Episode 190: The Hidden World of Autistic Women with Julie Bjelland, LMFT
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Host: Julie Bjelland
Episode Summary:
In this episode of the HSP and Neurodivergent podcast, psychotherapist Julie Bjelland delves deep into the hidden world of autistic women, aiming to illuminate the unique challenges and strengths that have not been well understood until now. A significant focus is placed on the reality that many autistic women remain undiagnosed, often due to the subtle and internalized nature of their experiences.
Julie shares profound insights from her personal journey and professional assessments, emphasizing how these experiences can profoundly impact personal identity and societal interaction. The discussion explores the concept of the "supercomputer brain" that many autistic women possess, which allows them to rapidly process enormous amounts of information and maintain an intense focus on subjects of interest. This capability, however, is often accompanied by a challenging mismatch between their intellectual ambitions and physical energy levels, a disparity that can lead to significant frustration and burnout.
The discussion also addresses the necessity for adaptive environments that cater to the unique needs of autistic women—spaces where they can control sensory inputs and manage their energy more effectively. Julie discusses the societal pressures that lead to masking, where autistic women feel compelled to hide their true selves to fit into societal norms, which can diminish their sense of self-worth and lead to isolation.
Throughout the episode, Julie advocates for a greater understanding and acceptance of the differences that autistic women face. She invites listeners to join her Autistic Women's Group, providing a platform for connection and mutual support, and shares resources and courses designed to help manage energy and prevent burnout.
This enlightening discussion seeks to educate and empower listeners by validating the experiences of autistic women, encouraging them to embrace their unique attributes without shame. By exploring the hidden world of autistic women, Julie Bjelland helps to foster a community where autistic women can thrive by being their authentic selves.
Key Points Discussed:
Supercomputer Brain: Autistic women often possess a high intelligence that allows them to process vast amounts of information quickly and have an intense focus on a wide range of topics.
Energy and Ambition Misalignment: A recurring theme among autistic women is the mismatch between physical energy levels and mental ambitions, leading to frustration and burnout.
Feeling Flawed and Different: Many autistic women feel flawed from childhood due to societal expectations, leading to feelings of isolation and the need to mask their true selves.
Emotional and Sensory Regulation Challenges: Autistic women often face significant challenges with emotional expression and sensory overload, which can result in misunderstandings in personal relationships.
Communication and Social Preferences: Clear, direct, and honest communication is preferred, and many autistic women value deep connections with a few people over larger social groups.
Importance of Alone Time: Alone time is crucial for autistic women to recharge and manage their sensitivities, emphasizing the need for self-care without guilt.
Invitation to Join the Autistic Women's Group: Julie invites listeners to join her Autistic Women's Group for support and to share experiences, with links provided in the show notes.
Research and Resources: Julie shares insights from ongoing research into the phenotype of autistic women, discussing common challenges like overstimulation, burnout, and unique health issues. She encourages listeners to explore resources on her website and participate in her courses for managing energy levels and enhancing well-being.
Listener Engagement: Through the podcast's website, listeners are encouraged to provide feedback and share their own experiences related to the episode's topics.
Conclusion: The episode aims to foster greater understanding and acceptance of the unique experiences of autistic women, advocating for self-compassion and recognition of their strengths and challenges.
Resources Mentioned:
Autistic Women's Group (Free group inside the private Sensitive Empowerment Community). Join Here
Website Links:
I’m Julie Bjelland, LMFT
Licensed Psychotherapist, author, and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, specializing in high sensitivity and adult-diagnosed autism in women. I love developing tools that balance our sensitive nervous system, reduce challenges, and help us reach our fullest potential so we may excel in our unique talents. I’ve created a global hub of extensive support, including online courses, the Sensitive Empowerment Community—a nurturing sanctuary—a globally top-ranked podcast, articles, free webinars, and more. My passion is helping create a world where differences are embraced as strengths and celebrated. Learn more at JulieBjelland.com
In this episode, Julie Bjelland and Willow McIntosh explore the pain of being misunderstood, the joy in finding belonging, and the transformative power of self-acceptance and honoring one’s true self as a sensitive and neurodivergent person.