ABOUT

My name is Louise. I was diagnosed with autism in my late forties, and two years later diagnosed with ADHD.

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 and ADHD can look different in each person. This is one way they 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

mental health

  • I have had many situations when someone has said something to me and they have meant something else, or not been clear about what they mean, regardless of whether it is intentional. I understand it is the speech pattern of people who are not on the spectrum. However, for me, I like to know exactly… Read more

  • Relaxation is important to all of us. At the end of a busy day, taking some time out is essential to recharge our batteries so we are fresh for the next day. However, my brain is different. It is on the go all the time. Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Read more

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay Everyone faces challenges we have to overcome. However, until you know what it is really like to cope with the demands of life and having limitations, you don’t learn to have the same resilience. Autism is a daily challenge. I have problems with confidence and self-worth. Even when I have… Read more

  • Seeking a Diagnosis

    There are many reasons people seek a diagnosis if they think they might be autistic. For me, I had gone through a difficult patch. I had developed hyperthyroidism (Graves Disease) and we had just come through a pandemic. I always had anxiety, but now it was coming in waves and affecting my life more than… Read more