Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Attending events is a major hurdle. I carry so much shame and self-judgment because of how challenging it is with my autistic reality and C-PTSD. It seems like it should be easy—just show up and have fun! But it’s not.
Why?
Panic attacks/Meltdowns
Emotional overload and Sensory overload
No safe food (and often not allowed to bring my own)
Being late, getting lost
Walking long distances, not being able to sit
Crowds
Feeling unsafe
And the hardest part? The aftermath. The impact isn’t just during the event—it lasts hours, days, or even weeks later. My work, health, and family life are affected.
Sometimes I even get sick from the stress (despite masking).
This is why I often don’t go—even when it’s for my career, activism, or fun things I want to do.
This has greatly impacted my career. My disability isolates me.
The only way I’ve made it work? A support person. But finding someone willing + able is nearly impossible. And for work travel? Forget it—I can’t afford to cover their costs.
I may look put-together, but events are disabling for me. If you relate, you’re not alone.
#ActuallyAutistic #DisabilityAwareness #SensoryOverload #MentalHealthMatters #InvisibleDisability #AccessibleEvents #Neurodivergent
Attending events is a major hurdle. I carry so much shame and self-judgment because of how challenging it is with my autistic reality and C-PTSD. It seems like it should be easy—just show up and have fun! But it’s not.
Why?
Panic attacks/Meltdowns
Emotional overload and Sensory overload
No safe food (and often not allowed to bring my own)
Being late, getting lost
Walking long distances, not being able to sit
Crowds
Feeling unsafe
And the hardest part? The aftermath. The impact isn’t just during the event—it lasts hours, days, or even weeks later. My work, health, and family life are affected.
Sometimes I even get sick from the stress (despite masking).
This is why I often don’t go—even when it’s for my career, activism, or fun things I want to do.
This has greatly impacted my career. My disability isolates me.
The only way I’ve made it work? A support person. But finding someone willing + able is nearly impossible. And for work travel? Forget it—I can’t afford to cover their costs.
I may look put-together, but events are disabling for me. If you relate, you’re not alone.
#ActuallyAutistic #DisabilityAwareness #SensoryOverload #MentalHealthMatters #InvisibleDisability #AccessibleEvents #Neurodivergent
