Running Towards Acceptance: Autism, Marathon Training, and Empowerment - With Nidhi Sethi (EP 20)

In this episode of Empower Sounds, I sit down with Nidhi Sethi, founder of behind the smiles, who shares her journey of being diagnosed with autism at the age of 17. Nidhi talks about navigating life with a late diagnosis, the challenges of living with sensory processing disorder, and how she used her platform to raise awareness and break down the stigma surrounding autism—especially how it manifests differently in females.Key Takeaways:🧠 Early Signs and Diagnosis: Nidhi opens up about her early struggles with sensory processing disorder and how a TikTok video led her to explore her potential autism diagnosis at 17.🌍 Shattering Stereotypes: Discussing the difference in how autism presents in females versus males, Nidhi emphasizes that most societal perceptions of autism are male-oriented and how she had to navigate that societal bias both before and after her diagnosis.💡 Masking and Mental Health: Nidhi shares her experience with masking—hiding behind a smile to fit in—and how it can lead to emotional burnout. She offers advice on how to manage masking and avoid emotional exhaustion through setting boundaries and practicing self-care.🔄 Gender Differences in Autism: We dive into the scientific research that initially focused on males, leaving many women underdiagnosed. Nidhi discusses how this affects the way girls experience and express autism differently from boys.🌸 Breaking the Mask: Nidhi encourages others to embrace authenticity and break the mask of “always being okay.” She shares practical tips on saying “no,” managing boundaries, and how breaking societal expectations helped her stay true to herself.💪 University and Autism: Navigating university life as an autistic woman, Nidhi discusses challenges such as time blindness, sensory issues, and building a new support system, all while managing mental health struggles.🎯 Finding Strength through Sport: Nidhi’s journey to running the London Marathon highlights her resilience and how physical activity has become a powerful outlet for managing anxiety.What You’ll Learn:•How to seek support for autism and neurodivergence•Strategies for managing emotional burnout and setting boundaries•Understanding the gender differences in autism diagnosis and presentation•The importance of finding an outlet and building a support networkTune in for an empowering conversation about breaking barriers, embracing neurodiversity, and living life authentically.💬 Join the Conversation: Let us know your thoughts about this episode by commenting on our Instagram @empowersoundspodcast or DM us with what you want to hear next!connect with Nidhi :instagram : nidhisethixrunning account: @nidsruns https://www.behindthesmiles.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.