The Course: Adult Autism 101
Exploring the realm of late-identified autism is like unlocking a long-hidden door to self-understanding. This course is your companion on a transformative journey, designed to empower adults who've recently discovered they're on the autism spectrum.
We'll navigate through the complexities of self-discovery, address the emotional rollercoaster you might be on, and explore strategies for harnessing your unique abilities. Think of it as a road map, offering insights on how to communicate needs, build on strengths, and tailor your environment to thrive.
Living authentically is LIBERATING, and that's what we're aiming for here. By the end of this course, the practical knowledge you'll gain is going to change the game for your personal and professional lives. You'll walk away with a toolkit brimming with resources to carve out a life that not only accepts but celebrates your autistic identity.
So, let's decode the social myths, focus on self-advocacy, and construct a space where your neurodiversity isn't just welcome—but you have an entire tribe waiting to meet you.
What you will learn
When creating this journey for you, I focused on crafting an experience that not only helps illuminate the multifaceted aspects of late-identified autism but also emphasizes the uniqueness and strengths it brings into your life. Think of it as a guide through a newly discovered part of who you are, designed with clear signposts and rest stops along the way.
Each module has been carefully structured to give you the tools and knowledge to navigate social intricacies, sensory sensitivities, and self-advocacy, all while fostering a sense of community and understanding.
This is a safe space for exploration and growth where you can connect with others who share similar experiences. And you know what? It's going to be incredibly rewarding, because you'll learn ways to thrive that are tailor-made for the way your brain works – how cool is that? Plus, everything's laid out in an easy-to-follow format, allowing you to progress at your own pace.
It's about transforming challenges into stepping stones for success, and I'm here to guide you through every step.
Curriculum
- The Emotional Amusement Park
- Why an Amusement Park?
- Surprise and Curiosity: "So THAT Explains It!"
- Resentment and Bitterness: "Why Me?"
- Anger and Frustration: "Why Did Everyone Assume I Was Just a Good Pretender?"
- Confusion and Overwhelm: "Is There an Adulting Manual for Autistic Adults?"
- Belief and Validation: "So I'm Not Just a Quirky Collecter of Random Facts?"
- Grief and Loss: "I've Been Playing Life On Hard Mode without the Cheat Codes!"
- Hope and Empowerment: "Autistic and Awesome—Unlocking My Life's Easter Eggs"
- Isolation and Loneliness: "Am I the Only One?"
- Pride and Acceptance: "This Is Who I Am"
- Enlightenment and Transformation: "I See the World Differently Now"
- The Grand Finale
- The Warm-Up Act: Learning the Vocabulary of Your Journey
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Neurodiversity (ND)
- Neurotypical (NT)
- Stim/Stimming
- Sensory Overload
- Executive Functioning
- Special Interests
- Masking
- Meltdowns
- Burnout
- Asperger's Syndrome
- Echolalia
- Alexithymia
- Theory of Mind
- Social Reciprocity
- Co-Occurring Conditions
- Sensory Diet
- Visual Supports
- Inclusion
- Neuroplasticity
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
- The Double Empathy Problem
- Monotropism
- Shutdowns
- Autistic Inertia
- Social Imagination
- Selective Mutism
- Scripts/Scripting
- POTS
- Hyperlexia
- Proprioception
- Vestibular System
- Cognitive Load
- Autistic Pride
- Dyscalculia
- Synaesthesia
- Mic Drop Moment
- The Big Hello: Unraveling the Myths
- Myth vs. Fact about Late-Identified Adult Autism
- Deep Dive Into Diagnostic Criteria and Process
- Real-Life Experiences of Late-Identified Autistic Adults
- Navigating Relationships and Social Interaction
- Employment and Workplace Accommodations
- Mental Health and Well-Being
- Sensory Sensitivities and Coping Mechanisms
- Building a Support Network
- Advocating for Yourself and Others
- Myths and Media Representation
- Legal Rights and Resources
- Practical Daily Living Skills
- The Final Curtain
- The Jumpstart Junction
- Autism and Traditional Healing Practices
- The Role of Religion and Spirituality in Autism Support
- Language Barriers and Communication Challenges
- Culturally Responsive Educational Practices
- Navigating Identity: Autistic Adults in Multicultural Families
- Intersectional Research and Its Impact on Support Services
- Mental Health and Well-being in Diverse Cultural Contexts
- Family and Community Support Systems in Diverse Cultures
- Case Studies and Real-World Applications of Cultural Sensitivity
- Policy and Advocacy for Culturally Inclusive Support
- Communication Styles and Social Norms Across Cultures
- Building Inclusive Communities: Practical Applications
- Technology and Accessibility in Diverse Cultures
- Employment and Workplace Inclusivity Across Cultures
- Legal Rights and Protections for Autistic Adults in Different Countries
- Supporting Autistic Adults in Crisis Situations Across Cultures
- Parenting Autistic Children in Multicultural Contexts
- Celebrating Cultural Diversity in the Autistic Community
- Final Thoughts Fiesta
Your Instructor
Angela Walker aka Autistic Ang is known for her widely popular podcast Adulthood. . . with a chance of autism. She also writes regularly about all things adult autism—on Substack, Quora, LinkedIn, and Reddit—and has a Public Journal series on Amazon.
She brings a rich blend of knowledge and empathy to her role as the creator and lead teacher of Adult Autism 101: The Ultimate Guide for Newly Identified Adults. With over two years of experience living as a late-identified autistic adult, Autistic Ang has dedicated her life to fostering environments where neurodiversity is not only understood but genuinely celebrated. Her research and hands-on experience in developing inclusive educational frameworks have positioned her as a trusted advocate and educator in the field of autism spectrum understanding.
Autistic Ang's journey has been fueled by her unwavering commitment to support those who come to recognize their autistic traits later in life. This same drive led to the development of this course, designed to help late-identified adults navigate their unique paths with clarity and confidence.
Autistic Ang's approach is deeply informed by her ongoing collaborations with autistic communities, as well as her dedication to staying abreast of the latest advancements in autism research. Participants in the course benefit from her compassionate guidance, as she aims to empower them to embrace their identities and harness their distinct talents in a world that is learning to appreciate the richness of neurodiversity.
Transformative
Discovering a New Perspective on Your Late-Identified Autism
Illuminating
Shining a Light on Autism's Unique Gifts in Adulthood
Empowering
Harnessing Your Authentic Self after an Adult Autism Discovery