With Elli

Have you ever left a social gathering feeling completely drained, Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash even though you didn’t “do” much? Or felt like you had to put on a mask to get through a conversation? You’re not alone — and for many autistic people, this experience is not occasional , it’s a daily reality. In this post, I want to share what I’ve learned through personal research, conversations with friends on the spectrum, and my own questions as a neurotypical person trying to better understand what it's like to live with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I’ll also reflect on how we can create more inclusive, compassionate spaces for everyone — diagnosed or not. 🌪 Why Does Socializing Feel So Overwhelming? 1. The Environment Is Sensory-Heavy Social environments are often full of loud sounds, bright or flickering lights, background noise, strong smells, and physical proximity. For many autistic people, these stimuli don’t fade into the background — they’re loud and co...

Photo by With Elli Emotions are an essential part of being human — they shape our connections, drive our decisions, and color our experiences. But for some, emotions don’t just whisper; they roar. One of the most challenging aspects of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), or the presence of BPD traits, is the intensity and rapid shifting of emotions. As someone who relates to several BPD traits, I’ve often felt like my emotional world was turned up to maximum volume. Small triggers can spark overwhelming feelings, and navigating those waves takes more energy than most people realize. But why does this happen? What makes the emotional experience in BPD so vivid, raw, and at times, extreme? Let’s explore what we know — both emotionally and neurologically — about these inner storms. 🧠 What Happens in the Brain? 1. The Amygdala: The Brain's Alarm System The amygdala is a small almond-shaped region deep in the brain, responsible for detecting threats and generating emotional re...

Photo by Peter Burdon on Unsplash A Neurotypical Perspective from a Curious and Caring Friend I’m not autistic. But I’ve been deeply drawn to understanding autism because people I care about live with it every day. Over time, my curiosity grew into a sense of responsibility. I wanted to understand—not just to “support,” but to truly see and respect their way of being. So I started asking questions. 🔍 The Questions That Guided Me These were the questions that first opened the door for me: What is autism, exactly? What does “spectrum” really mean? Why do autistic people feel so tired or overwhelmed in social situations? What is masking? How do autistic people experience emotions, touch, or eye contact? How can I support someone going through autistic burnout? How do communication and sensory processing differ? Why is routine or predictability so important? What’s the difference between autism and ADHD? What are stims, and why are they important? How d...

Photo by Mockaroon on Unsplash ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is something I’ve learned about through people close to me—friends, family, students, and members of the neurodivergent communities I’ve met through my volunteer work. I do not have ADHD myself, but I've always felt a deep need to understand it—beyond the stereotypes and surface-level labels. This blog post is a reflection of that journey: the questions I’ve asked, the moments that sparked curiosity, the emotional weight of watching someone struggle, and the many ways ADHD reveals its complexity in real life. It’s about what it means to be a neurotypical person trying to support and connect with people who experience the world in different ways. 💭 First Encounters with Neurodiversity My first direct experience with neurodivergent individuals came through volunteering in: 🏫 A special education school in Evosmos, Thessaloniki 👁️‍🗨️ The School for the Blind in Thessaloniki 🎭 A neurodivergent a...

I haven’t been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) , but I’ve been told by professionals that I have BPD traits . That distinction is important. I share this not to promote self-diagnosis, but to bring more awareness, empathy, and understanding — both for those who may relate and for those who care for someone with these patterns. Living with traits of BPD doesn’t define me, but it has shaped how I relate to the world, others, and myself. Here’s a look into my personal experience — along with some characteristics that others with BPD may experience. Photo by With Elli 🌱 How BPD Traits Show Up for Me These are traits that I personally experience and continue to explore in therapy and self-reflection: Deep sensitivity to rejection — even small signs of disconnection can feel painful or triggering. Fear of abandonment , even in stable relationships. Sometimes, I fear that people I love will leave, even without clear reason. Emotional intensity — I feel thi...