MEET LAUREN

 My first diagnosis under a psychiatrist at the ripe age of 16 was Bipolar II. Along came Generalized Anxiety Disorder & Depression, probably other ones I have forgotten. After two years of still feeling completely different & alone I was tested for ADHD. When I first got my ADHD diagnosis, nothing really changed for me other than medication. The feelings of being alone, misunderstood and overstimulated still ran rampant through my mind, body and soul. I did not have much guidance - nor did my family- other than

this is just how it is for some people.

 I was not where I wanted to be & I knew it, I just didn't know how I could ever combat it. As I went into college and learned about the science of behavior, I was gaining knowledge but was losing myself. There was not a day I didn't mask. Not a day I didn't feel overstimulated. Not a day I didn't cry from not understanding what was going on. I had a diagnosis but no reprieve. Medication was helping me focus and get things done - but was not helping with anything else.

In adulthood, I took my power back by doing the hardest thing - asking for help, real help. I had seen the same psychiatrist for years and after nothing changing, I knew I needed to make a change.

 I worked with children on the spectrum for 7 years before my autism diagnosis - 5 of those years I was their Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a specialization in ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and Autism. I always felt like I could relate so well to my clients behaviors - ones for decrease and all. After leaving big ABA to grow into motherhood - I tried to do new things and still nothing seemed right.

I finally saw a new psychiatrist & I asked her the question I knew I needed to ask "Do you think I have autism?" - Affirming what I already was suspecting opened my eyes.

 Learning my diagnosis didn't just turn everything into peaches and cream. I was able to see myself more clearly and then was able to begin my own journey to acceptance. Using the tools I always have had, I had to look myself in the mirror and begin to start being OK with the woman who looked back at me.

It has not been easy, it was and still is hard because acceptance is a lifelong thing. but I am hoping that with my knowledge and expertise in the science of ABA & autism and my lived experience can help you be your favorite version of yourself