The AutSide Podcast

Today’s episode introduces an exploration into the social scripts and linguistic rituals that often mask the true internal experiences of neurodivergent individuals. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, examines how common inquiries like "How are you?" frequently prioritise social convenience over genuine emotional connection. Through the lens of masking and alexithymia, her article addresses the exhaustion that comes from performing emotional fluency to satisfy societal expectations. It serves as an invitation for readers to reflect on the emotional labor of appearing "fine" when they are actually struggling. Ultimately, her writing offers a gentle space for those who have historically used scripts as a survival mechanism to prioritise their own nervous system over performance.
Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/wh-questions-and-the-cost-of-compression-4c3
Let me know what you think.
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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autside.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s episode introduces a thoughtful exploration of how neurodivergent individuals experience the psychological strain of making seemingly minor decisions. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, suggests that questions about personal preferences or simple choices are often far more complex than they appear, requiring a “compression” of one’s identity that can feel deeply overwhelming. By addressing the hidden emotional labour involved in navigating everyday demands, Dr. Hoerricks seeks to validate those who have been unfairly labeled as difficult or indecisive. Her piece serves as a compassionate framework for understanding why standard social interactions can trigger feelings of inadequacy or grief. Ultimately, her writing offers a supportive space for readers to examine the intricate ways their minds process desire and meaning without the pressure to conform.
Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/wh-questions-and-the-cost-of-compression-17d
Let me know what you think.
The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autside.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s episode explores the psychological burden placed on individuals when they are forced to explain their identities or actions under pressure. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, argues that the question “why?” often functions as a form of coercive interrogation rather than a genuine inquiry, especially for those experiencing trauma or delayed processing. By demanding a linear narrative from someone still navigating a crisis, society often mistakes fragmented memories for dishonesty. Ultimately, her piece serves as a protective guide, reminding readers that they do not owe the world an immediate or polished explanation of their lived experiences. She emphasises that personal truth frequently arrives in pieces and should not be used as a tool for social cross-examination.
Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/wh-questions-and-the-cost-of-compression-997
Let me know what you think.
The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autside.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s episode highlights how ordinary questions can trigger an intense internal load for unsupported adults, requiring significant mental labor to process. By analysing the hidden mechanics of conversation, the author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, explains why simple prompts often feel like overwhelming demands rather than casual interactions. Readers are encouraged to view their nervous system responses, such as dissociation or alertness, as biological data rather than personal shortcomings. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks aims to validate the survival labor involved in navigating a world that often ignores the complex architecture of neurodivergent processing.
Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/wh-questions-and-the-cost-of-compression-ccf
Let me know what you think.
The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autside.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s episode introduces a specialised series by Dr. Jaime Hoerricks titled “WH- Questions and the Cost of Compression,” which investigates the psychological and physical distress caused by basic inquiries. The new series serves as a supportive guide specifically for unsupported adults who experience intense anxiety, paralysis, or confusion when faced with common questions. By prioritising somatic language, Dr. Hoerricks aims to connect the reader's bodily sensations to their mental responses during these moments of emotional flooding. The introduction functions as a gentle warning, encouraging vulnerable individuals to prioritise their own safety and physical comfort whilst engaging with the material. Ultimately, she seeks to reframe these challenges not as personal failures, but as valid reactions to the structural limitations of direct questioning.
Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/wh-questions-and-the-cost-of-compression
Let me know what you think.
The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.



This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit autside.substack.com/subscribe