Autistic Women and Friendship: I Missed Your Social Cue, But I Still Love You
In this episode of "Femme on the Spectrum", Elizabeth opens up about the intricacies of friendships for autistic women, uncovering how they require deep, meaningful connections and value honesty and loyalty. She delves into the concept of 'masking' and how it can be overwhelming due to the constant effort to appear 'normal' in social settings. Elizabeth gives advice on how to directly communicate neurodivergent needs, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and not apologizing for personal needs. The significance of neurodivergent friendships outside the traditional mold is highlighted, with stress on the quality, respect, and compatibility they bring. Lastly, Elizabeth underlines that neurodivergent individuals should be transparent about their needs, establish their boundaries, replace sorry with an explanation of their feelings, and celebrate their uniqueness instead of assimilating.