Fish in a Tree

At Fish in a Tree, we understand the vital role that creativity plays in the lives of autistic women. Whether it's painting, music, writing, or crafting, creative expression offers a powerful means of communication and emotional well-being, particularly when verbal forms of expression can feel challenging. Creative outlets allow autistic women to process sensory overload, regulate emotions, and explore their identity in ways that are deeply personal and therapeutic. Visual art, for example, can serve as a non-verbal outlet for managing sensory overwhelm, while writing—whether in the form of journaling, poetry, or storytelling—offers a way to process emotions and explore self-identity. Music, too, can provide a sensory-friendly means of expression, helping to manage emotions through rhythm and sound. Additionally, hands-on creativity, like knitting or crafting, is often grounding and calming, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Cultivating a creative routine can also help prevent burnout, especially when paired with body doubling or online communities for support. Integrating special interests into creative projects brings deeper meaning to the work, while embracing imperfection encourages growth and freedom in the creative process. Whether creating or appreciating the art of others, autistic women can find empowerment, connection, and fulfillment through creative expression. At Fish in a Tree, we encourage all autistic women to explore their creative potential in supportive, sensory-friendly spaces where they can thrive. Explore our programming at www.fishinatreenola.org.

Society often places rigid expectations on how we should act, communicate, and engage with others. For autistic women, this can lead to the exhausting practice of?masking—suppressing natural traits to fit in with neurotypical norms. But constantly hiding who you are comes at a cost. Emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and a loss of identity are just some of the impacts. In our latest article, we explore: The Pressure to Conform:?How gender and social norms push autistic women to hide their true selves. The Consequences of Masking:?The toll on mental health and the risk of burnout from constant masking and people-pleasing. Breaking Free:?How to reclaim authenticity through self-acceptance, building supportive communities, and setting boundaries. Autistic women don’t need to fit into a neurotypical mold to succeed. It’s time to challenge these societal expectations and redefine success on our own terms.

We believe in the transformative power of?special interests?for autistic women. These passions aren’t just hobbies—they are powerful sources of joy, growth, and self-empowerment. Whether it’s art, science, history, or technology, embracing what excites you can unlock incredible potential. Special interests bring emotional comfort, deepen self-expression, and create a space for learning and connection. They help us navigate life’s challenges while building confidence and a sense of identity. When you lean into what you love, you’re not just finding fulfillment—you’re showing the world the strength and brilliance of your authentic self.

Bridgette Hamstead, founding director of Fish in a Tree, will be delivering the keynote address at the?College Autism Summit 2024?in Columbus, Ohio! This prestigious event, organized by the College Autism Network, will take place from October 13-16, 2024, at the Renaissance Marriott Hotel. Bridgette’s keynote, titled?“Creating Community Ecosystems for Neurodiversity,”?will explore how we can build inclusive and supportive environments for neurodivergent individuals, especially within higher education. Drawing from her work with Fish in a Tree and the International Neurodiversity Professionals Coalition, she’ll share practical strategies and inspiring stories that highlight the strengths, beauty, and unique assets of autistic individuals. The College Autism Summit is an incredible opportunity to connect with scholars, practitioners, administrators, employers, and self-advocates who are passionate about supporting autistic and neurodivergent students. This event is more than just a conference—it’s a celebration of the creativity, deep focus, and innovative thinking that neurodivergent individuals bring to our communities. We’re honored to be part of this vital conversation and to continue advocating for environments where every person is seen, valued, and empowered.

We’re excited to share Bridgette Hamstead’s latest article, where she delves into the crucial topic of building a support network as an autistic woman. As the founder of Fish in a Tree and an AuDHD woman herself, Bridgette speaks from personal experience about the transformative power of connecting with others who truly understand and appreciate your unique neurodivergent strengths. In the article, Bridgette offers practical advice on how to identify supportive friends, family, professionals, and communities—and why these connections are essential for mental and emotional well-being. She also emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and advocating for your needs as key components of building and nurturing a strong support network. At Fish in a Tree, we believe that everyone deserves a community where they can thrive as their authentic selves. We invite you to read the full article and learn how to take charge of your social well-being by cultivating the relationships that matter most.

