Why Do I Hate Hugs? - And Other Signs You Might Be Autistic (Episode 120)

Ever feel like everyone else got a social manual you never received? Christopher Carazas joins us to talk about discovering he’s autistic at 35, after years of “passing” through school, work, and life across multiple continents. What starts as a story about diagnosis becomes a deeper look at masking, self-worth, and how seeing your wiring clearly can change everything.

We trace his childhood through Latin America and West Africa, where forgiving international schools made quirks easier to hide but didn’t solve the puzzle of sensory overwhelm, blunt honesty, or last-minute plan changes that knocked him off balance. Christopher explains how praise for the “polished” student was often applause for the mask, not the person. He also shares the flip side: fast pattern recognition, languages that unlocked global work, and the empathy that felt big inside but didn’t always translate into words. Together we break down the moments that finally made autism make sense, why ADHD alone didn’t explain the full picture, and how a name can turn shame into strategy.

We get practical for listeners who suspect they—or someone they love—might be on the spectrum. From accessible online screening tools and school counselors to toolkits from Autism Speaks, we outline first steps that can lead to better support. Christopher offers grounded advice for teens and adults in places where awareness is still low: accept yourself first, then build simple systems for routines, sensory boundaries, and clear communication. We zoom out to show the broader value of neurodivergence—out-of-the-box thinking that powers engineering, social impact, media, and public service—and spotlight his book, Now That I’m Still Here, which chronicles late diagnosis, surviving abuse, and rebuilding with purpose.

The heart of the conversation is a challenge and an invitation: blending in can hold you back when your edge is the way you think. If you’re tired of spending your energy on masking, this is a path toward clarity, language, and leverage. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway—what mask are you ready to drop?

🔗 Connect with Christopher Carazas:

http://chriscarazas.com/

http://substack.com/@ccarazas

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