD and Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Taylor goes into the reasons she started her YouTube channel and how being open on the internet helped her accept and explore her own diagnosis.

They kick off the conversation they dive deep into their experiences at high school, being overachievers and subject to bullying in school, they talk about the manipulation and social harassment they experienced from neurotypical women in their schools. Taylor explains the issues around puberty, particularly the emotional, hormonal and physical changes to women's bodies that can really aggravate someone sensory-wise. 

Mom On The Spectrum talks about her experience of social expectations as a woman in Texas, being expected to host, cater and open her house to people in the area - something I think many Autistic people would find overwhelming. She goes on to talk about the tendency of other women to gossip about others, and how uncomfortable it made her feel to be a part of it.

Maintaining friendships and relationships can be a difficult task for many autistic individuals, especially with a neurotypical partner who doesn't understand the ins and outs of Autism. Thomas and Taylor highlight the issue of managing your own social battery with the needs of people in their lives.

Neurodiverse relationships and dating provide a whole host of difficulties... struggling to navigate flirting, reading cues of interest, managing physical touch needs and double empathy. They both agree that all relationships require lots of communication, but neurodiverse relationships may require a lot more work from both sides.

Song Of The Day (Listen Here) - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5UDIyN5TSYN4zMcRoQPrG8?si=9255ed3480d840b5

Interview me, 1:1 Autism coaching, public speaking for events, workplace training  - https://www.thomashenley.co.uk [https://www.thomashenley.co.uk/]