Late Diagnosis Club

How Katharine Spent 40 Years in Therapy Before Discovering She Was Autistic

56 min · 5. Juni 2026
Episode How Katharine Spent 40 Years in Therapy Before Discovering She Was Autistic Cover

Beschreibung

In this meeting of The Late Diagnosis Club, Dr Angela Kingdon welcomes Katharine Gates, a writer, artist, and long-time creative who identified as Autistic and ADHD after a lifetime of questioning herself. Katharine shares how she spent decades feeling like the “odd one out” — academically gifted, outwardly successful, yet constantly struggling with everyday life, relationships, and a persistent sense that something didn’t quite fit. After 40 years of therapy, misdiagnoses, and searching for answers, it was a period of Autistic burnout that finally led her to recognise her neurodivergence and begin to reframe her life. This is a conversation about being misunderstood for decades — and what changes when you finally understand yourself. 🪑 Attendees Chair: Dr Angela Kingdon — Author, community-builder, and Autistic advocate Guest: Katharine Gates — writer, artist, and Autistic + ADHD creator You: The Listener! 🗒️ Meeting Agenda * Opening remarks from the Chair * Member introduction: Gifted child, lifelong difference * Discussion: Masking, achievement, and burnout * Privilege and hidden accommodations * ADHD + Autism dual identification * Alexithymia and emotional processing * Special interests and bottom-up thinking * Family patterns and generational neurodivergence * Self-compassion and dropping shame * Key learnings * Club announcements 🧾 Minutes from the Meeting 1️⃣ Opening Remarks Angela introduces Katharine Gates, whose story reflects a common Late Diagnosis Club experience — decades of feeling different, capable, and confused all at once. 2️⃣ Member Introduction: Katharine’s Story Katharine describes herself as an “exceedingly odd child,” growing up academically gifted but struggling to translate that success into everyday life. She became highly skilled at masking — orienting her life around achievement and external validation — while privately questioning why basic things felt so difficult. Over time, this led to cycles of burnout, misdiagnosis, and self-blame, with labels such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and personality disorder used to explain her experiences. It wasn’t until a major burnout in adulthood that Katharine encountered the concept of autistic burnout and began recognising herself in Autistic narratives. 3️⃣ Discussion Highlights * Gifted but struggling: Academic success masking real challenges * Hyper masking: Performing competence at the cost of burnout * Burnout trigger: Brain “stopping” rather than emotional collapse * Therapist dismissal: Being told she “just wanted to feel special” * ADHD alongside Autism: Dual identification later in the process * Alexithymia: Difficulty identifying and processing emotions * Masking as performance: Life experienced as “putting on a show” * Parenting moment: Struggles with empathy prompting deeper reflection * Generational patterns: Neurodivergence, trauma, and coping across family lines * Special interests: Deep dives into systems, patterns, and categorisation 4️⃣ Key Learnings * You can be highly capable and still struggle deeply. * Masking can delay recognition for decades. * Privilege can both hide support needs and meet them. * Burnout can be the turning point toward understanding. * Emotional processing differences are often overlooked. * Special interests can shape identity, career, and meaning. * Self-compassion can be one of the most powerful outcomes of a diagnosis. 📣 Club Announcements 🎧 The Late Diagnosis Club is available on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0TXhqtffSfmJrGm5zHANCQ?si=90e3cdf219fe43eb], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-late-diagnosis-club/id1847627224], and all major platforms. 💬 Join our online meetups and community at latediagnosis.club [https://latediagnosis.club/]. 📌 Check the LDC Notice Board [https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/t/noticeboard] for Member Contributions 💜 There is a small charge — but no one is turned away for lack of funds. 🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com [http://autisticcultureplus.com/] 🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com [http://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/autisticculturepodcast] 🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood. 🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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Episode How Katharine Spent 40 Years in Therapy Before Discovering She Was Autistic Cover