We believe in celebrating neurodiversity and fostering environments where everyone can thrive. Mental health is a critical part of this journey, especially for autistic women who often face unique challenges like anxiety and depression. Autistic women may experience high levels of social isolation, sensory overload, and pressure to conform to societal expectations—factors that can significantly impact their mental well-being. It's crucial to address these challenges with strategies that honor their individual experiences and needs. At Fish in a Tree, we're committed to creating resources and communities that support autistic women in living authentically and fully. Remember, you are not alone—together, we can build a world where mental health support is accessible, inclusive, and empowering.

Self-advocacy is crucial for navigating a world that often doesn’t understand or accommodate the unique needs of autistic women. Our latest article dives deep into empowering women to effectively advocate for themselves across various aspects of life. Here’s what you’ll find: Understanding Your Needs: The importance of self-reflection and awareness in identifying what truly matters to you. Effective Communication: How to clearly and confidently express your needs, even in challenging conversations. Asserting Yourself in Different Areas of Life: Practical tips for advocating in the workplace, educational settings, healthcare, and personal relationships. Building Confidence and Resilience: The role of self-compassion, learning from experience, and connecting with supportive communities in strengthening your self-advocacy skills. Whether you're navigating your career, education, or personal relationships, this guide offers strategies to help you find and use your voice. Remember, your needs are valid, and your voice deserves to be heard.?

Navigating menstruation can be particularly challenging for autistic women due to sensory sensitivities and emotional regulation difficulties. Here, we explore the unique challenges and provided practical strategies to help make menstruation more manageable. Key takeaways include: Understanding Sensory Challenges: Menstrual products can be uncomfortable for those with heightened sensitivities. Finding the right products—like organic cotton pads, menstrual cups, or period underwear—can make a big difference. Emotional Regulation: Hormonal fluctuations can intensify emotional challenges. Establishing a routine, tracking your cycle, and practicing self-care are crucial for maintaining emotional well-being. Advocacy and Communication: Openly discussing your needs with healthcare providers, family, and workplaces is essential. Advocating for sensory accommodations and raising awareness can help create a more inclusive environment. By addressing these challenges head-on, we can support autistic women in navigating menstruation with greater ease and comfort. Let’s continue to promote awareness and inclusivity in all aspects of women’s health.

We believe in empowering neurodivergent individuals to thrive in every environment. One practical way to do this is by creating a mobile sensory kit—a customized toolkit designed to help manage sensory overload wherever life takes you. Whether you’re heading to work, traveling, or navigating a busy public space, your sensory kit can be a powerful ally. It’s all about having the right tools at your fingertips to ensure you can stay calm, focused, and comfortable, no matter the situation. What Should You Include? Tactile tools?like fidget toys and stress balls to help with grounding. Auditory tools?such as noise-canceling headphones and soothing music playlists. Visual tools?like sunglasses and eye masks for managing visual stimuli. Olfactory tools?such as essential oils or scented sachets for calming scents. Gustatory tools?like mints or chewing gum for sensory regulation through taste. Movement tools?such as stress-relief balls or resistance bands to help with physical regulation. Remember, your sensory needs may change, so it’s important to regularly update and maintain your kit. A well-prepared sensory kit is more than just a collection of items; it’s a form of self-care and a step toward greater empowerment. We’d love to hear from our community—what’s in your mobile sensory kit? How has it helped you? https://lnkd.in/gXUw72m9

We understand the profound journey that comes with receiving an autism diagnosis later in life, especially for women. It’s a transformative experience that brings both challenges and opportunities for deep self-understanding. For many women, a late diagnosis offers clarity—an explanation for years of feeling "different" or misunderstood. This new awareness can bring a mix of relief, confusion, and validation, as well as the chance to reflect on past experiences through a fresh lens. But the journey doesn’t end with the diagnosis. It’s an ongoing process of integrating this new identity, navigating societal expectations, and finding empowerment in embracing your true self. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities for personal growth, increased self-compassion, and professional fulfillment. At Fish in a Tree, we’re committed to supporting women through this journey. Whether through targeted resources, community connections, or advocating for neurodiversity, we believe in the power of understanding and embracing who you are.