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.

My Journal

autism

  • 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

  • OCD and Autism: Key Insights and Challenges

    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. Videos by International OCD Foundation (embedded from YouTube) 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. Video by The Hidden 20% (embedded from YouTube) 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. Video by Help for ADHD (embedded from YouTube) 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

  • 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

  • Autism Inclusion and the Family

    For me, a sense of belonging is very important, so the attitude of my family makes a difference. Autism inclusion in families is an important place for support and connection. How the family views me makes a difference to my happiness. Image created with Canva Learning from Others I learn from non-autistic people how to Read more

  • What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Autism?

    I have read over the years about the best ways to treat, cure or prevent autism, from diet to not vaccinating children. When I have a good diet, I feel better, and when I feel better, my outlook on life is good. However, this does not cure my autism. What Causes Autism? The cause of Read more

  • Autism and Masking

    All my life, I have hidden most of my autistic traits from everyone around me. It was something I did, and I became an expert. I told no one how I felt, and that I was having difficulties. Observing Others I have learned to socialise through watching my peers, focussing on what and how they Read more