[Advice] Got A Tip

Read the winning entry for our July 11, 2025 prompt, "Advice For Autistics"

Neurodivergent Narratives Presents: Got A Tip

A contest that turns your best advice into a cultural legacy!

Oh, Darling One. This is Big. But Here's What You Need to Do
By Cat Blyth

Pause. Take your time. The door is swinging open, and you are free. It might not feel like it yet. It may feel more like an entrapment. But trust me, knowledge is power, and the way forward will become clear. Yes, cry, rage, grieve. Mourn the lifelong confusion and fuckups—the missed opportunities. And then start building. Slowly, slowly. Learn about who lives trapped beneath the mask. Refocus the lens. Embrace the things that support you. Breathe. You're okay. You're you now.

Perfectly Imperfect
By Emily Burgess

Growing up as an undiagnosed autistic, I constantly felt that I was either too much or not enough. I was too shy, too sensitive, too inquisitive. I was not sociable enough, not assertive enough, not athletic enough. To make up for these perceived deficiencies, I constantly tried to be perfect—perfect grades, perfect jokes, perfect smile. Since being diagnosed, I have realised I am not and never will be perfect. But it is my imperfections that make me who I am. I am a perfectly imperfect autistic, and so are you.

We got you, babe!
By Sha’mya Jones

Just Be Your Quirky Self! We Got You Babe!: Finding out you’re autistic after all this time is the last thing you wanna deal with on top of other stuff like racism and crappy body image. I’ve been there with every alienating tease and lecture about my “disruptive behaviour.” Not to mention it’s fucking exhausting to conform to society’s standards all the damn time! Honestly, I’d advise you to just be yourself, and everything else will eventually fall into place. Hell, maybe you’ll even inspire other unique souls to unmask their true identity as well. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll welcome you into our tribe. We got you, babe!