Highly Sensitive, Autistic, or both? Understanding the Differences with Julie Bjelland, LMFT

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. Resources Mentioned: Autistic Women's Group (Free group inside the private Sensitive Empowerment Community). Join Here The HSP & Neurodivergent Toolbox Course Sensitive Empowerment Community Website Links: Autistic Resources: Quiz, Research, Assessment, Consultations Julie’s Website Podcast Episode Feedback --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/support

In this episode, I discuss the differences that set autism apart from high sensitivity, particularly in women. I highlight the outdated diagnostic criteria for autism and the misdiagnosis or lack of diagnosis in many women. We'll explore the unique characteristics of autistic women, such as the challenges of masking, the need for solitude, and the intense sensitivity across multiple senses. I also emphasize the importance of self-compassion and acceptance for autistic individuals and the need for a neurodiverse society. Resources Mentioned Assessments and Consultations with me: https://www.juliebjelland.com/consultations-with-julie Stay updated! Join my free newsletter https://www.juliebjelland.com/newsletter Product Recommendations: https://www.juliebjelland.com/sensory-friendly Sensitive Empowerment Community SensitiveCommunity.com (Join my Autistic Women's Group within the community too!) Autism Resources (including free Autism Quiz, Assessment and Consultation Info, Research, Surveys, and Education) AutisticHSP.com Recommended Resources: HSPcourses.com Brain Training Course to reduce anxiety, overwhelming emotions, and the fight/flight/freeze over-activation HSP & Neurodiverse Toolbox Course, I share how I balance my nervous system. Blooming Brilliantly Course: Learn self-love and self-compassion. Your Self-Discovery Journey: Spend time with me and others learning who we are and what we need at this stage of life Grow a Heart-Centered Business as an HSP or Autistic Individual. We do things differently! Key Points: Many individuals who identify as highly sensitive may actually be autistic, prompting updates to sensitivity quizzes. Autistic women face hidden challenges. Many of us have feelings of being different and flawed. Autistic women require solitude to reduce overstimulation and restore energy. We tend to experience heightened sensitivity across multiple senses, which can be intense. We prefer communicating honestly and directly, valuing clarity. Accepting an autism diagnosis can lead to reframing experiences and self-compassion. Social gatherings, sudden changes, and small talk can be challenging. Repetitive movements serve as a way to soothe and focus, with fidget tools aiding in this. Written communication may be preferred and eye contact can feel intense and overwhelming. Managing emotions, especially when fatigued, is challenging. We experience high empathy. Building a neurodiverse society that celebrates differences is vital for our well-being. Themes: Unveiling the Hidden Challenges Faced by Autistic Women Navigating Intense Sensory Sensitivity in Autism Understanding Autism in Highly Sensitive Women Unique Special Interests Among Autistic Individuals Overcoming Challenges Stemming From a World Not Setup for Us. Sound Bites Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Change in Podcast Title 01:21 Understanding Autism in Highly Sensitive Women 08:06 The Importance of Solitude and Alone Time 15:00 Navigating the Intense Sensory Sensitivity of Autism 25:27 Reframing Experiences and Finding Self-Compassion 28:23 Challenges in Social Gatherings and Small Talk 33:22 Creating a Neurodiverse Society that Celebrates Differences --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/support

Eli is known for her vibrant use of colour with multiple mediums including acrylic, gouache, ink, pastel, colour pencil, and collage, and as a highly sensitive artist with autism, Eli's work often reflects in-depth emotional themes.  Her work has been featured in public exhibitions and private collections all around the world and she has also mastered the art of showcasing her studio, drawing, painting and creating on video. Eli is on a mission to help artists make money from their art or craft, grow a collector base, grow a business without sacrificing studio time and feel really good about selling their work. The interview features How Eli came to start a business for her art? How being neurodivergent influences her business and creativity? Ways to look after your nervous system when creating and running the business. Tips and hints for sounding more 'natural' and confident when making video. Creating a studio and work environment that is efficient and an inspiration to work in. Exploring the integral nature of business and marketing. Learn more about Eli Trier (website) Take a tour of Eli's studio (You Tube video) Keep In Touch — ELINOR TRIER (elinortrierstudio.com) Elinor Trier Studio | Helping artists & creatives to think like entrepreneurs | Patreon Andrea Weber is the Business Group and Events Co-ordinator for the Sensitive Empowerment Community and founder of Expansive Happiness®. Andrea provides encouragement and practical strategies for environmental sensitivity management through her self-paced program, articles and posts, helping people navigate the day to day challenges of emf, chemical and mold sensitivity.  A love of writing and editing has led to the provision of these additional services for highly sensitive people. Learn more and join our Heart-Centered Business Group --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/support

