Late Diagnosed Autism in Women | A Little Less Broken with Guest Marian Schembari

Late Diagnosed Autism in Women | A Little Less Broken with Guest Marian Schembari

In this episode Wendy speaks with author Marian Schembari about late autism diagnosis, self-understanding, and the journey from feeling broken to feeling whole. Marian shares insights from her memoir, A Little Less Broken: How an Autism Diagnosis Finally Made Me Whole, and reflects on the impact of discovering she was autistic later in life. Through humor, honesty, and lived experience, she discusses the challenges of navigating a world that often misunderstands autistic people, as well as the relief that can come from finally having language for your experiences. From coping with stress, managing auditory overwhelm, and finding trustworthy sources of information about autism, Marian encourages newly identified autistic adults to learn from autistic voices and experiences rather than relying solely on social media. Takeaways:  • Don’t rely exclusively on social media for information about autism  • Seek out books, articles, and resources created by autistic authors  • A late autism diagnosis can provide clarity and self-understanding  • Understanding your autistic needs can help you better manage stress and overwhelm About Marian Schembari: Marian Schembari is the author of the memoir A Little Less Broken: How an Autism Diagnosis Finally Made Me Whole. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and Good Housekeeping. Her first published work, a poem about dragons, appeared at age eleven in Highlights for Kids. Today, she writes about autism, identity, parenting, and life as a late-diagnosed autistic woman. Marian lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and daughter. Website: https://www.marianschembari.com/ [https://www.marianschembari.com/] Sign up on Marian’s website to receive the first chapter of A Little Less Broken for free, along with her newsletter. You can find Marian Schembari’s book wherever books are sold, or you can use the Amazon Affiliate Link below. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases through this link, which helps support this podcast at not extra cost to you. Amazon Affiliate Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250895774/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_V84ZF1AT5JGXGVMZ0F8P?linkCode=ml1&tag=wendelawhitco-20&linkId=0ebb3de9d10e48647f65e5f9c83ccc9a [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250895774/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_V84ZF1AT5JGXGVMZ0F8P?linkCode=ml1&tag=wendelawhitco-20&linkId=0ebb3de9d10e48647f65e5f9c83ccc9a] About Your Host: Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community.  Books Available on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wendela+whitcomb+marsh&crid=1X6XOIX5WQRRV&sprefix=Wendela+Whitco%2Caps%2C199&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_14_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker] Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com [https://wendelawhitcombmarsh.com/] Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh [https://www.instagram.com/wendela.w.marsh] Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic  [https://www.instagram.com/adultingwhileautistic?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm [https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm] Thank You for Listening: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them.  YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism [https://www.youtube.com/@AmplifyingAutism] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0UxyGoNQJOr1DuLeMhBA7l] & Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplifying-autism-podcast-sharing-autistic-stories/id1873353622] Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

Are You Autistic, or Just Awkward on Dates? Dating While Autistic, Let the Adventure Begin

In this solo episode of Amplifying Autism, Wendy explores the challenges, fears, and possibilities of dating while autistic. Dating can feel overwhelming for anyone, but for autistic adults, navigating social communication and uncertainty can be especially exhausting. Wendy reminds listeners that while dating may be difficult, being autistic does not mean love and connection are out of reach. Wendy contrasts the idea of passively waiting for love to appear with the importance of taking intentional steps toward connection. Whether through online dating, shared-interest groups, friends, or unexpected opportunities, meaningful relationships often begin when people allow themselves to participate in the adventure. This episode also highlights the value of friendship, shared interests, and stepping outside of comfortable routines. Wendy shares stories about meeting her late husband and about a friend whose willingness to say “yes” to an unexpected invitation changed her life forever. Takeaways: • Being autistic does not mean you should give up on dating or relationships • Meaningful relationships often require effort, vulnerability, and patience • Waiting passively for love rarely works. Take action • Shared-interest groups can be a great way to meet people naturally • Friendships can grow into romantic relationships over time • Sometimes saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities can change your life About Your Host: Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community.  Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com [https://wendelawhitcombmarsh.com/] Books Available on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wendela+whitcomb+marsh&crid=1X6XOIX5WQRRV&sprefix=Wendela+Whitco%2Caps%2C199&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_14_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker] Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh [https://www.instagram.com/wendela.w.marsh] Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic  [https://www.instagram.com/adultingwhileautistic?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm [https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm] Thank You for Listening: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them.  YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism [https://www.youtube.com/@AmplifyingAutism] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0UxyGoNQJOr1DuLeMhBA7l] & Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplifying-autism-podcast-sharing-autistic-stories/id1873353622] Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

The Bridge Between Neurodiversity Island and the World with Guest Suzanne Plumley

