On this episode of the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast Jennifer Gerlach, LCSW, discusses the challenges of forming an identity as an autistic adolescent, how masking figures into this equation, and factors that assist these adolescents in developing their identities including special interests.  Listen to this podcast episode and learn more about how identity formation is a key element that helps autistic teens launch into adulthood. Find out more about Jennifer Gerlach by visiting her website: https://truestorycounseling.com/ Click here to access the blog post written by Jennifer, “Autism, Adolescence, and the Creation of an Identity:”  https://tinyurl.com/3ura4634 The Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness podcast series is hosted by Christopher Quarto - a licensed psychologist who conducts Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) evaluations for adults (https://chrisquarto.com).  Issues pertaining to mildly autistic adults (and neurodiverse folks who believe they are on the spectrum) are covered on the podcast including sensory sensitivities, how to make friends, regulating emotions and the role pets play as friends.  Listen and discover why your uniqueness is awesome! Would you like to watch a video version of this podcast episode?  Check out the Adult Autism:  A Spectrum of Uniqueness YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4IPUmICA-ZlIERsJk3pHyqkSyPKMht9X * Are you interested in taking the online course for autistic adults that Dr. Quarto mentioned during the podcast episode?  If so, send him an e-mail to be placed on a waiting list to be notified about the course when it is done which will likely be in fall 2025: chris@chrisquarto.com * Are you thinking that you might be autistic but have never been professionally evaluated?  How about taking a 6-question quiz designed by Dr. Quarto to find out if autism is likely:  “Am I Autistic?” quiz link - https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/64db4bb606278800141be2fd * Are you interested in getting evaluated for autism? Dr. Quarto conducts in-person and telehealth evaluations with clients in most states across the United States! Click here to get the ball rolling: https://chrisquarto.com/autism-spectrum-disorder-testing/