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

autismspectrumconditions

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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