How Katharine Spent 40 Years in Therapy Before Discovering She Was Autistic

In this meeting of The Late Diagnosis Club, Dr Angela Kingdon welcomes Katharine Gates, a writer, artist, and long-time creative who identified as Autistic and ADHD after a lifetime of questioning herself. Katharine shares how she spent decades feeling like the “odd one out” — academically gifted, outwardly successful, yet constantly struggling with everyday life, relationships, and a persistent sense that something didn’t quite fit. After 40 years of therapy, misdiagnoses, and searching for answers, it was a period of Autistic burnout that finally led her to recognise her neurodivergence and begin to reframe her life. This is a conversation about being misunderstood for decades — and what changes when you finally understand yourself. 🪑 Attendees Chair: Dr Angela Kingdon — Author, community-builder, and Autistic advocate Guest: Katharine Gates — writer, artist, and Autistic + ADHD creator You: The Listener! 🗒️ Meeting Agenda * Opening remarks from the Chair * Member introduction: Gifted child, lifelong difference * Discussion: Masking, achievement, and burnout * Privilege and hidden accommodations * ADHD + Autism dual identification * Alexithymia and emotional processing * Special interests and bottom-up thinking * Family patterns and generational neurodivergence * Self-compassion and dropping shame * Key learnings * Club announcements 🧾 Minutes from the Meeting 1️⃣ Opening Remarks Angela introduces Katharine Gates, whose story reflects a common Late Diagnosis Club experience — decades of feeling different, capable, and confused all at once. 2️⃣ Member Introduction: Katharine’s Story Katharine describes herself as an “exceedingly odd child,” growing up academically gifted but struggling to translate that success into everyday life. She became highly skilled at masking — orienting her life around achievement and external validation — while privately questioning why basic things felt so difficult. Over time, this led to cycles of burnout, misdiagnosis, and self-blame, with labels such as depression, anxiety, substance use, and personality disorder used to explain her experiences. It wasn’t until a major burnout in adulthood that Katharine encountered the concept of autistic burnout and began recognising herself in Autistic narratives. 3️⃣ Discussion Highlights * Gifted but struggling: Academic success masking real challenges * Hyper masking: Performing competence at the cost of burnout * Burnout trigger: Brain “stopping” rather than emotional collapse * Therapist dismissal: Being told she “just wanted to feel special” * ADHD alongside Autism: Dual identification later in the process * Alexithymia: Difficulty identifying and processing emotions * Masking as performance: Life experienced as “putting on a show” * Parenting moment: Struggles with empathy prompting deeper reflection * Generational patterns: Neurodivergence, trauma, and coping across family lines * Special interests: Deep dives into systems, patterns, and categorisation 4️⃣ Key Learnings * You can be highly capable and still struggle deeply. * Masking can delay recognition for decades. * Privilege can both hide support needs and meet them. * Burnout can be the turning point toward understanding. * Emotional processing differences are often overlooked. * Special interests can shape identity, career, and meaning. * Self-compassion can be one of the most powerful outcomes of a diagnosis. 📣 Club Announcements 🎧 The Late Diagnosis Club is available on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0TXhqtffSfmJrGm5zHANCQ?si=90e3cdf219fe43eb], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-late-diagnosis-club/id1847627224], and all major platforms. 💬 Join our online meetups and community at latediagnosis.club [https://latediagnosis.club/]. 📌 Check the LDC Notice Board [https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/t/noticeboard] for Member Contributions 💜 There is a small charge — but no one is turned away for lack of funds. 🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com [http://autisticcultureplus.com/] 🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com [http://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/autisticculturepodcast] 🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood. 🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

