It's common for autistic people to grow up feeling like outsiders, like we're less-than... Maybe you were called too sensitive, overreactive, or just generally made to feel like "too much."

I just want to tell you that YOU as a person are whole. You are not missing anything. You are a valuable part of this world and there's no one who can fill your role except YOU.

When you find yourself engaging in negative self talk, you can replace it with a self-affirming mantra while inhaling and exhaling deeply. Here are some of my favorites:

I am whole.

I am doing the best I can with the resources I have.

It's ok to feel what I am feeling.

The feedback my body gives me is important and helpful.

No feeling is final. I can breathe through discomfort and find peace.