07 Feb #ThisIsWhatAutismLooksLike: In conversation with…Candice Christiansen

Image description: A photo of Candice who is white with long blonde hair and blue eyes. Candice is wearing a green singlet top.

As I continue to enhance my understanding of Neurodiversity, I have connected with many individuals who share their time and their stories with me in a generous and selfless manner. Candice Christiansen💖is one of those people.

Candice is an Autistic woman, a licensed clinician and intimacy coach who for 20 years has worked with neurodivergent adults and mixed neurotype couples on all things relationships. She caught my attention on Linked In when she spearheaded the movement #thisiswhatautismlookslike to break stereotypes around what Autism ‘looks’ like. (Hint: there is no autistic ‘look’).

Candice’s posts call out to the many females who have flown ‘under the radar’ or have not met the clinical diagnostic criteria for autism (historically skewed to male representation).

Candice can be bold. She doesn’t sugar coat issues or shy away from controversy. Her posts are authentic and raw, they give people a better understanding of the reality of being a late identified autistic adult.

Candice supports other neurodivergent voices, amplifying a cohort that is not afraid to ask for what they need to thrive. Through her experience in the judicial and educational systems in the US, Candice believes there is still a long way to go to break social norms so that neurodivergent people can live their best lives.
 
I asked Candice what true allyship looks like. Candice said “Listen to us. We are making suggestions that would benefit all humans.”

Candice is one neurodivergent voice in a sea of many, each providing a lens into their unique experience and all with a whole lot to offer.