Unmasking, Belonging, and Building Real Connections as a Late-Diagnosed Autistic Adult скачать в хорошем качестве

Unmasking, Belonging, and Building Real Connections as a Late-Diagnosed Autistic Adult

Welcome to the Autism in Black Podcast, hosted by Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC. In this episode, we’re joined by Coach Lee Hopkins, a Social Connections Coach and CEO of Patterns of Possibility LLC. After years of masking and struggling with loneliness, Coach Lee discovered the power of authenticity—and now helps late-identified autistic adults and professionals create real, meaningful relationships without burnout or exhaustion. Through his coaching practice, workshops, and the Social Connections Summit, Coach Lee empowers people to build confidence, set healthy boundaries, and express their true selves with clarity. As the host of the Patterns of Possibility Podcast, he uses his own lived experience to normalize conversations about masking, belonging, and emotional safety. This episode explores how unmasking can lead to deeper connections, how embracing your “Black sheep” identity can become a source of strength, and why expressing your emotions safely is key to building lasting relationships. In This Episode: Coach Lee Hopkins joins us for an inspiring and deeply relatable conversation about authenticity, belonging, and self-expression. Drawing from his own experiences as a late-identified autistic adult, Coach Lee unpacks what happens when smart, capable people spend years hiding who they are—and how unmasking can be the first step toward genuine connection. He shares practical strategies for expressing emotions safely, embracing the feeling of being “different,” and finding confidence in relationships at home, at work, and in community spaces. Listeners will explore: The Cost of Masking: Why hiding your true self leads to exhaustion—and how unmasking opens the door to connection. Being the Black Sheep: How standing out can become a strength, not a setback. Expressing Feelings Safely: Simple ways to share emotions and build trust without fear of rejection. About Coach Lee Hopkins: Coach Lee Hopkins is a Social Connections Coach and the CEO of Patterns of Possibility LLC. After years of masking and feeling isolated, he now helps late-identified autistic adults and high-achieving professionals build authentic relationships with confidence and ease. Through personalized coaching, workshops, and speaking engagements, Coach Lee teaches practical tools for creating connection, setting boundaries, and cultivating self-awareness. He also hosts the Patterns of Possibility Podcast, where he explores topics like authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional intelligence. Connect with Coach Lee Hopkins: 🌐 Website: www.patternsofpossibility.com 🧠 Take the Masking Quiz: Click here 🎥 YouTube: @patternsofpossibility 💼 LinkedIn: Coach Lee Hopkins Get 2 Weeks FREE in the Autism in Black® Community! Looking for support, connection, and resources created specifically for Black parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children? Now’s your chance to experience the Autism in Black® Community—FREE for 2 weeks! Join us for the 6th Annual Autism in Black Conference 2026 — a safe, affirming space with real conversations, expert insights, and culturally responsive tools to support your journey in parenting, advocacy, and healing. Register here: https://funnel.autisminblack.org/conf... Support and Connect with Autism in Black: Website: www.autisminblack.org Social Media: Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, or Twitter: @autisminblack Facebook: @autisminblk Join our community for networking, resources, and advocacy: www.autisminblack.org/membership Thank you for tuning into the Autism in Black Podcast! Share your thoughts using #aibpod on social media. Together, let's continue to build a more inclusive and supportive community.