5. Juni 202656 min
Episode How Dale Missed His Autism Diagnosis Despite Working in Special Education Cover

How Dale Missed His Autism Diagnosis Despite Working in Special Education

In this meeting of The Late Diagnosis Club, Dr Angela Kingdon welcomes Dale Pickles — host of Sendcast and Managing Director of B Squared — for a wide-ranging conversation on late diagnosis, education systems, and what it really means to support neurodivergent people. Dale shares how he grew up surrounded by special education — yet still missed his own Autism and ADHD. It wasn’t until 2023, prompted by supporting his daughter through her diagnosis journey, that everything finally clicked. This is a conversation about understanding yourself, supporting the next generation, and rethinking systems that weren’t built for neurodivergent minds. 🪑 Attendees Chair: Dr Angela Kingdon — Author, community-builder, and Autistic advocate Guest: Dale Pickles — SEND specialist, podcast host, and Managing Director of B Squared You: The Listener! 🗒️ Meeting Agenda * Opening remarks from the Chair * Member introduction: Family neurodivergence and missed recognition * Learning social rules and masking * Late diagnosis through parenting * Navigating the UK diagnosis system * Education system challenges and executive function in schools * SEND reform and needs-led support * AI and neurodivergent support tools * Key learnings * Club announcements 🧾 Minutes from the Meeting 1️⃣ Opening Remarks Angela introduces Dale Pickles and reflects on how someone can grow up immersed in special education and still miss their own neurodivergence. 2️⃣ Member Introduction: Dale’s Story Dale grew up in a family deeply connected to special education, yet his own Autism and ADHD were not identified. Although he recognised he was different, he didn’t feel he met diagnostic criteria. Instead, he developed ways to adapt, learning social rules, structuring his environment, and building a life that worked for him. His path to diagnosis came later, prompted by supporting his daughter through her own challenges and recognition. 3️⃣ Discussion Highlights * Missed in plain sight: Growing up around SEND without recognising himself * Family neurodivergence: Traits present across generations * Long-term relationships: Building connections through learned skills * Diagnosis trigger: Supporting his daughter through school struggles * Self-accommodation: Designing life to reduce friction * Labels vs reality: Diagnosis doesn’t define ability * Fail-first system: Support often comes only after crisis * SEND reform: Moving toward needs-led support * Early intervention: Preventing long-term harm * Executive function gap: A missing focus in schools * AI support: Tools for communication, reflection, and preparation * Environmental impact: Needs to change depending on context 4️⃣ Key Learnings * You can build a life that works without knowing why it works. * Late diagnosis often comes through supporting others. * Self-accommodation is a powerful but often invisible skill. * Diagnosis is personal and not always necessary for everyone. * Education systems often require failure before support. * Early support can prevent long-term harm and trauma. * Executive function is a key area often overlooked in schools. 📌 Notice Board * Dale’s Podcast - https://thesendcast.com/sendcast-episodes/ [https://thesendcast.com/sendcast-episodes/] * Dale’s LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/dalepickles [http://www.linkedin.com/in/dalepickles] * Brain in Hand App [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/brain-in-hand-mobile/id607805378] 📣 Club Announcements 🎧 The Late Diagnosis Club is available on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0TXhqtffSfmJrGm5zHANCQ?si=90e3cdf219fe43eb], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-late-diagnosis-club/id1847627224], and all major platforms. 💬 Join our online meetups and community at latediagnosis.club [https://latediagnosis.club/]. 📌 Check the LDC Notice Board [https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/t/noticeboard] for Member Contributions 💜 There is a small charge — but no one is turned away for lack of funds. 🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com [http://autisticcultureplus.com/] 🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com [http://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/autisticculturepodcast] 🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood. 🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

