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 awareness about neurodiversity.

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.

Mindful Reading: Behind the Scenes of This Blog
Things That Matter
What This Blog Is and What It Is Not
Why I Write This Blog

My Journal

Life Experiences

  • Losing Track of Time

    One activity I hate the most is getting ready in the morning. This is where I often lose track of time. The entire process of getting ready and then leaving the house is exhausting to do every day. I always end up leaving the house late. I would love to take my time in the… 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

  • The Consequences of Forgetting What Is in Your Handbag

    I am not the most forgetful person in the world, but honestly, I have a handbag like Pandora’s Box. When I put something in it, I often forget it is there. The amount of junk that accumulates is unreal. I always plan on trying to use a smaller handbag, but it never works out that… 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

  • Cat Love

    When I decided I wanted a pet, I knew having one would be a great addition to the family for me and my daughter. I got my cat, Vinny, in January 2025. Before I went to collect him, I learned everything about cats and bought what I needed, so the house was ready when he… 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

  • Recognising and Overcoming Burnout in Autism

    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

  • Building Resilience in Autism: A Personal Journey

    Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay Everyone faces challenges we have to overcome. However, until you know what it is really like to cope with the demands of life and having limitations, you don’t learn to have the same resilience. Autism is a daily challenge. I have problems with confidence and self-worth. Even when I have… Read more

  • Seeking a Diagnosis

    There are many reasons people seek a diagnosis if they think they might be autistic. For me, I had gone through a difficult patch. I had developed hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease) and we had just come through a pandemic. I always had anxiety, but now it was coming in waves and affecting my life more than… Read more

  • From the Beginning

    Autism was a condition I knew nothing about and as I was born in the mid seventies, I heard very little about it when I was young. My first awareness of autism was when my son was diagnosed. Facing so many challenges over the years to get the best support, it was difficult to deal… Read more