One of the first things anyone asks when I reveal that I received an autism diagnosis at age 37 is “What’s the point of getting that at your age?” Sometimes it comes with an undercurrent of scepticism – “Well you got by for this long… it must be pretty mild.” Sometimes there is disbelief or… Read More
As an autistic adult who was not diagnosed until she was thirty-seven, it is so often the subtle differences in communication, processing and assumptions that have led to a breakdown in relationships with neurotypical friends. I feel like I am a good person – I am empathetic, generous, honest. But if I count the number… Read More
It’s official – I’m a bad listener. In the white-hot energy of an introductory conversation, I will not ask you questions. I won’t inquire about your work, your family, the ages of your children. I know which questions should be asked. They press on my chest, tug at my sleeve, get stuck on my tongue.… Read More
I first began to suspect I might be autistic about a year after my son was diagnosed. I have always had a tendency to obsess and hyperfocus on topics that catch my interest. Learning about autism, and adult autism diagnosis, was no exception. As a result, I read everything I could around the subject. And,… Read More
When I was seven, I had a ruptured appendix that resulted in peritonitis and gangrene. I was in the hospital for a month, had weeks off school, and even when I returned, I could not play outside or do PE (I liked that bit.) While I was in hospital, I received a delivery from my… Read More
I passed my driving test on the ninth attempt. Yes – ninth. Some of my best anecdotes came out of those tests. I once made Sarah Turner (of The Unmumsy Mum fame) properly laugh out loud with one of my driving test stories. I am quite proud of that. On one test, I drove into… Read More
I can’t just say “I’m autistic”. I have no diagnosis (I am.) (Update: diagnosis received April 2019) but even if I did, I could not just say it. When I upset people, I can’t just say it. When people react in ways that I do not understand, I cannot just say it. When I am… Read More
Today marks the start of Autism Awareness week and April the 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day. All over the world, people will be engaging in all kinds of activities and fundraising to help improve understanding and acceptance for autistic individuals everywhere. But what does autism awareness, and acceptance, actually mean? Will autistic people wake… Read More
There are many divides in the autism community. There are autistic adults. There are the parents of autistic children. There are those whose autism is deemed ‘high-functioning’ and those who are called ‘severe’ and ‘classic’ and ‘non-verbal’. There are those who are perfectly capable of advocating for themselves and there are those who do not… Read More