Beyond the Stereotypes: How Understanding Autism in Women and People of Color Transforms Lives

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Find your people and be yourself—because not everybody deserves your greatness, but the ones who matter do.

Megan Ashley’s journey into understanding autism started long before she realized it was also her own story. Growing up, she was the friend who listened and offered advice on the playground and even did couples counseling over three-way calls in high school, never suspecting her deep connection to the autistic experience. It wasn’t until she was in the middle of assessing an adult for autism—after years working with autistic people across all ages—that the lightbulb finally flicked on: she was autistic, too. The realization was both shocking and validating, especially since she’d spent years masking and fitting in, even as a cheerleader, while turmoil brewed inside. This discovery led her to dig deep, connect with her own needs, and advocate for others, especially Black women, who often go unseen in these conversations. Megan’s story is one of finding belonging through self-understanding and turning that into a mission to help others drop their own masks, find their people, and learn to live more autistically—on their own terms.,Megan Ashley’s path to understanding autism is shaped by both personal experience and professional passion. As a licensed therapist and a Black autistic woman, she never expected the puzzle pieces of her life to click together during an adult autism assessment—one she was giving, not receiving. Years spent supporting others, combined with memories of always being the listener and “therapist” among friends, suddenly made sense. Her own late diagnosis brought up questions about why no one noticed sooner, especially after years of masking her struggles behind achievements and social roles. This insight sparked her drive to create space for others who feel invisible, especially women and people of color, so they can finally set down the weight of expectations and discover what truly helps them thrive. Megan’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, helping others leads us right back to ourselves—and that everyone deserves the freedom to be their real self, surrounded by people who genuinely “get it.”

Megan's Resources:

• Purchase the book Blueprint to Behavior: Adapting to Autism in Your Family by Understanding Behaviors by Megan Ashley, available on Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com, Walmart.com, Target.com, and local bookstores online.

• Visit the website ImperfectConsulting.com (the letter M, PerfectConsulting.com) for therapy or parent coaching services.

• Visit AdaptingToAutism.com to access digital downloads, autism tools, and resources for adult autistics.

• Follow @ImperfectConsulting on Instagram for updates, resources, and community engagement.

• Purchase or enroll in the course based on the Blueprint to Behavior program, available through Megan Ashley’s platforms.

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