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

Events

  • 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

  • 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 develop 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 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • I have had my share of conflict over the years. The issue is, conflict with others isn’t productive, especially if it lasts over a long period. It is fine to have disagreements and misunderstandings. Conflict is normal in relationships, but when people drag it out without finding a solution, there is no point in it.… 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

  • 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

  • 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