Verified by Psychology Today

The Forgotten Women

An autistic counselor’s perspective.

Autism
What Is It Like to Be an Autistic Mother?

Jessica L Penot LPC-S on March 27, 2024

A Personal Perspective: Although moms of autistic kids and their hardships often take the spotlight, the experiences of autistic mothers are also important. 

A Personal Perspective: Although moms of autistic kids and their hardships often take the spotlight, the experiences of autistic mothers are also important. 

Autism
The Tragic Truth About Sexual Abuse and Autism

Jessica L Penot LPC-S on March 26, 2024

A Personal Perspective: The majority of autistic women describe having some history of sexual abuse. We should begin looking at how we can stop this alarming trend.

A Personal Perspective: The majority of autistic women describe having some history of sexual abuse. We should begin looking at how we can stop this alarming trend.

Suicide is far too common in autistic adults.
Autism
Why Suicide Is All Too Common Among Autistic Adults

Jessica L Penot LPC-S on March 3, 2024

Suicide rates are extremely high among autistic adults. Reevaluating the way workplaces, families, and friends relate to the support needs of autistic adults might be the answer.

Suicide rates are extremely high among autistic adults. Reevaluating the way workplaces, families, and friends relate to the support needs of autistic adults might be the answer.

Autism
Communities Built on Neurodiversity Shine

Jessica L Penot LPC-S on January 1, 2024

Personal Perspective: Communities with high autism rates like Silicon Valley and Huntsville, Alabama are taking the lead in technological and artistic innovation.

Personal Perspective: Communities with high autism rates like Silicon Valley and Huntsville, Alabama are taking the lead in technological and artistic innovation.

Autism
The Power of Group and Belonging for Autistic Adults

Jessica L Penot LPC-S on December 1, 2023

A Personal Perspective: How peer-led support groups can offer a safe place for autistic adults to be themselves, unmask, and discover their authentic selves.

A Personal Perspective: How peer-led support groups can offer a safe place for autistic adults to be themselves, unmask, and discover their authentic selves.

Autism
Love Is a Battlefield for People With Autism

Jessica L Penot LPC-S on October 28, 2023

Some adults with autism have histories of trauma and intimate partner violence. Working towards building community resources to reduce this matters.

Some adults with autism have histories of trauma and intimate partner violence. Working towards building community resources to reduce this matters.

Autism
Why Unmasking Is Critical for Autistic People

Jessica L Penot LPC-S on September 17, 2023

Many autistic people are taught to hide their autistic traits so they can be accepted by society. This act, called masking, can cause many mental health struggles.

Many autistic people are taught to hide their autistic traits so they can be accepted by society. This act, called masking, can cause many mental health struggles.

Autism
What It's Like to Live With Alexithymia

Jessica L Penot LPC-S on August 2, 2023

People with alexithymia have difficulty understanding and expressing their emotions. This can make it difficult to communicate with others, form relationships, or cope with stress.

People with alexithymia have difficulty understanding and expressing their emotions. This can make it difficult to communicate with others, form relationships, or cope with stress.

Autism
What Is an Autistic Meltdown?

Jessica L Penot LPC-S on July 20, 2023

An autistic meltdown is an intense response to overwhelming sensory or emotional stimuli. Understanding them is vital for autistic people and their loved ones.

An autistic meltdown is an intense response to overwhelming sensory or emotional stimuli. Understanding them is vital for autistic people and their loved ones.

Autism
Is Autism a Superpower?

Jessica L Penot LPC-S on July 6, 2023

Although autism can be a superpower, the truth is that autism is amazingly complex, and that autistic people are neither inferior nor superior to alltistics.

Although autism can be a superpower, the truth is that autism is amazingly complex, and that autistic people are neither inferior nor superior to alltistics.

Autism
The Beauty of Autism

Jessica L Penot LPC-S on June 18, 2023

A Personal Perspective: Especially in environments where masking isn't necessary, being an autistic adult can be wonderful.

A Personal Perspective: Especially in environments where masking isn't necessary, being an autistic adult can be wonderful.

Autism
Why an Autism Diagnosis in Adults Matters

Jessica L Penot LPC-S on May 21, 2023

Adults with Undiagnosed autism struggle with relationships, employment, and mental health. Getting an official diagnosis can help improve quality of life.

Adults with Undiagnosed autism struggle with relationships, employment, and mental health. Getting an official diagnosis can help improve quality of life.

Autism
The Reality of Adults With Autism

Jessica L Penot LPC-S on April 21, 2023

Personal Perspective: Social and communication deficits often lead adults with autism to have chains of unhealthy and abusive friendships and relationships.

Personal Perspective: Social and communication deficits often lead adults with autism to have chains of unhealthy and abusive friendships and relationships.

Autism
The New Language of Autism

Jessica L Penot LPC-S on March 15, 2023

Online communities of adults with autism are creating a new culture focused on empowerment. Here is some of the new language growing in these communities.

Online communities of adults with autism are creating a new culture focused on empowerment. Here is some of the new language growing in these communities.