29. Mai 202658 min
Episode How Jason Built a Life That Worked for Him After His Late Autism Diagnosis Cover

How Jason Built a Life That Worked for Him After His Late Autism Diagnosis

In this meeting of The Late Diagnosis Club, Dr Angela Kingdon welcomes Jason Killian, an engineer, hiking instructor, and long time member of the club, who shares his journey to understanding himself as Autistic in his 40s. Growing up in a neurodivergent household, Jason was unknowingly accommodated in early childhood. Despite strong academic performance, Jason struggled with social integration, bullying, and later workplace dynamics, experiences that only made sense years later through the lens of Autism. This is a conversation about understanding your needs, building a life that fits, and what changes when you finally have the right framework. 🪑 Attendees Chair: Dr Angela Kingdon — Author, community-builder, and Autistic advocate Guest: Jason Killian — Engineer, hiking instructor, and Autistic advocate You: The Listener! 🗒️ Meeting Agenda * Opening remarks from the Chair * Member introduction: Early environment and hidden accommodations * Discussion: School overwhelm and social expectations * IEPs, missed diagnoses, and academic masking * Workplace challenges and burnout * Late identification and diagnosis journey * Self-accommodation and relationships * Hiking, regulation, and sensory experience * Key learnings * Club announcements 🧾 Minutes from the Meeting 1️⃣ Opening Remarks Angela introduces Jason Killian, a longtime LDC member whose story explores what it means to grow up supported, but not understood, and to find clarity later in life. 2️⃣ Member Introduction: Jason’s Story Jason grew up in a neurodivergent family where his needs were naturally accommodated — quiet spaces, independence, and room to explore interests. But once he entered school, sensory overwhelm, social expectations, and group environments became challenging. Without a framework for Autism, these struggles were interpreted as social difficulties rather than unmet needs. Although he performed well academically, Jason experienced bullying, isolation, and later workplace challenges, particularly around communication, expectations, and social norms. It wasn’t until adulthood — after years of reflection, therapy, and recognising patterns — that Jason identified as Autistic and sought a formal diagnosis. 3️⃣ Discussion Highlights * Neurodivergent household: Early needs met without formal recognition * School shock: Sensory overwhelm and social confusion in group settings * IEP limitations: Focus on social skills, not sensory or learning needs * Bullying experience: Social differences targeted in adolescence and work * College turning point: Finding acceptance in the queer community * Pandemic reflection: Patterns recognised through shared experiences online * Relationship clarity: Shared neurodivergence improves understanding * Workplace shift: Smaller company enabling better fit and autonomy * Hiking regulation: Nature as a consistent nervous system support * Sensory joy: Smell, sound, and visual richness in outdoor environments 4️⃣ Key Learnings * Support without understanding can still leave gaps. * Academic success does not mean needs are being met. * Late identification often comes through pattern recognition over time. * Self-accommodation is a critical skill for wellbeing. * Relationships can improve with shared understanding and language. * Environment plays a major role in regulation and success. * Special interests can become both careers and lifelines. 📣 Club Announcements 🎧 The Late Diagnosis Club is available on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0TXhqtffSfmJrGm5zHANCQ?si=90e3cdf219fe43eb], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-late-diagnosis-club/id1847627224], and all major platforms. 💬 Join our online meetups and community at latediagnosis.club [https://latediagnosis.club/]. 📌 Check the LDC Notice Board [https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/t/noticeboard] for Member Contributions 💜 There is a small charge — but no one is turned away for lack of funds. 🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com [http://autisticcultureplus.com/] 🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com [http://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/autisticculturepodcast] 🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood. 🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

22. Mai 202650 min
Episode How Danielle Reframed Autism Through a Black Feminist Lens After Her Late Diagnosis Cover

How Danielle Reframed Autism Through a Black Feminist Lens After Her Late Diagnosis

