A Way Illuminated

When ‘Low Support’ Becomes High Stakes: On Experiencing Autism as a Disability

Nov 25, 2025

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by

Recently, stress and overwhelm have shifted my support needs. Here’s my honest look at experiencing autism as a disability.

Unpacking the Double Mask: My Life at the Intersection of Autism and LGBTQ+ Identity

Oct 27, 2025

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by

Mark

in My Evolving Path

A personal look at the intersection of autism and LGBTQ+ identity, and the difference between masking and code-switching.

Pulling Back from the Brink: A Gentle Guide to Recovering from (Almost) Autistic Burnout

Oct 16, 2025

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by

Mark

in My Evolving Path

Felt like you were heading for a crash? Here’s an honest account of pulling back from the brink of autistic burnout and the gentle, practical steps I’m taking to recover.

When You’re Autistic and Feel Like You’re Falling Apart: Finding Your Way Through Burnout

Oct 10, 2025

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by

Mark

in My Evolving Path

I’m going through a hard spell. There’s no real way to soften that, is there? I’m struggling. And while it’s lovely sharing the breakthroughs and the moments of self-discovery that have come with my late diagnosis, I think it’s just as important to share this side of things, too. The lows as well as the…

Permission Not Required: My Journey with Autistic People Pleasing & Conflict Avoidance

Oct 1, 2025

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by

Mark

in My Evolving Path

As a late-diagnosed autistic man, I realised I was constantly asking for permission I didn’t need. A personal look at autistic people pleasing and conflict avoidance.

My Exhausting Performance: Beginning the Journey of Autistic Unmasking

Sep 24, 2025

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by

Mark

in My Evolving Path

For many late-diagnosed autistics, ‘masking’ is an exhausting performance. Follow my personal journey of autistic unmasking on ‘A way illuminated’—from burnout and confusion to discovering an authentic self.

My Monotropic Mind: Finding Calm and Focus in a World of Spinning Plates

Sep 16, 2025

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by

Mark

in My Evolving Path

Overwhelmed by multitasking? For many autistic people, it’s a sign of monotropic thinking. A personal story on how understanding this trait helps me at work and as a parent.

Our Adoption Process UK: Navigating Stage One

Sep 8, 2025

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by

Mark

in Mind, Growth & Wonder, My Evolving Path

Embarking on the adoption process in the UK? We share our personal story of navigating Stage One as an older, gay couple—from the practicalities of paperwork and pet assessments to the unexpected costs of medicals. A warm, honest look at the first step towards becoming parents.