Autistic Affirmations

Heather Engholm is an autistic musician/producer, Trekkie, and mother of two. Growing up in Alaska during the 80s and 90s might seem like an extreme environment, but Heather believes it is one of the things that allowed her to thrive as an undiagnosed autistic girl. Against the backdrop of the Chugach Mountain range and Harding Icefield and with the support of her adventure-loving parents, she learned resilience, independence, and a deep reverence for nature. These characteristics are also what helped her heal later in life. After recognizing the lasting effects of several abusive relationships and exposure to a religious cult, Heather began to appreciate support systems created by and for autistic adults. She became passionate about giving back to the community that helped her find her own identity and was determined to find a way to support others in their journey. Pulling from her own experience with journaling during difficult times, she began to create resources for autistic people in all stages of their personal growth. In the near future, Heather plans to begin touring as Häxa, sharing her music and story with a broader audience. Additionally, she is dedicated to writing more books, continuing to document her journey and experiences while enabling others to do the same. Through her advocacy, she aims to inspire and support others, sharing the strength and solace she found in Alaska's wild landscapes.