Unlocking the Authentic Self

Autistic women often face unique challenges in self-discovery due to masking and societal pressures. Self-inquiry can be a powerful tool for reclaiming their authentic selves. This article explores the importance of self-inquiry and provides clinical applications for therapists and coaches.

The Importance of Self-Inquiry

Masking can lead to a disconnect from one’s true self, making self-inquiry crucial. It fosters self-awareness, acceptance, and compassion, aiding in burnout recovery and prevention.

The 52 Questions as a Catalyst

The 52 questions are designed to help autistic women identify their needs, preferences, and values. They provide a structured approach to self-reflection and can uncover hidden aspects of identity.  

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Clinical Applications

Clinicians, therapists and coaches can use self-inquiry techniques in sessions by creating a safe space for clients to explore their identities. Integrating self-inquiry into various modalities, such as IFS or narrative therapy, can enhance effectiveness. Using neuro-affirming structured questions promotes self reflection in a way that feels safe and brings in the elements of compassionate curiosity.

Practical Recommendations for Practitioners

Use the Self Inquiry questions as a starting point for self-discovery conversations, adapting them to individual needs. I encourage you as the clinician or coach to use self-inquiry for your own self-reflection as well. This is also a great tool to use as part of unmasking and identifying authentic values. 

Case Studies

When Samantha* began working with me in The UnVeiling Method, she was in a Habanero Pepper, Level 4 burnout—overwhelmed and struggling with extreme exhaustion. A late-identified AuDHD woman, she had experienced trauma both in childhood and adulthood, making self-discovery feel daunting.

As we worked through the Foundation Builder module on Self, she began using the 52 Questions alongside her Enneagram insights. Within just a month, she had a breakthrough—she told me, “I feel seen by myself for the first time.” That shift was profound. As we moved into the Unmasking Values module, Samantha reported feeling an unexpected sense of peace in her own body—something she hadn’t experienced in years.

Beyond individual breakthroughs, I’ve seen how the 52 Questions facilitate not only self-discovery but also burnout recovery. One of the most powerful aspects of this practice is that it doesn’t demand immediate answers. Simply allowing the questions to percolate in the subconscious can lead to profound clarity. Many clients experience aha moments around what’s truly draining their energy and how their sensory systems are impacted by the constant stress of Integrator-style masking.

Self-inquiry, when done with compassionate curiosity, creates space for healing, identity reclamation, and a more sustainable way of being.

Self-inquiry is transformative for autistic women. For many of us, these 52 questions are the first time we’ve given ourselves permission to explore who we really are under the masks.  Incorporating this into your practice helps foster self-discovery and well-being.

*client name anonymized for respect of privacy

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Masking Styles Quiz:

https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/67c3a9427658250015ed9e82