What clients have experienced.

Navigating autistic identity

“Growing up with a chronic illness was difficult in many ways, but for most of my life, I rarely encountered people who openly disagreed with me. I was—and, at times, still am—a rather stubborn person. Because no one challenged me, I often assumed that I was right. Looking back, I was quite full of myself, but the trouble with being full of yourself is that you rarely recognize it until someone points it out. I was fortunate to meet Hijiriko during this period of my life.

It took me a long time to consider that I might be autistic and to understand why I was so frequently frustrated. I had become burned out from constantly masking many of my natural mannerisms, such as walking on my toes or speaking very directly. Even when I mean well, my forwardness can sometimes come across as scathing.

Because I tend to take what people tell me at face value, I did not always understand how upsetting misunderstandings could become when I misinterpreted someone's intentions. For a long time, I believed the overwhelming sadness I experienced was simply depression. In reality, much of it came from my mind struggling to process situations and responses that I did not fully understand.

As someone who was stubborn and carried a great deal of anger, it took time for me to accept this new understanding of myself and become willing to work on it. Once I reached that point, however, I knew I had Hijiriko's support and guidance as a throughout the journey.

I was never someone who followed schedules or carefully planned my day, but I now actively consider how I spend my time. Over the years, Hijiriko's guidance has helped me establish small but meaningful structures in my life. I have learned the importance of going to sleep at a consistent time, eating at regular intervals, and nurturing my body through routines that help me regulate myself and plan the rest of my life. Most importantly, I learned how to develop meaningful relationships with others and gain what I now see as a support network.

Much of the anger I once carried has now subsided. Although I still experience frustration, I have learned how to manage it with greater patience and grace. My relationships with others have also become much deeper and more meaningful than they were in the past. As someone with Autism, regaining that feeling of being human was everything.”

Endorsement, former colleague

“When I first met Hijiriko, we worked together at supported living services where we supported ex-incarcerated individuals in re-entry. She is a wonderful colleague, very positive, very wonderful with clients. I enjoyed meeting her. She has changed my life in so many ways, but even helping me with my own mental health. She has motivated me in so many ways in life to keep going. One of the most intriguing wonderful people to ever meet. She has a lot of insightful information to help guide others in anyway in their life. Their guidance, encouragement and wisdom have helped me uncover my true potential and overcome obstacles throughout my life. They are super supportive. I have gained a lot of clarity and confidence. I am deeply grateful for their dedication and how she loves to help people.”

Endorsement

“I have had the privilege of knowing Hijiriko both as a dear friend and as a professional colleague, and she is genuinely one of the brightest, most empathetic, and passionate people I know.

What stands out most about Hijiriko is the way she combines intellectual curiosity with a genuine desire to understand people. She doesn't simply listen to what someone is saying; she works to understand the experiences, perspectives, identities, and circumstances shaping how they communicate and move through the world. She has an incredible ability to recognize nuance, make connections others may overlook, and help people better understand both themselves and one another.

As a mental health professional, I have tremendous respect for the thoughtfulness and intentionality she brings to her work. She is deeply curious about human behavior and relationships, particularly the ways communication, culture, identity, and individual differences influence our experiences. More importantly, she has the rare ability to take that depth of understanding and make it practical and meaningful for the person in front of her.

Hijiriko is also someone who will challenge you. Her empathy isn't passive; she genuinely wants people to grow. She creates space for people to feel understood while encouraging them to examine patterns, develop stronger relational and life skills, manage stress more effectively, and move toward the person they want to become.

Beyond her professional strengths, I know her as someone who is authentic, compassionate, driven, and deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. She continually seeks opportunities to learn, grow, and expand the impact of her work, and I have watched that passion shape both the professional she is today and the direction she is taking her career.

I would trust Hijiriko with someone I care about without hesitation. Anyone who has the opportunity to work with her is gaining more than a mentor; they are gaining someone who will genuinely invest in understanding them, recognize their potential, and thoughtfully challenge them as they build a life and career that feel authentic to who they are.”