Transforming your Inner Criticism Into Compassion

Contributors: LaVontae Hill & Jacob Nyamu

Did you know that 80% of thoughts are negative, while 95% repetitive? As adult living with autism, it’s easy to get trapped into an endless cycle of negative thought, slowly eroding your self worth.

On Oct 26th 2025, LaVontae Hill led an impactful session on transforming one’s inner criticism into compassion. He shared his own personal journey and how positive affirmations can be a powerful tool for anyone looking to bolster their self perception and self worth.

LaVontae Hill, ACSW has over a decade of experience empowering youth in marginalized communities and more than five years of clinical practice focused on trauma, generational cycles, and mental wellness. He’s spoken on major platforms including TedX, Mental Health America of California, Stop Stigma Sacramento, and Covered California, inspiring audiences to embrace vulnerability, take action, and rewrite their stories. Check out our Meetup page for fun and insightful events tailored for adults with autism.

Per the National Library of Medicine, studies how that prevalence of a lifetime depression diagnosis is up to 40.2% among autistic adults. Furthermore, another study indicates higher rates of specific anxiety disorders for adults on the spectrum which has been explored in children and adolescents but not studied previously in adults.

At Kipekee, we’re all about empowering adults with autism to be the best versions of themselves. We believe that regularly practicing positive affirmations can help you heal, grow and thrive. Here are 10 affirmations we’ve curated just for you. Set them as a daily reminder on your phone or put them on a sticky note on your mirror - your future self will thank you.