In this episode, I take you on a deeply personal journey through some of the most challenging phases of my life. I open up about the experience of facing an empty nest, the physical and emotional upheaval brought on by menopause, and the profound insights I gained from understanding how autism impacts me and others who are sensitive. These challenges led me through some dark times, prompting a pivotal moment of self-reflection and a strong commitment to prioritizing my health. This wasn't just about my physical well-being but about embarking on a path of self-discovery and acceptance. By embracing changes and committing to learning more about my internal world, I discovered the nuances of autism and how it resonates with the experiences of sensitive individuals like myself. This episode is more than a story of personal struggle; it's a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of health, and the journey toward understanding myself on a deeper level. Resources Mentioned in Episode The HSP Podcast: HSPpodcast.com Updated Sensitivity Quiz: SensitivityQuiz.com Autism Quiz, Education, Assessments & Consultations: AutisticHSP.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/support

In this insightful presentation, Val discusses how highly sensitive people are making self-employment a viable option. Val addresses the 3 main concerns for people considering self-employment: Money  Marketing Energy Practical strategies are given to break things down into manageable steps, including letting go of all the ‘outside noise’, tuning in to what feels good, and creating that heart-to-heart connection. How we use energy as highly sensitive people is paramount to our well-being and sense of purpose and alignment. Val discusses her own experiences and the importance of visibility, collaboration, and referral. A lot can be learned from the Q&A included in the presentation.Val Nelson is a career and business coach for introverts and highly sensitive people (HSPs) who want meaningful work without the overwhelm. She enjoys helping people clarify their career or self-employment decisions. As an introvert and HSP herself, she used to think self-employment was not for her, yet now enjoys a thriving business and has learned to navigate the myths around what is possible. She believes strongly that living your true purpose is a practical possibility. She helps people through coaching, her small groups, her courses, and her blog. Learn more at ValNelson.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/support

Being an HSP is a blessing, but it can also be exhausting, so a decluttering approach centered around energy management, self-compassion, and gratitude is exactly what we need, and we can create space and opportunities for growth by clearing physical and emotional clutter.   Learn how decluttering as a family can cultivate mindfulness and confidence in kids and be a tool to deepen relationships and create more harmony at home. Meet our Guest Speaker Rebecca Jo Rushdy guides fellow HSPs & Empaths to declutter their hearts, minds, and homes into sanctuaries that spark joy and flow. She was the first platinum KonMari Consultant in Malaysia and in Edinburgh, where she is currently based with her husband and two daughters. You can learn more about Rebecca and her work by visiting www.sparkjoyandflow.com ----- Let Rebecca know how you liked this episode! Visit HSPpodcast.com Join our next live event in the Sensitive Empowerment Community and find an extensive collection of supportive resources for the sensitive and neurodiverse at www.JulieBjelland.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/support

