Tara McMullin, creator of What Works and the co-founder of YellowHouse.Media, shares her journey of receiving an autism diagnosis at 38 and its profound impact on her relationships. She explores the concept of 'biographical illumination,' revealing how understanding her diagnosis has brought clarity and validation to her life. Tara also discusses the intricate dynamics of 'masking' and emotional communication in relationships.\xa0\nTogether, we explore the importance of recognizing and respecting personal boundaries, advocating for mutual understanding, and navigating the complexities of being autistic.\nFeatured topics:\n\nHow being diagnosed with Autism at 38, transformed Tara\u2019s perspective on work, relationships, and parenting (3:20)\n\nThe impact of autism on relationships, including getting your social needs met, learning to compromise, and the journey to understanding (10:49)\n\nHighlighting the burden on neurodivergent individuals to conform and mask their true selves to meet societal expectations (14:44)\n\nThe distinction between being autistic and being an asshole\u2014two entirely different concepts (32:35)\n\nDebunking the myth that people with autism lack empathy; their empathy is just expressed differently (33:17)\n\n\nLearn more about Tara McMullin:\nTara McMullin is a writer and critic who studies the future of work through the lens of philosophy, critical theory, and media. She's the creator of What Works and the co-founder of YellowHouse.Media, a boutique production agency.\nShe believes that care, curiosity, and context create an environment where we can not only learn but experience new and sometimes challenging ideas with grace. She's coached, taught, and facilitated for over 15 years\u2014including more than a dozen classes with CreativeLive.\nTara brings her own experience as an autistic feminist, endurance athlete, and amateur baker to everything she does.\nResources & Links:\nPrivate Coaching with Kate\nPhoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment Collective\nTara\u2019s website\nTara on Instagram\nTara on LinkedIn\n\u201cI'm a normal autistic person, not an abnormal neurotypical\u201d: Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis as biographical illumination Catherine D. Tan\nThe Electricity of Every Living Thing, Katherine May\nEpisode Link:\nhttps://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-286-autism-and-relationships-with-tara-mcmullin-neurodivergence-in-relationships/\n===================\nDISCLAIMER:\xa0THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE.\xa0YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM.\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices