Practical Unmasking: Bottom-Up Processing and Releasing Self-Blame

Unmasking as a practice of self-acceptance for autistic and neurodivergent deep processors. Do you ever feel like your way of thinking is “too much” or…

Oct 26 • 

Mark H. Durgee

New Connections and a New Focus

On Thriving Autistic, online workshops, and writing a book. Have you ever felt like you were pouring energy into the wrong places and not reaching the…

Oct 6 • 

Mark H. Durgee

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September 2025

From Shame to Support: MAHA, Autism, and the Practical Unmasking of Sensory Traits

How a Facebook post on temperature sensitivity reminds me I’m on a path to increased wellness no matter what RFK Jr. says. Why do some autistic traits…

Sep 28 • 

Mark H. Durgee

Being an Ally to Late-Identified Neurodivergent Adults: Mindsets That Work

Six mindset shifts to support late-identified neurodivergent loved ones while caring for yourself. Supporting a late-identified neurodivergent adult can…

Sep 21 • 

Mark H. Durgee

Reflections on Relationships Since My Autism Diagnosis

An open letter to those who are uncertain about how to relate to me now. It’s been an interesting couple of years since I identified as autistic with…

Sep 14 • 

Mark H. Durgee

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Introducing SAFE Unmasking™ for Authentic Neurodivergence

Reimagining what it means to live authentically as neurodivergent. If you’ve recently discovered you’re autistic, ADHD, or otherwise neurodivergent, you…

Sep 7 • 

Mark H. Durgee

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August 2025

Considering the Acceptance and Commitment Framework for Neurodivergent-Affirming Support

A gentle starting point for exploring your authentic self after identifying as neurodivergent. Identifying neurodivergence later in life can feel like…

Aug 31 • 

Mark H. Durgee

Everyone’s not “A Little Autistic”

8 Reasons why the mindset is misleading and harmful to everyone. While it makes me cringe every time I experience it, I also recognize that, for the…

Aug 24 • 

Mark H. Durgee

3

Adult Neurodivergent Diagnosis: Shame and Gatekeeping

How stigma and barriers keep self-identified neurodivergent adults from the support they deserve. This post explores the challenges of adult…

Aug 12 • 

Mark H. Durgee

2

Childhood Trauma, Gender, and Feminist Erasure

The quiet weight I no longer choose to carry. This post may not follow the same path as my usual trauma-informed unmasking content, but it’s deeply…

Aug 5 • 

Mark H. Durgee

3

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July 2025

Practical Unmasking: What to Wear

How some black v-neck t-shirts helped me unmask. During the pandemic, between family meetups, therapy sessions, and relentless heat, I started doing…

Jul 28 • 

Mark H. Durgee

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Practical Unmasking: Helping as Hiding

How fawning, empathy, and loyalty can become survival strategies that hurt. When you’re an undiagnosed neurodivergent kid, especially one who’s also gay…

Jul 20 • 

Mark H. Durgee

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