In this episode of Unlearning Autism, Christine reflects on the profound role of Autistic community and why connection with other Autistic people can feel so deeply regulating, validating, and life-changing.

She explores the difference between being understood and being understood without explanation — the relief of hearing someone speak aloud an experience you thought was uniquely yours. Christine reflects on masking, misattunement, exhaustion, and the lifelong experience many Autistic people have of feeling “too much” or “not enough” in predominantly allistic spaces.

This episode also explores:
✨ Why Autistic spaces can feel energising rather than draining
✨ The nervous system impact of constantly translating yourself
✨ The difference between connection and misattunement
✨ The vulnerability of stepping into community after years of adapting
✨ What happens when your way of being becomes the norm rather than the exception

At its heart, this is an episode about belonging, recognition, and the quiet freedom of no longer having to explain yourself.