An important area for the well-being of HSPs is self-acceptance. Yet what does this really mean and how do we know when we have a good bearing on it? Self acceptance is one of the greatest foundations of feeling joyful. Conversely, self rejection can be sneaky in how it operates, and a very painful place to operate from, especially as a deep feeling HSP. Join us as we look at what self-acceptance means and how the ‘loving witness’ can become our greatest ally. Join the next live podcast at SensitiveCommunity.com Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is an HSP psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity, the author of The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person, and founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community. Her HSP Podcast ranks among the top 5% of the most shared and followed podcasts worldwide. Julie’s webinars. resources, online courses, and blog have helped millions of HSPs reduce the challenges of living with sensitivity in an overstimulating world. Her greatest joy is helping sensitive people discover their significant value and seeing them share their much-needed gifts with the world. Julie loves connecting in her community and warmly invites you to join this positive, inclusive, sensitive family. Explore her resources and learn how her brain training program reduces anxiety within the first two weeks at JulieBjelland.com❤️🌈❤️ (she/her) Willow McIntosh is the founder of Inluminance and creator of the High Sensory Coaching Program. Unique circumstances during Willow’s childhood led to the burying of his authentic self and complete misalignment to the work he was destined for. He began to carve his own path into understanding how people with sensory processing sensitivity can learn to use their genetic traits to their advantage. As an adult this led to a lifelong enquiry and practise into learning powerful energetic alignment techniques to re-engage with the authentic self. Willow believes that all people with the trait have the ability to tap into a unique skill that draws on a deeper sensory perception. Having successfully facilitated the development of seven figure businesses Willow’s practise has taken him all over the world. Speaking internationally, training in a broad range of fields and facilitating others for more than twenty years. http://highsensoryintelligence.com/ The HSP Podcast is rated in the top 5% most followed and shared globally! Thank you for sharing to help other HSPs! Check out more episodes at HSPpodcast.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/support

I am thrilled to share a special concert with you from Rachelle Jeanty, an international singer-songwriter, keynote speaker, and proud HSP. She toured with Celine Dion, has 4 albums, a Ted Talk, and sold-out concerts worldwide. I love that She’s a listener on The HSP Podcast, and that’s how we connected. We were so honored that She recorded a special concert for us in the Sensitive Empowerment Community, and I wanted to share her voice, gift, and message with HSPs worldwide. She is a wonderful example of using your gifts to share a message to inspire and help others rise. She has such a beautiful voice and spirit and shines brightly. She shares a self-love song, sings affirmations, invites you to join, and shares important messages about listening to your intuition and inner voice. This inspires a path of what is meant for us. You’ll hear her mention gratitude for my efforts to acknowledge and help BIPOC HSPs so our HSP BIPOC listeners know I offer scholarships to my courses and community. We also have a special group within the community called Soul Sanctuary for HSPs of color. Let’s share this with others and imagine we are all coming together A note while listening…Sometimes, there are some moments of silence where she closes her eyes and connects. I invite you to close your eyes during those moments, too. More about Rachelle… For years, Rachelle has been sharing the space of Spirit and Soul with her voice words, her music and her Joy. After a two-year world tour as back vocalist for Celine Dion, and on the road with many others, Rachelle decided to leave the glamour of the music industry in order to fulfill a deeper purpose: discover, nurture and serve her Higher Self and help guide seekers to this dimension within, through the power of music and of meditation. This 20 year path, carved by many triumphs and great defeats, have brought Rachelle to create and present a TEDx talk about intuition and the crucial role it plays in the navigation towards our best existence. Musically, Rachelle also recorded four albums to her name, performed at the United Nations and has sung with the Vienna Boys Choir. For many years, she offered her ‘’Spirit of Joy’’ music & meditation concerts and workshops to hundreds of audiences, in churches, halls and sold out venues of Europe, where she has been living since 2010. Most recently, as her artistry expands, so does her message. Her latest song ‘’BREAK FREE’’ is an anthem, a power funk track and a strong message about breaking the invisible chains hindering Feminine Energy and Female Power to be leading forces in this world. Rachelle’s TEDx Talk Her latest song ‘’BREAK FREE’’ YouTube channels: Spirituality & Meditation Entertainment As you can imagine, Rachelle's schedule is pretty full-on with touring and performing, and we are thrilled for her to record, especially for our community, and make a guest appearance. Rachelle has the most beautiful, soulful voice, and you can hear lots of her music on YouTube and learn more about Rachelle by visiting www.rachellejeanty.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/support

