It can be tough to understand the autism spectrum. While stereotypes might indicate that autism is straightforward, it tends to present differently in different people. A Canadian teenager with autism is trying to ease the stigma by talking about her experiences.
Autism doesn’t just happen in men.
It’s more commonly diagnosed in men, but that may be because symptoms are more consistent in adolescent boys. Adolescent girls, meanwhile, tend to see symptoms ramp up later in their teenage years.
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Paige Layle wants to talk about autism.
This 19-year-old eyelash technician can be found on Instagram and TikTok @paigelayle . Paige has autism, and she’s started using social media to talk about her experiences as a woman with autism.
She was diagnosed fairly recently.
In one TikTok video, Paige explains how different diagnoses can be in men and women.
“I was fifteen when I got diagnosed, and that’s considered early for a girl,” she said. “I have a guy friend who’s autistic and he was two when he got diagnosed.”
She masks her autism.
It’s probably familiar to anyone on the autistic spectrum, but Paige says she masks her symptoms (which she calls “exhausting”). This can have the effect of people not understanding or believing that she’s on the spectrum.
There are some important subtleties to understand.
Paige explains that her autistic traits present themselves with social behaviors. This is a far cry from the stereotype that autistic people are antisocial and do poorly in social situations.
High functioning?
Paige hates this term. “Get high functioning and low functioning out of your vocabulary,” she said. “High functioning is basically a label that you can use to be like, ‘Oh, your autism doesn’t affect me that much.'”
It often comes with other disorders.
Paige points out that it’s common for girls with autism to have other mental disorders as well. When she was diagnosed, the doctor said she also had OCD, depression, and anxiety.
It’s all about knowing yourself.
Paige’s videos promote consulting health professionals to get help. She says that understanding the mechanisms behind the way she acts can help her navigate the world more effectively.
She’s doing well now.
After a suicide attempt at the age of 15, Paige was diagnosed with autism. Four years later, she’s in good mental shape — all while using her platform to help educate people.
It’s powerful stuff.
Make sure to check Paige out on Instagram and TikTok .
Readers, are you on the autistic spectrum, or do you know anyone who is? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
