She Rocks the Spectrum
A Therapy Center for Autistic Girls & Women
Hi! I'm Dre.
I’m AuDHD (autistic + ADHD), and I spent much of my life trying to be what the world expected of me—masking, pushing through sensory overload, over-explaining myself, and constantly second-guessing whether I was “getting it right.” Like so many autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse individuals, I was overlooked for diagnosis. Instead of support, I learned how to blend in, suppress my natural instincts, and perform neurotypicality. I exhausted myself playing roles that weren’t truly me—until I finally started peeling back the layers and discovering who I was underneath all the expectations. Unmasking was both liberating and terrifying. Who was I without the scripts? Without the constant self-editing? Without shaping myself to meet the comfort of others? That journey—messy, painful, beautiful, and ongoing—has fueled my passion for helping other neurodivergent people do the same.
Unmasking & Self-Acceptance 🌿
Masking isn’t just hiding traits—it’s survival. Many of us learned to suppress our natural ways of being to avoid rejection, bullying, or misunderstanding. But over time, masking takes a toll. It can leave you exhausted, disconnected from yourself, and unsure of who you even are underneath all the adaptations. I help clients: - Recognize where masking is holding them back - Develop self-compassion for past survival strategies - Reconnect with their natural rhythms—stimming, special interests, communication styles - Redefine self-worth and success—without needing to “keep up” with neurotypical expectations Unmasking doesn’t have to be all or nothing—it’s about finding what feels safe, authentic, and freeing on your own terms.
Living & Parenting in a Neurodiverse Household
I’ve been with my autistic partner for 21 years, and together we’re raising four neurodivergent children, ages 6 to 30. Our home is loud, creative, full of sensory needs and deep-focus interests, and—like many neurodivergent households—requires a whole lot of flexibility, humor, and understanding. I know the reality of managing sensory overwhelm, juggling executive function struggles, and adapting to everyone’s different processing styles. I also know what it feels like to crash into burnout, to lose yourself in the constant push to meet others’ needs, and to question whether you’re “doing enough.” Through parenting, I learned how to trust my instincts, set boundaries that protect my energy, and break free from all the traditional parenting “shoulds” that don’t work for neurodivergent families. I help other parents do the same—whether they are parenting neurodivergent kids, navigating co-parenting after divorce, or learning to parent themselves after years of masking.
Sensory Needs & Breaking Free from Neurotypical Expectations 🎭
Many of us were taught to ignore, override, or suppress our sensory needs—to tolerate discomfort, endure bright lights and loud sounds, and push through overstimulation like it’s normal. But it’s not normal for us—and forcing ourselves into environments that drain us leads to burnout, shutdown, and disconnection from our bodies. I work with clients to: - Understand their unique sensory profile and what truly feels good - Set boundaries around sensory overload—in relationships, work, and social life - Release guilt around rest, alone time, and energy management - Embrace special interests and stimming as a form of self-care You don’t need to force yourself into a world that overwhelms you—you get to create an environment that works for your brain.
Navigating Relationships as a Neurodivergent Person 💙
Relationships—whether romantic, platonic, or familial—can be complicated when you’re neurodivergent. If you’ve felt misunderstood, drained, or unsure how to communicate your needs, you’re not alone. Many autistic women and gender-diverse individuals struggle with people-pleasing, over-explaining, or tolerating unhealthy dynamics simply because that’s what we’ve been conditioned to do. I help clients: - Build communication strategies that honor their neurotype - Recognize and set boundaries in relationships without guilt - Identify red flags in social and romantic dynamics - Learn self-advocacy skills in friendships, dating, and family relationships You deserve relationships that feel safe, fulfilling, and mutual—without having to mask who you are.
Reclaiming Identity, Gender & Neurodivergence
Many autistic individuals—especially those who don’t fit rigid gender roles—spend years untangling identity from expectation. Whether you’re: - Exploring gender fluidity or neuroqueerness - Breaking free from social conditioning around femininity, masculinity, or androgyny - Navigating sexuality and relationships in ways that feel authentic I provide a safe, affirming space to explore who you are—without pressure to conform. Together, we can work on: - Understanding how autism and gender intersect in self-discovery - Unmasking and embracing your identity with confidence - Breaking free from societal “rules” that don’t work for you - Navigating relationships, intimacy, and self-expression in a way that honors you There is no right way to be you—only the way that feels true.
Final Thoughts & How to Get Started 🌱
You deserve to live as your full, unmasked self—without guilt, without exhaustion, and without trying to be someone you’re not. If you’re ready to: ✔ Unmask and reconnect with your authentic self ✔ Set boundaries that protect your energy ✔ Break free from societal expectations and build a life that actually works for you I’d love to support you.