Have you always wondered something about Willow or me? Join us for a fun conversation where you have a chance to get to know us better! Here are some of the questions we answered...  What is your most unusual sensitivity? When did you both realize you had High Sensory gifts, and what were/are they? Have more gifts opened up since you first recognized you had the trait?  How have your sensitivity and empathic abilities changed over the years; are you getting more so or less so? As prominent leaders for the high-sensory global community, how do you see our roles as light-bringers in our new burgeoning world of positivity and growth? Particularly, what roles or manifestations do you have for the near and further future of HSPs? I'd love to hear your thoughts on your experiences of starting new things as a HSP. Like navigating big changes in career, moving somewhere, or becoming a parent. What are some of the things that you do/have done to support yourself as an HSP through these times when there is so much more new information to process and manage internally? Julie & Willow, do you have any tips for coping in a workplace or setting where sensitive people are not valued? (while you are making the move to get out)? Do you ever find yourself in awe of something that you are able to do through your highly unique gifts?  I feel that each of you - in your own unique & special way - is extremely rare in the world of HSPs and are natural leaders for the HSP or High Sensory Movement.  It's gone beyond grass roots to more global now - largely in part the specific work the two of you do together and individually.    Julie - your SEC community has literally changed the world for so many of us HSPs.  Do you often marvel at how far it's come and has it gone beyond your wildest dreams?   Leave comments on this episode and explore more episodes at HSPpodcast.com Join the next live podcast at SensitiveCommunity.com Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is an HSP psychotherapist specializing in high sensitivity, the author of The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person, and founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community. Her HSP Podcast ranks among the top 5% of the most shared and followed podcasts worldwide. Julie’s webinars. resources, online courses, and blog have helped millions of HSPs reduce the challenges of living with sensitivity in an overstimulating world. Her greatest joy is helping sensitive people discover their significant value and seeing them share their much-needed gifts with the world. Julie loves connecting in her community and warmly invites you to join this positive, inclusive, sensitive family. Explore her resources and learn how her brain training program reduces anxiety within the first two weeks at JulieBjelland.com❤️🌈❤️ (she/her) Willow McIntosh is the founder of Inluminance and creator of the High Sensory Coaching Program. Unique circumstances during Willow’s childhood led to the burying of his authentic self and complete misalignment to the work he was destined for. He began to carve his own path into understanding how people with sensory processing sensitivity can learn to use their genetic traits to their advantage. As an adult this led to a lifelong enquiry and practise into learning powerful energetic alignment techniques to re-engage with the authentic self. Willow believes that all people with the trait have the ability to tap into a unique skill that draws on a deeper sensory perception. Having successfully facilitated the development of seven figure businesses Willow’s practise has taken him all over the world. Speaking internationally, training in a broad range of fields and facilitating others for more than twenty years. http://highsensoryintelligence.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/support

High sensitivity is an essential trait that has evolved for the survival of the species, and understanding this leads us to a more compassionate understanding of ourselves. The challenges experienced by us as HSPs are not from any inherent flaw within us but rather from a disparity between our sensitivity levels and the demands of the external environment. By intentionally nurturing our sensitive nervous systems, we unlock our potential to flourish and uncover our valuable gifts. In this session, you’ll discover: Understanding and reshaping our perception of sensitivity is an essential foundational step to flourishing Unknown to many HSPs, sensory overload often triggers our most significant mental and physical health challenges, and taking steps to prevent it significantly enhances wellbeing A transformative journey, delving into a profound understanding of your authentic self while stepping into your light and purpose This interview, hosted by David Gandelman, is part of the Empaths, Sensitives, & Intuitives Summit, a free online event. For more information, please visit https://theshiftnetwork.com/s/EvolutionaryEmpath. This recording is a copyright of The Shift Network. All rights reserved. Julie Bjelland, LMFT An HSP psychotherapist and a visionary leader in the field of high sensitivity. As the founder of Sensitive Empowerment, she is passionately committed to raising awareness about the extraordinary value inherent in sensitivity. Recognizing the vital importance of education and support, Julie is dedicated to equipping HSPs with the necessary tools to reduce their susceptibility to mental and physical health challenges so they can flourish and bring out their valuable gifts that the world needs. Her extensive array of resources stands as a heartfelt endeavor to provide this essential support.Visit JulieBjelland.com for more resources for the highly sensitive. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/julie-bjelland/support