Blog Posts
Many autistic adults go through life without an autism diagnosis because they learn to perform, mask and adapt to the world around them. This blog explores how being missed in childhood and adolescence can affect confidence, relationships, education, employment and future prospects, and how an autism diagnosis in adulthood can help make sense of the past and create a more confident future.
For some autistic people, leaving the house isn't about anxiety or not wanting to socialise. Sometimes, they simply need a reason to go out. Having a clear purpose, such as work, meeting someone or doing something they enjoy, can make leaving home much easier. Understanding this can help us look beyond assumptions and better understand the different ways autistic people experience the world.
After discovering I was autistic at 30, I began to understand why my own experience of counselling hadn't worked for me. That experience ultimately inspired me to become the counsellor I wish I had met, someone who listens without judgement, understands neurodiversity and adapts therapy to the person, rather than expecting the person to fit the therapy. Today, I use my own experiences to help others feel understood, accepted and able to be themselves.
Growing up, I always felt like there was something different about me, but I didn’t understand why. From struggling with school and social situations to finding my emotions difficult to understand, many things only started to make sense when I was diagnosed as autistic at 30. In this personal blog, I share my experience of growing up without knowing I was autistic, why I decided to seek a diagnosis while preparing to get married, and how counselling can help adults understand their neurodiversity and themselves with greater kindness.
Men are often taught to be strong, hide their emotions and deal with problems on their own. But what happens when those emotions have nowhere to go? In this personal blog, Joseph Oakes explores men’s mental health, societal pressures and his own experience of living as a man. He looks at how becoming more self-aware helped him understand his emotions and why talking about mental health can be an important first step towards feeling heard, understood and supported.
Being autistic can sometimes mean feeling unseen or misunderstood. Comments like “you don’t look autistic to me” can be difficult and can make you question your own experiences. In this blog, I explore what it can feel like to live in a world that does not always understand autism, the impact of masking, and how counselling can provide a safe space to be heard and understood.
Many autistic adults appear to be coping on the outside while quietly managing constant pressure beneath the surface. This blog explores what it's really like to live as a high-functioning autistic adult, the hidden challenges that often go unnoticed, and how understanding, acceptance, and counselling can make a meaningful difference.
Understanding your gender identity can raise a lot of questions, and you don't have to figure everything out on your own. Counselling offers a safe, supportive space to explore your thoughts and feelings without pressure or judgement.
Neurodiversity recognises that differences in how people think, feel, communicate, and experience the world are natural variations of the human brain. Conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Tourette’s syndrome are part of neurodiversity and are not something that needs to be “fixed.” Counselling can provide a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, relationships, identity, sensory experiences, anxiety, burnout, and self-esteem in a way that respects each person’s unique way of thinking and processing the world.
Counselling for men can feel like a difficult step, but it is also a powerful one. Many men are taught from a young age to stay strong, hide emotions, and deal with problems on their own. Because of this, it can sometimes feel hard to reach out for help due to fear, shame, or worry about being judged.
This blog explores why men often struggle to access counselling, the importance of speaking openly, and how therapy can provide a safe, supportive space to talk through stress, emotions, and life challenges. It also highlights how counselling can improve wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and support personal growth.
Reaching out for support is not weakness, it is a sign of strength and a positive step towards feeling better and more in control of life.
Joseph Oakes Counselling is now offering online counselling sessions across the UK. Access safe, confidential, and supportive therapy from the comfort of your own home, including support for neurodivergent individuals, men’s mental health, anxiety, stress, and gender-affirming counselling.
Growing Up Autistic Without Knowing: Finding Out I Was Autistic at 30
Growing up, I always felt like there was something different about me, but I didn’t understand why. From struggling with school and social situations to finding my emotions difficult to understand, many things only started to make sense when I was diagnosed as autistic at 30. In this personal blog, I share my experience of growing up without knowing I was autistic, why I decided to seek a diagnosis while preparing to get married, and how counselling can help adults understand their neurodiversity and themselves with greater kindness.
Have you ever wondered if you might be neurodivergent? Maybe you've spent years feeling different, struggling with social situations, change, sensory overload, emotions, or everyday tasks without understanding why. This article explores the signs of autism and ADHD in adults, masking, burnout, sensory overload, AuDHD and how counselling can help you better understand yourself. Most importantly, it looks beyond labels and asks a simple question: “What do I need to be myself?”