The paradox of divine providence in contemplative withdrawal.

From the erosion of ego to the ascent of self

Reflections on burnout, solitude, and identity.

Peak Afflatus began as an effort to understand midlife collapse, and grew into an exploration of renewal through the perspective of late-diagnosed autism. It continues to question how self-ignorance breeds torment, and how cultural ideals can erode what truly aligns with our own psychology.

Emergent Living:
The Series

Emergent Living maps life after long-term performance collapses, and the work of rebuilding coherence without inherited paths.

Book cover titled "A Comprehensive Breakdown: Essays on Autism, Collapse, and the Myth of Functioning" by Peak Afflatlus, featuring mountain and landscape artwork in shades of gray, white, and black.

A Comprehensive
Breakdown

Collapse, masking,
& the loss of identity.

Cover of a book titled 'Between Selves: After Collapse, Before Coherence' by Peak Afflatus, featuring a fragmented sculpture of a human figure on a gradient gray background.

Between
Selves

Liminal living without
a finished self.

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A Comprehensive Breakdown book by Peak Afflatus
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A Comprehensive Breakdown - Book 1

After burnout and a late autism diagnosis, I left behind a 25-year creative career and set out alone to walk across the French Alps. A collection of my essays grew into a reflective memoir of collapse, solitude, and rediscovery.

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★★★★★ Must read!

"An open, honest and deeply moving book about living with undiagnosed autism and the journey toward self-acceptance. Beautifully written and hopeful. A book to read, share, and discuss."

Nicci Attfield, Reedsy Discovery

Essays

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These essays are shared freely. If they’ve resonated with you, a small gesture of support helps me continue creating and sharing more of them.

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