Send us a textWhat if the world hurt you a little more than it hurts others? We start from that sensitivity to explain autism as a valid way of being—one with real challenges and deep strengths. From early signs to adulthood, we share a practical roadmap for understanding what’s happening inside the nervous system and how to adjust the environment so the person feels safe, seen, and capable.We talk about early signs, about masking—what many girls and highly observant people learn in order to fit in—and the cost it can take in anxiety, burnout, and emotional exhaustion. We define a meltdown as an overload response, not an act of manipulation, and we detail what to do in the moment: lower stimulation, talk less, offer a calm space, and stay present. Then we show how to identify triggers like hunger, fatigue, noise, or unexpected changes—and why the question “What is this trying to communicate?” opens more doors than “Why are they doing this?”At school, we suggest supports that can transform the day: visual schedules, step-by-step instructions, advance warnings, breaks, headphones, sensory tools, and a safe place to regulate. At home, we replace guilt with information and perfection with presence: when the family understands, the home becomes a base of calm. We describe intervention goals centered on functional communication, emotional regulation, flexibility, authentic social skills, and self-esteem—along with coordinating with the school and addressing sensory needs. We also cover common co-occurring experiences such as ADHD, anxiety, sleep issues, and selective eating, with realistic plans that include sleep hygiene, movement, and clear language for asking for help or a break.If you’re an adult and you suspect you may be on the spectrum, we explore how an evaluation can bring relief and a new script: it wasn’t laziness—it was neurodiversity. We close by remembering that a person’s worth doesn’t depend on camouflage, but on what can bloom when they feel safe. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and tell us what small adjustment changed your day. Your experience might guide another family today.Support the showTuSaludMental.net

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