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

autism

  • 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

  • Autism and OCD

    OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) can occur alongside autism. However, not everyone with OCD has autism, and not everyone with autism has OCD. The following livestreams contain research information about autism and OCD to help understand how these conditions overlap, the diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies. 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

  • The Missed Diagnosis Autism and ADHD

    A very interesting webinar to watch from Thomas E. Brown, Ph.D. It is about individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) also having ADHD. Read more

  • My Brain with No Off Switch, and I Need to Rest

    My brain goes all the time. It is like I don’t have an off switch for it to stay quiet. Endless thoughts going around my head, and it is really tiring. I know that for me rest is very important, but I am not very good at stopping. However, I have written some reasons why 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