In this heartfelt solo episode, Julie Bjelland, LMFT, shares profound insights from her work with women discovering their autistic identity later in life. Many sensitive women spend decades feeling different, masking their struggles, and being misdiagnosed by outdated, male-centered assessments. Julie introduces the concept of the Sensitive Autistic Neurotype—a strengths-based way of understanding autism that validates lived experience and removes the stigma of “disorder.”
Through stories from her assessment work, Julie explores themes of masking, burnout, chronic health struggles, misdiagnoses, and the life-changing relief that comes with finally being understood. She also highlights the critical role of acceptance in childhood and the connection between sensitivity, autism, ADHD, and trauma.
This episode is a must-listen for late-identified autistic women, sensitive and neurodivergent individuals, and practitioners seeking to better support their clients. Discover how self-understanding can bring healing, self-compassion, and the energy to thrive.
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Learn more about The Sensitive Autistic Neurotype
BIO
Julie Bjelland, LMFT, is a psychotherapist, author, and founder of the Sensitive Empowerment Community. She specializes in supporting highly sensitive and neurodivergent people, with a focus on the growing recognition of late-discovered autism in women. Julie coined the term Sensitive Autistic Neurotype to describe a strengths-based way of understanding sensitivity and autism, helping people shift from self-criticism to self-compassion.
Through her global courses, podcast, writings, and professional trainings, Julie has supported thousands of sensitive and neurodivergent people in over 190 countries. Her mission is to create a world where sensitivity and neurodivergence are seen as strengths to be celebrated.
Learn more at JulieBjelland.com and join the supportive global community at SensitiveCommunity.com.
