Why Conflict Feels So Big for Autistic People

Talk Description: If you’ve ever felt like your whole world was falling apart after an argument, even a small one, you’re not alone. For many autistic people, conflict doesn’t just hurt emotionally, but it feels physically unsafe. In this talk, we’ll unpack what’s really going on beneath the surface: how our sensitive nervous systems react to tone and tension, how rejection sensitivity shapes our fear of loss, and why we replay conversations long after they’re over. We’ll also talk about self-soothing through authenticity, reframing conflict as a regulation rupture (not a relationship one), and learning to trust that safety and connection can be rebuilt. Session Goals & Outcomes: – Feel seen and validated by a supportive, like-minded community – Gain tools to navigate emotional regulation, self-esteem, and masking – Begin building a more authentic, self-compassionate identity – Reconnect with the parts of yourself that were never “too much”—just misunderstood 🎤 Facilitator Bio: Elena Carroll – Late-Diagnosed Autistic Advocate & Peer Facilitator Elena Carroll is a late-diagnosed autistic adult who spent years trying to “fit in” before learning to truly understand herself. Her diagnosis sparked a personal revolution—one that included identity healing, community-building, and redefining her own worth outside of societal expectations. Elena creates spaces that feel warm, real, and rooted in lived experience. Through her writing, social media presence, and now peer support groups, she’s helping others process their neurodivergent discovery journey and find strength through self-understanding. Elena recently relocated across continents and is currently working on her first book while continuing to build a life she once thought was out of reach. Follow Elena YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elenacarr0ll Instagram: @elenacarr0ll TikTok: @elena__carroll