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Suzanne Plumley about late autism diagnosis, self-discovery, and supporting autistic adults as they navigate life after diagnosis. Suzanne was diagnosed autistic in her fifties and now helps newly diagnosed autistic adults find love, clarity, and connection. Through her podcast, The Aspie Bridge, and her coaching work, she supports people who may feel overwhelmed or disoriented after discovering they are autistic later in life. Wendy and Suzanne discuss the emotional journey of late diagnosis, the importance of recognizing your strengths, and learning to move forward with self-compassion instead of shame. Suzanne describes herself as a “torch bearer” for autistic adults crossing the bridge between Neurodiversity Island and the wider world, so they don't have to navigate that journey alone. Takeaways: • Recognize how much you have already accomplished in life • Focus on your skills, passions, and strengths • You are good enough exactly as you are • Keep moving forward, and remember that you don't have to navigate this journey alone About Suzanne Plumley: Suzanne Plumley is a late-diagnosed autistic woman, podcast host, life coach, speaker, and author. As a Certified Dream Builder Coach, she helps clients create lives aligned with their Soul's purpose. She is the host of The Aspie Bridge podcast, author of Autistic Hearts, and creator of the Patreon community Aspie Bridge Builders. Suzanne’s work focuses on helping autistic adults who have felt misunderstood or overlooked find connection, clarity, and belonging. YouTube: @TheAspieBridgeShow [https://www.youtube.com/@TheAspieBridgeShow] Patreon: patreon.com/AspieBridgeBuilders [https://www.patreon.com/cw/AspieBridgeBuilders] About Your Host: Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community.  Books Available on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wendela+whitcomb+marsh&crid=1X6XOIX5WQRRV&sprefix=Wendela+Whitco%2Caps%2C199&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_14_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker] Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com [https://wendelawhitcombmarsh.com/] Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh [https://www.instagram.com/wendela.w.marsh] Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic  [https://www.instagram.com/adultingwhileautistic?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm [https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm] Thank You for Listening: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them.  YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism [https://www.youtube.com/@AmplifyingAutism] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0UxyGoNQJOr1DuLeMhBA7l] & Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplifying-autism-podcast-sharing-autistic-stories/id1873353622] Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

Finding Peace for Neurodivergent Families with Guest Janeen Herskovitz

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Janeen Herskovitz about supporting neurodivergent families, building healthier relationships, and creating peace at home. Janeen is a licensed mental health counselor and founder of Puzzle Peace Counseling in Jacksonville, Florida. As the parent of two autistic adult children, she brings both professional experience and lived experience to her work helping neurodivergent families reconnect and communicate more effectively. This episode explores the meaning behind “Puzzle Peace,” reframing the puzzle piece symbol to represent the many parts of a family learning to work together. Janeen also discusses self-identification, autistic enthusiasm, and the importance of rejecting shame in a world that often misunderstands neurodivergent people. Takeaways: • Sharing your enthusiasms with others is a form of connection and love. Listening to someone talk about what they care about also deeply matters  • Self-identification is valid, especially when diagnosis is inaccessible • You are trying hard enough; neurodivergent people are not “lazy” About Janeen Herskovitz: Janeen Herskovitz is a licensed mental health counselor in Florida and the owner of Puzzle Peace Counseling, LLC. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Rowan University and her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University. Janeen and her husband, Joe, have two autistic adult children. Through her counseling practice and podcast, Autism Blueprint, she helps neurodivergent families build more peaceful and supportive relationships. Website: puzzlepeacecounseling.com [https://puzzlepeacecounseling.com/] Podcast: autismblueprint.com [https://autismblueprint.com/about-the-podcast/] Patreon: Patreon.com/autismblueprint [https://www.patreon.com/cw/AutismBlueprint] YouTube: @autismblueprint [https://www.youtube.com/@autismblueprint] About Your Host: Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community.  Books Available on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wendela+whitcomb+marsh&crid=1X6XOIX5WQRRV&sprefix=Wendela+Whitco%2Caps%2C199&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_14_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker] Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com [https://wendelawhitcombmarsh.com/] Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh [https://www.instagram.com/wendela.w.marsh] Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic  [https://www.instagram.com/adultingwhileautistic?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm [https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm] Thank You for Listening: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them.  YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism [https://www.youtube.com/@AmplifyingAutism] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0UxyGoNQJOr1DuLeMhBA7l] & Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplifying-autism-podcast-sharing-autistic-stories/id1873353622] Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

Meet the Autistic Woman's Brain with Guest Susan Kayler

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Susan Kayler about late autism discovery, self-understanding, and finding new purpose after diagnosis. After successful careers as both an attorney and a judge, Susan still struggled with being misunderstood and having her facial expressions misread. Even practicing expressions in the mirror did not help her communicate emotions the way people expected. Yet when speaking about her passions naturally, others noticed her enthusiasm would shine through. Susan created the podcast Meet My Autistic Brain with The Autistic Woman as a way to help family and friends understand what she was learning about herself through autism. Over time, the podcast grew into a widely followed resource for autistic adults and those exploring late diagnosis. This conversation also explores identity, self-acceptance, and Susan’s transition into voice acting, a career that allows her to fully embrace her strengths without pressure to perform neurotypical social cues. Takeaways: • Autism can go unrecognized even in highly successful professionals • Learn as much as you can about autism before you seek a diagnosis • It’s a process. Be prepared for the highs of finally realizing there’s nothing wrong with you, as well as the sadness and mourning that can come with a diagnosis About Susan Kayler: Susan Kayler, also known as The Autistic Woman™, is the host and producer of the podcast Meet My Autistic Brain. Her show focuses on autism, autistic lived experience, and conversations with autistic authors and creators. Now in its sixth year, the podcast ranks in the top 0.5% globally with over one million downloads. Following careers as an attorney and judge, Susan has also begun a new career in voice acting and audio production. Instagram: @meetmyautisticbrainpodcast Twitter: @anautisticwoman Website: theautisticwoman.com [https://theautisticwoman.com/] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/40KiF6VJSdDUMxY0XtBBBn]& Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meet-my-autistic-brain/id1548001224] Podcasts: Meet My Autistic Brain About Your Host: Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community.  Books Available on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wendela+whitcomb+marsh&crid=1X6XOIX5WQRRV&sprefix=Wendela+Whitco%2Caps%2C199&ref=nb_sb_ss_fb_1_14_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker] Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com [https://wendelawhitcombmarsh.com/] Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh [https://www.instagram.com/wendela.w.marsh] Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic  [https://www.instagram.com/adultingwhileautistic?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==] Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm [https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm] Thank You for Listening: If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them.  YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism [https://www.youtube.com/@AmplifyingAutism] Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0UxyGoNQJOr1DuLeMhBA7l] & Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amplifying-autism-podcast-sharing-autistic-stories/id1873353622] Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast