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

Coping Strategies

  • Goals and Determination

    The emotion I feel most often has to be determination. No matter how tired I am, I continue to push myself. It makes me smile when I achieve something new every day, and I pick myself up when life knocks me down. Image by Tumisu from Pixabay – colour adjustments and text overlay by Louise. Read more

  • Coping Strategies for Burnout

    I wrote a post back in June at a time when I was getting close to burnout. You can read the post here: Burnout – My Autism Life After Diagnosis. I used different strategies to improve my situation. I am feeling better now, and not as exhausted as I was. It is also holiday time 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

  • My Solution to Gut Problems

    Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay This is a short blog post, but maybe helpful for some of you. I have had gut problems all my life, and I often got an upset stomach eating foods I wasn’t familiar with. I will spare you the details, but I think it is what has caused anxiety about Read more

  • My Overactive Autistic Brain

    Relaxation is important to all of us. At the end of a busy day, taking some time out is essential to recharge our batteries so we are fresh for the next day. However, my brain is different. It is on the go all the time. Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Read more

  • Autism and Underemployment

    I am very grateful that I have always held down a job. However, many jobs that I have had over the years have not fully utilised my skills. I had worked for many years as an instrumental music teacher. My qualifications are to teach students one-to-one, the flute and the piano. I couldn’t cope with Read more

  • Strategies to Stay Organised

    Learning to cope with life has been a challenge, as it can be difficult for people with autism to stay organised. However, in order to survive, I have had to create different strategies. This is so that I get everything done, I can relax, and I know I haven’t missed anything important. Familiar Places At 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

  • Sensory Overload

    Most people with autism have sensory sensitivities to some extent whether it is textures, smells, bright lights, tastes or sound. Sensory overload is a challenge day to day, and for me sound causes it. However, I have found ways to overcome it. When I was a child, I hated loud noises. It was the loud, Read more

  • 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