The Power of Self-Diagnosing Autism: A New Journey of Acceptance (Feat. Lavren and Keara Graves)

In this episode, I’m joined by the multi-talented Keara Graves and Lauren (AKA Lavren)—autistic creators, podcast hosts, and real-life partners—to talk about the power and validity of self diagnosis, especially in a world where professional diagnosis is still limited, costly, and increasingly scrutinized.

We get personal about:

✨ The “aha” moments that led us to realize we’re autistic
✨ The emotional complexity of self-diagnosis (and why it's not “just a trend”)
✨ The intersections of queerness and neurodivergence
✨ Coping with online backlash, internalized doubt, and family skepticism
✨ Why your experience is real—even without a piece of paper

🌩 Also: we are hilariously interrupted by an unforeseen Texas thunderstorm that knocks out my power mid-filming... leaving Keara and Lauren to their own delightful antics while I reboot. (You will fall in love with them.)

💬 Whether you're exploring your own identity or showing up to support someone you love, this conversation is full of warmth, vulnerability, and validation. We hope it reminds you that you’re not alone, and that your self-understanding matters.

🔗 Follow Keara & Lauren:
🎙 A Couple Queers Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Zxskmi...
🎥 YouTube, music, acting, spicy content & more:
⚫️    / @kearagraves  
⚫️    / @whatsuplavren  
⚫️   / whatsuplavren  
⚫️   / kearagraves  

🌎 🫶 Looking for autistic community? Try mine out free for 7 days: https://mots.circle.so/checkout/mom-o...

🧠 Autism is not always visible.
💗 Self-diagnosis is not a shortcut—it’s a lifeline.
Thank you for being here.