Autistic people are often described as being impaired with regards to theory of mind (ToM), though more recent literature finds flaws in the ToM deficit paradigm. Additionally, the predominant methods for examining ToM often rely on "observational" modes of assessment and do not adequately reflect the dynamic process of real-life perspective taking. Thus, it is imperative that researchers continue to test the autistic ToM deficit paradigm and explore ToM experiences through more naturalistic approaches. This study qualitatively examined ToM in twelve autistic adolescents through a series of semi-structured interviews. Interpretive phenomenological analysis of the data revealed four core themes in participants' ToM experiences and strategies, all of which highlighted how a more accurate representation of autistic ToM is one of difference rather than deficit. For instance, data showed that autistic heightened perceptual abilities may contribute to mentalizing strengths and that honesty in autism may be less dependent on systemizing rather than personal experience and choice. Such findings suggest that future research should reexamine autistic characteristics in light of their ability to enhance ToM processing. Understanding how an autistic ToM is uniquely functional is an imperative step towards both destigmatizing the condition and advocating for neurodiversity.