My 'why?'
- Rachel Nelmes

- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Why I Became an Autism Therapist
I often get asked why I chose this work.
Why autism therapy? Why I’m so passionate about creating safe spaces for neurodivergent people? The truth is… it’s because this journey is personal.
For a long time, I moved through life feeling “different” but not knowing why. I pushed through burnout after burnout, thinking it was just part of being an adult. I endured workplace bullying because I didn’t understand my needs, and neither did the people around me. Relationships were confusing, draining, and often left me questioning my worth.
My own diagnosis was the turning point. Suddenly, the pieces fit. The way I process the world, the sensory overloads, the social exhaustion — none of it was “wrong.” It was me. And finally, I had language and understanding for it.
Becoming an autism therapist wasn’t just a career choice; it was a calling. I know what it feels like to mask to survive, to crash from burnout, to be misunderstood, and to navigate a world not built for your wiring. And I know the impact that support, validation, and knowledgeable guidance can have.
I also understand the ripple effects autism can have within a family. The stress around school, the emotional load, the trial-and-error of finding what actually works, the moments where you feel both overwhelmed and fiercely protective. Families deserve support too, and I’m honoured to be part of that journey.
Every day, I’m driven by something deeper:
To help others find clarity earlier than I did.
To show that self-understanding can be freeing.
To help families feel less alone.
To remind autistic people that nothing about them needs “fixing.”
If my story resonates with you, whether you’re autistic, questioning, parenting, or simply learning, I’m grateful you’re here.
We’re all figuring this out together, and that’s what makes this community so special.




























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