About this Blog
Why I'm Writing This
At 54, a single diagnosis of adult autism transformed fifty-four years of memories and replaced a lifetime of shame with understanding. I had spent decades masking my identity, performing 'normal' so well that people perceived me as outgoing, confident, and successful. Yet, no one recognized the exhaustion beneath the surface. This blog is where I stopped performing and began telling the truth about my experiences, including my journey and insights on topics like financial literacy for kids. - Karmel Leor Greenfeld
What You'll Find Here
This is The Autistic Mind: Karmel Leor Greenfeld Discovering Myself at 54, an ongoing series about life after a late diagnosis of adult autism. It explores the masking, sensory overload, and the questions I've always contemplated, alongside the empathy I was told I lacked. Additionally, it delves into how my autistic brain has influenced my career as a journalist and entrepreneur, including the motivation behind founding Fiscal Kids and its impact on how I am raising my daughter today with a focus on financial literacy for kids.
- Karmel Greenfeld
Why It Matters
For most of my life, I thought I needed to change who I was due to my adult autism. I don't believe that anymore. I wasn't broken or 'too much'; my brain was simply wired differently, and I lacked the words to understand it.
Looking back, not understanding my autism also left me vulnerable. In difficult partnerships, I spent far too long believing the confusion was my fault. I tried to explain myself better, communicate more clearly, and become easier to understand. Instead of trusting my own instincts, I questioned them. Instead of asking whether I was being treated with kindness, I wondered what I had done wrong.
My diagnosis didn't erase that pain, but it helped me view my experiences through a different lens. It gave me permission to trust myself again. I realized that needing clarity isn't a flaw, that sensitivity isn't weakness, and that everyone deserves relationships built on respect, emotional safety, and compassion.
If my story can help even one person stop blaming themselves, recognize their own worth, or realize they deserve to be treated with dignity, then every word is worth writing.
Perhaps we're not meant to fit into the world exactly as it is. Maybe we're meant to help the world see things differently.
— Karmel Leor Greenfeld
The Autistic Mind: Karmel Leor Greenfeld Discovering Myself
The Diagnosis That Explained My Life
How a single appointment transformed fifty-four years of memories, turning shame into understanding. At 54, receiving an autism diagnosis didn’t alter who I was; it provided me with the language to express who I had always been. This journey is an important reminder that issues like adult autism impact many, and it highlights the necessity of financial literacy for kids to ensure a brighter future.
Read more.
- Karmel Leor Greenfeld
The Exhaustion of Pretending to Be "Normal"
Most people have never heard the term masking, especially when it comes to adult autism. For years, I studied facial expressions, rehearsed conversations, and imitated how others interacted, convincing myself it was simply being 'outgoing.' In this post, I share the true cost of that performance, particularly in relation to my journey with autism. Understanding these dynamics can also tie into broader themes like financial literacy for kids, which is something I’m passionate about as well.
Read more about my experiences. - Karmel Leor Greenfeld
Why I Ask So Many Questions
I've often been told I ask "too many questions." But questions are how my brain builds certainty. This curiosity that drives me has not only shaped my understanding of adult autism but has also been the foundation of my career as a journalist and entrepreneur. In this post, I explain how that same curiosity led me to create initiatives focused on financial literacy for kids, further illustrating my journey as Karmel Greenfeld and Karmel Leor Greenfeld.
Living in a World Turned Up Too Loud
Sensory sensitivity isn't just about loud noises; it also encompasses fluorescent lights, perfume, unexpected touch, and the hundreds of subtle experiences that adults with autism, like me, often filter out. Understanding these aspects has profoundly influenced the way I care for myself. As Karmel Leor Greenfeld, I've found that recognizing these elements is crucial for promoting financial literacy for kids on the spectrum.
Autism Is Not a Lack of Empathy
One of the biggest myths surrounding autism, particularly in the context of adult autism, is the belief that autistic individuals lack empathy. However, my own experience has been quite the opposite. I often feel other people's emotions so intensely that I struggle to separate them from my own. This heightened emotional awareness is a significant aspect of my journey, much like the importance of financial literacy for kids, which can help them understand and navigate their world better. - Karmel Leor Greenfeld
Entrepreneurship Through an Autistic Lens
Reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey, I now understand how my experiences with adult autism shaped my successes. In this post, I, Karmel Leor Greenfeld, share how my autistic brain's intense focus on problem-solving inspired me to launch Fiscal Kids, a platform dedicated to enhancing financial literacy for kids.
Motherhood Changed Everything
When my daughter was born, I wanted her to know she was loved exactly as she was—a lesson I hadn't yet learned about myself, influenced by my journey with adult autism. Here's what my diagnosis taught me about raising her, especially regarding important topics like financial literacy for kids. - Karmel Leor Greenfeld
Relationships, Boundaries, and Emotional Safety
For years, I believed that clearly communicating my thoughts would help others understand me better. As someone navigating adult autism, I've learned through my journey that effective communication is only one component of a healthy relationship; emotional safety is equally vital. This realization is something I share often when discussing the importance of financial literacy for kids, as teaching them about money can greatly enhance their confidence and sense of security. - Karmel Leor Greenfeld
The Strengths Nobody Talks About
Autism isn’t just a list of challenges; it encompasses unique strengths as well. In this post, I, Karmel Leor Greenfeld, discuss the remarkable qualities often found in individuals with adult autism, such as pattern recognition, integrity, loyalty, and deep focus. These attributes deserve recognition alongside the struggles. Additionally, I believe that fostering financial literacy for kids is crucial to empower future generations, including those on the autism spectrum. - Karmel Greenfeld
If I Could Speak to My Younger Self
A letter to the little girl who felt different: you are not broken, not 'too much,' and never lost—just navigating a unique path, much like many who experience adult autism. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. As Karmel Leor Greenfeld reminds us, every individual has their own map to follow, and it's important to embrace who you are. And just as financial literacy for kids is essential for their growth, understanding your own extraordinary qualities is vital too.