Hello, it’s lovely to meet you!
My Asperger’s diagnosis arrived in my 40s, after a formal clinical consultation process. The clarity that comes with making sense of past misunderstandings, failed relationships, and traumatic experiences is truly freeing.
Now read this again: it freed me.
It freed me from trying to fit into a neurotypical workplace where I was working really hard only to be more miserable. It freed me to build a most beautiful life—proof that a diagnosis, self-care, and courage can transform your world.
I am also an Autism Mom; my son was diagnosed on the spectrum in his third year of school. At the time, my only reference point for autism was watching Rain Man back in the day. This was a period of intense overwhelm and raw dysregulation.
But through all the psychologist meetings and working through all the resources I could find, I started to see my own reflection in my son’s experience of the world. I guess it was a little bit like the photographer, Hank, in the series Parenthood, after reading a book on Asperger's.
Before my son’s official diagnosis, all the signs were there, hiding in plain sight. As a baby, he was really sensitive to movement and sound. As a toddler, he played on the fringes of parties and activities and tended to prefer doing his own thing.
Then came a defining moment. The school gala—absolute sensory hell. He was crying uncontrollably, and no one understood why. All I wanted to do was go to him and comfort him, but the teacher asked for space to handle it.
I remember walking away from the stands, leaving the circle of textbook Moms. I stood by myself, looking up at the sky, holding in the jerking tears because I was physically experiencing his panic.
If any of this sounds familiar, I built this space for you.
Whether you are a parent trying to understand a new diagnosis, a family member feeling overwhelmed by how much work this takes, or an adult wondering why you’ve never quite fit into a loud world—you belong here.
This is my commitment to you: I’m going to show up every week, straight in your mailbox to share this journey.
Unashamedly, sharing my story is also my path to building a sustainable, independent income that honours my nervous system and will free me from neurotypical corporate life, while keeping this space entirely free for you.
To protect my own nervous system during moments of intense sensory overwhelm—like networking events or team dinners—I rely heavily on physiological hacks. (And I hum a lot.)
That brings me to the Owala FreeSip.
Staying hydrated is vital, but more importantly: sipping on this specific straw design stimulates the vagus nerve. Every single sip triggers a physical signal of calm to your brain, providing a subtle bit of regulation while you navigate a day in neurotypical land.
If you have one more decision left in you today, I highly recommend grabbing one:
The Sci-Fi Collector Option: If you or someone you love is a Star Wars fan: 👉 Secure the Star Wars Special Edition Owala Here.
The Master Yoda Option: If you prefer ancient Jedi wisdom over the Empire: 👉 Grab the Yoda Edition Owala Here.
The Smart/Sophisticated Choice: For clean nervous system regulation paired with a professional look that blends seamlessly into a home desk or a Zoom call: 👉 I highly recommend the Sage Green colorway here.
(If you are the type who must look at every single colourway on Earth before deciding, enjoy the rabbit hole here: 👉 Browse the Full Official Owala Store Catalog Here.)
Thank you for being here, and for understanding. Admittedly, I did put the commercial bit at the end.
Chat soon, AL
P.S. No, AI didn’t write this. It doesn't know what it feels like to hold back tears at a school gala. It will never tell you my story. I will.