She Rocks the Spectrum
A Therapy Center for Autistic Girls & Women
Welcome!
I'm Nancy Rushing.
For many autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse individuals, life has been a journey of hiding, adapting, and trying to fit into a world that doesn’t understand you. From an early age, you may have learned to mask your natural traits, suppress your needs, and meet neurotypical expectations—often at the cost of your well-being. If you’ve ever felt exhausted from masking, overwhelmed by sensory demands, uncertain about your identity, or unsure how to set boundaries, you’re not alone. Therapy can be a space where you unmask, reconnect with your authentic self, and create a life that truly honors who you are. I work with autistic girls, women, and gender-diverse individuals who are ready to break free from expectations that don’t serve them, process their experiences with burnout and masking, and build confidence in who they are.
My Neurodiversity
I am AuDHD (Autism + ADHD), and I know firsthand what it’s like to spend years masking, navigating burnout, and trying to “get it right” in a world that wasn’t built for us. Like many autistic women and gender-diverse individuals, I didn’t fit the stereotypes. I was seen as sensitive, intense, overly analytical, and “too much” in some spaces, and too quiet, withdrawn, and distant in others. My natural way of existing didn’t seem to match the expectations around me, and for a long time, I believed that meant something was wrong with me. It wasn’t. Autism and ADHD aren’t deficits—they are different ways of thinking, feeling, and processing the world. Through my own journey, I’ve come to embrace my sensory needs, deep emotions, and unique way of interacting with the world. I help my clients do the same.
My Personal Story
I grew up in Louisiana and Texas as the daughter of Chinese immigrant parents, both of whom were neurodivergent. From a young age, I noticed that I experienced the world more intensely than others—lights were too bright, noises were too loud, emotions ran deep, and social interactions often felt confusing. For years, I masked. I did what I thought I was supposed to do: I studied people, learned the scripts, tried to be the version of myself that others expected. But masking came at a cost. It led to burnout, self-doubt, and an ongoing feeling that I was playing a role rather than being truly seen. It wasn’t until adulthood that I began the journey of unmasking and reclaiming my identity. I realized that I wasn’t broken—I was living in a world that didn’t recognize my needs. Learning to honor my sensory sensitivities, set boundaries, and embrace my authentic self was transformative, and now I help others do the same.
How I Support Women & Gender-Diverse Clients
Unmasking & Self-Acceptance – Let go of the pressure to blend in and start discovering who you truly are—without apology. Navigating Gender & Sexuality – Many autistic people experience fluidity in their gender identity or sexuality. If you’ve been struggling with questions about who you are, I provide a space to explore and embrace your identity in a way that feels right for you. Setting Boundaries & Advocating for Yourself – Learn how to communicate your needs, set firm boundaries, and break free from people-pleasing behaviors that leave you drained. Managing Sensory Needs & Preventing Burnout – Whether it’s sensory overload, chronic exhaustion, or feeling emotionally drained from masking, we’ll develop strategies to support your nervous system, protect your energy, and create a sensory-friendly lifestyle. Healing from Internalized Ableism & Self-Doubt – If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much,” “not enough,” or “broken,” therapy is a place to unlearn those beliefs and replace them with self-compassion and empowerment. Breaking Free from Neurotypical Expectations – You don’t have to fit into a world that wasn’t built for you. Together, we’ll explore what works for you, what doesn’t, and how to build a life that honors your neurodivergence.