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In this powerful follow-up episode of The Ex-Homeschoolers Club, Alyssa Gaona is back for a raw, insightful conversation about her personal experiences with autism and neurodivergence. While her first appearance focused on the wild realities of growing up homeschooled, this episode takes a deeper dive into how her undiagnosed autism shaped her social development, relationships, and self-worth. Alyssa opens up about the challenges of masking, navigating dating and friendships as a neurodivergent adult, and how the homeschooling environment lacked the resources and awareness she needed.
We also explore broader societal perceptions of autism, the impact of labeling, and how entrepreneurs and creatives often operate with neurodivergent brilliance. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants a better understanding of what life on the spectrum truly feels like.
Key Takeaways:
What autism is, how it develops neurologically, and common misconceptions
Alyssa's self-diagnosis journey through studying child development and taking the RAADS test
The reality of masking and its emotional toll
Why clear, direct communication is essential for neurodivergent individuals
The failure of many homeschool environments to recognize and support neurodiverse learners
Resources Mentioned:
- RAADS-R test (for self-assessing traits of autism): https://embrace-autism.com/raads-r/
- Love on the Spectrum (Netflix series)
- Kaelynn Partlow's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Kaelynnism
- Alyssa's Substack: https://alyssagaona.substack.com
If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who might benefit from hearing this story. Follow Ex-Homeschoolers Club on Instagram and TikTok for updates, and send us a message – we’d love to hear from you!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exhsclub/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exhsclubEmail me at exhsclub@gmail.com
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