Recently I saw a tiktok featuring an autistic woman asking the 15% of working autistics (studies show only 15-30% of autistic adults are able to hold any kind of employment) how they did it. How were they able to manage their autism in such a way that allowed them to work? The overwhelming response was, “We don’t.” Person after person responded saying they are barely holding it together. I myself am constantly feeling like I am on the edge of burnout and often find myself asking how long can I keep this up?

As part of the neurodivergent community, autistics process sensory information differently than neurotypicals. For many autistics, sensory input can be overwhelming and cause discomfort, leading to a range of negative physical and emotional reactions. Sensory-friendly environments can make a huge difference in the quality of life for autistic individuals by reducing stress and allowing them to engage with the world around them more comfortably.

Inclusive spaces strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, including people with different support needs. However, accommodating conflicting support needs can be challenging. What happens when one person's need conflicts with another person's need? How can we create a space that supports everyone?

As someone with executive dysfunction, I've always had trouble with organization, planning, and completing tasks. It's like my brain is a jumbled mess of thoughts and ideas, and it's hard to make sense of it all. I've tried different strategies over the years, but nothing seemed to work for me.