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

Raising Awareness

  • Doctor Ramani on ADHD vs Narcissism: The Difference

    I wanted to include another video from Doctor Ramani about the difference between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcissism. ADHD can co-occur with autism in families. A family member can have autism and another ADHD, and another can have both autism and ADHD. I uploaded a video that explained the difference between autism and Read more

  • Understanding Autism vs ADHD: Key Differences Explained

    Autism and ADHD have overlapping traits, but they are not the same condition as explained by Dr Tracey Marks. They can co-occur, but they affect the brain in different ways. They are both distinct neurodevelopmental conditions, and it’s important to understand them, as they are both misunderstood. Final Thoughts Autism and ADHD are different, but Read more

  • Doctor Ramani on Autism Spectrum Disorder vs Narcissism: The Difference

    A great YouTube video from Doctor Ramani about how autism spectrum disorder and narcissism are very different conditions. Narcissism Presentations show a lack of empathy, entitlement, grandiosity, manipulation, arrogance, excessive admiration, exploitation, and a desire for control. Autism Spectrum Disorder Presentations that vary between individuals such as social and verbal communication difficulties, challenges with social Read more

  • Out of Sight, Out of Mind

    Out of sight, out of mind is something we all suffer from time to time. However, this is caused by executive function, memory and attention differences in the ADHD and Autism community, and it happens a lot more often. It is not the same as object permanence as a developmental stage in babies. For me, Read more

  • My Neurodivergent School Days: Was I Lazy?

    I love writing, which I can do very well, and I have excelled in music. These are the subjects I enjoy today. However, school was not an easy time in my life. It was about bullying, anxiety, humiliation and isolation. Image by Mazaya Bulan from Pixabay Selective Mutism At nursery and in my first year Read more

  • Autistic Women, Older Adults and Under-researched Groups

    Professor Francesca Happé, a researcher with over 30 years of experience in autism, uncovers hidden experiences of autistic women, older adults and under-researched groups. Read more

  • Is Honesty the Best Policy?

    We can define honesty as a virtue, and ethics and integrity are some reasons we consider it in this way. However, is honesty the best policy? Why do people value honesty? When we are honest, we maintain trust in our relationships. If we are not, few of them would survive. This applies to friendships, romantic Read more

  • Is Maintaining Eye Contact the Only Way to Connect?

    Why Do People Avoid Eye Contact? We are told that maintaining good eye contact when speaking is one of the fundamental ways we connect. However, eye contact can vary depending on different factors. For example, some cultures think good eye contact when someone is talking can be disrespectful, rude or aggressive. Neurodiverse people with conditions Read more

  • 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

  • Is Everyone on the Autistic Spectrum?

    I often hear comments that people make about ‘everyone being on the spectrum’, or ‘a little bit autistic’. I don’t think people say this to be nasty, but it is just a lack of understanding about the condition. After all, I used to think this way too. The answer to this is no. I was Read more