My Autism Life After Diagnosis

My Journal

ABOUT

My name is Louise. I was diagnosed with autism in my late forties.

This blog is my journey from late diagnosis, how I navigate the ups and downs of life, and the strategies I use to cope.

I also write about my lifestyle, my life experiences, and raising neurodiversity awareness.

Autism is a spectrum, and it can look different in each person. This is one way autism can present.

This blog is for reference and education only, and not professional advice. Please consult a specialist for diagnosis or support.

Please like, comment and subscribe. I would love to read your ideas, thoughts and opinions.

My Journal

Late Diagnosis

  • The Pros and Cons of an Autism Diagnosis

    Image by Tumisu from Pixabay Pros Cons Sources: What are reasonable adjustments and when can they be requested Deciding whether to seek an autism assessment Pros and Cons of an ASD Assessment | The Autism Service Read more

  • Autism and Masking

    All my life, I have hidden most of my autistic traits from everyone around me. It was something I did, and I became an expert. I told no one how I felt, and that I was having difficulties. Observing Others I have learned to socialise through watching my peers, focussing on what and how they Read more

  • Autism and Emotions

    People with autism can have difficulty identifying emotions, but this does not mean that we don’t feel them and cannot recognise certain emotions. Image by Gino Crescoli from Pixabay I Feel Emotions My emotions can be very intense, and the emotions of others can affect me. I am also sensitive to negativity. Mean words or Read more

  • Autism and Literal Thinking

    I have had many situations when someone has said something to me and they have meant something else, or not been clear about what they mean, regardless of whether it is intentional. I understand it is the speech pattern of people who are not on the spectrum. However, for me, I like to know exactly Read more

  • Autism Self-Diagnosis or Autism Formal Diagnosis

    Autism self-diagnosis is when a person identifies as autistic through their own experiences without a formal diagnosis by a professional. A formal autism diagnosis is when a professional assesses the person to determine whether they have autism, and by meeting the diagnostic criteria, they receive their official diagnosis. I have my own views of this Read more

  • Large Social Gatherings

    I don’t know where to start with this one. It is stressful for anyone, but for me, arranging a large social gathering such as a wedding, is stressful. I don’t have a clue. The steps involved are extremely challenging. Image by Pexels from Pixabay I enjoy large social gatherings to an extent, and I don’t Read more

  • Regrets

    If I had only known I was autistic, I would have been able to deal with situations differently. Over the years, I have felt I have been unable to deal with people in the best way that I could. I have regrets about friendships and relationships. I have not understood why I have behaved in Read more

  • Disability or Difference

    When I think about being autistic, I see it as a difference rather than a disability. However, if we treated it as a difference rather than a disability, would autistic people get the support they need? Image by Rosy / Bad Homburg / Germany from Pixabay Autistic people struggle to get the support they need Read more

  • What I Wish For

    Learning something new is so straightforward if you find the correct resources. I love to learn, and I like to research new topics. Getting the correct information before discussing something is important to me. I don’t want to insult anyone, and I hate disrespecting people. If I do it, it is unintentional. Image by Ennaej Read more

  • Burnout

    Feeling burnt out is something that all of us feel from time to time. We live in a crazy world rushing around, which is an unhealthy byproduct of living in a society of consumerism. Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay However, autistic burnout is different. It stems from trying to navigate social demands and masking Read more