How to Unmask with Friends When You’re Afraid of Being Perceived as “Difficult”

In the realm of neurodivergent women relationships, unmasking with friends can be scary. How to navigate this when your authentic self has been labeled “difficult.” The story. It was after my first year of college. I was home for the summer, lying in bed around midnight after waking up a few minutes earlier. I was … Read more

Menopause Brain Fog or Autistic Burnout? How to Tell the Difference (And Why It Matters)

The difference between menopause brain fog and autistic burnout is an important distinction. Here’s what you need to know in order to reclaim your life. I thought it was just hormones. I’d been trying so hard. For thirteen years, I’d tried to be a good teacher. Then when I got married, tried to be a … Read more

You’re Not Getting Worse: Why Menopause Makes Masking Impossible (and that’s okay)

Autistic or ADHD traits seeming to get more intense after 40? Menopause and neurodivergent masking don’t mix. Read on for why this happens, and what you can do to feel better. My story of menopause and neurodivergent masking colliding. As I wiped my eyes and took deep breaths, I stood from the chair in the … Read more

“You’ve Changed!” How to Talk Your Spouse When Masking Breaks Down

In the realm of neurodivergent women relationships,* we’ve discussed how to simplify life by making tweaks with how you relate to other people. We’ve talked about setting boundaries, and issues related to marriage when both parties are neurodivergent. But what about when one of you turns out to be neurodivergent years after getting married, but … Read more