In this meeting of The Late Diagnosis Club, Dr Angela Kingdon welcomes Danielle Procope Bell, PhD, an Autistic Black feminist scholar and Assistant Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Danielle shares how she knew from early childhood that she was different, finding other children chaotic, preferring books and structure, and feeling an invisible glass wall between herself and others. Like many late-identified adults, Danielle’s recognition journey deepened after her son’s Autism diagnosis, when family patterns suddenly came into focus and helped her understand herself in a new way. This is a conversation about identity, lineage, belonging, and what becomes possible when you finally see yourself clearly. 🪑 Attendees Chair: Dr Angela Kingdon — Author, community-builder, and Autistic advocate Guest: Danielle Procope Bell, PhD. — Scholar, professor, and Black feminist thinker You: The Listener! 🗒️ Meeting Agenda * Opening remarks from the Chair * Member introduction: Early difference, late recognition * Discussion: Hyperlexia, gifted programs, and childhood belonging * Family neurodivergence and being accepted at home * Son’s diagnosis and family pattern recognition * Race, gender, and what gets missed in Autism conversations * Autigendering and Black feminist theory * Key learnings * Club announcements 🧾 Minutes from the Meeting 1️⃣ Opening Remarks Angela introduces Danielle Procope Bell, PhD, whose work sits at the intersection of Autism, Black feminism, gender, and identity. 2️⃣ Member Introduction: Danielle’s Story Danielle recognised from kindergarten that she related differently to the world. While other children felt unpredictable and chaotic, she preferred reading, routine, and solitary play. Her traits were interpreted as shyness and giftedness rather than Autism. She was moved into a gifted program, but the transition also brought racial and class isolation. Later, after her son was diagnosed as Autistic, Danielle began to recognise familiar patterns in herself, her father, and wider family members — leading to her own formal diagnosis. 3️⃣ Discussion Highlights * Kindergarten awareness: Knowing early that other children felt chaotic * Hyperlexia signs: Reading from age three and a deep love of books * Son’s diagnosis: Recognition through seeing herself reflected in him * Representation gap: Autism narratives dominated by white male stereotypes * Traits misread: Black Autistic traits interpreted as aggression or defiance * ODD pipeline: Black children funnelled into behavioural labels instead of support * Medical privilege: Access to quality adult assessment shaped outcomes * Black feminism as home: Intellectual spaces that affirmed difference before diagnosis 4️⃣ Key Learnings * Many Autistic people know they are different long before they know why. * Diagnosis journeys are shaped by race, gender, and class. * Traits are often interpreted differently depending on who displays them. * Representation changes who gets recognised and supported. * Identity can be built through community as much as through medicine. 📌 Notice Board * The Department of Africana Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville [https://africana.utk.edu] * Black, White, and in Colour: Essays on American Literature and Culture [https://a.co/d/08c4c3nd]by Hortense J. Spillers [https://www.amazon.com/Hortense-J-Spillers/e/B001IXQ4HQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1] * Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Parable-Sower-powerful-dystopian-future/dp/1472263669] * Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audry Lorde [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sister-Outsider-Speeches-Crossing-Feminist/dp/1580911862] * The users of the erotic - centring your internal experience by Audry Lorde [https://www.autostraddle.com/year-of-our-audre-lorde-januarys-uses-of-the-erotic/] * Sula by Toni Morrison [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sula-Toni-Morrison/dp/0833555405] * The Deep by River Solomon [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42201962-the-deep] 📣 Club Announcements 🎧 The Late Diagnosis Club is available on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0TXhqtffSfmJrGm5zHANCQ?si=90e3cdf219fe43eb], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-late-diagnosis-club/id1847627224], and all major platforms. 💬 Join our online meetups and community at latediagnosis.club [https://latediagnosis.club/]. 📌 Check the LDC Notice Board [https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/t/noticeboard] for Member Contributions 💜 There is a small charge — but no one is turned away for lack of funds. 🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com [http://autisticcultureplus.com/] 🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com [http://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/autisticculturepodcast] 🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood. 🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

15. Mai 202658 min
Episode How Scott’s Grief and Burnout Led to His Late Autism Diagnosis Cover

How Scott’s Grief and Burnout Led to His Late Autism Diagnosis

Warning: This episode includes discussion of terminal cancer, sudden bereavement, grief, burnout, and mental health struggles. Please listen with care. In this meeting of The Late Diagnosis Club, Dr Angela Kingdon welcomes Scott Simpson, a late-identified Autistic and ADHD creator, former broadcast journalist, and widowed father who has been raising his son solo since 2016. After decades working in radio, Scott’s life began to unravel through grief, burnout, and the collapse of the structures that had quietly supported him for years. What followed was a search to understand executive functioning, ADHD, and eventually Autism. Together, Angela and Scott explore hidden support needs, burnout after loss, Autistic shutdown, identity through memoirs and community, and why many late-identified adults only recognise their needs once life’s scaffolding disappears. This is a conversation about grief, structure, survival, and finally understanding yourself. 🪑 Attendees Chair: Dr Angela Kingdon — Author, community-builder, and Autistic advocate Guest: Scott Simpson — Content creator, former broadcaster, and late-identified AuDHD parent You: The Listener! 🗒️ Meeting Agenda * Opening remarks from the Chair * Member introduction: Gifted kid, burnout, and late recognition * Discussion: Special education and social confusion * Widowhood, solo parenting, and hidden support needs * Radio career collapse and autistic burnout * ADHD diagnosis and later Autism recognition * Structure, scaffolding, and unmet needs * Key learnings * Club announcements 🧾 Minutes from the Meeting 1️⃣ Opening Remarks Angela introduces Scott Simpson, a creator and former radio professional whose late identification followed years of grief, burnout, and trying to understand why life had become so much harder. 2️⃣ Member Introduction: Scott’s Story Scott was identified as “gifted” in childhood and placed into a specialist education program. While his intelligence was recognised early, his social struggles and deeper support needs were not. As an adult, he built a long career in broadcasting, married, became a father, and later experienced profound loss when his wife died of cancer while their son was still young. When career structure and family scaffolding fell away, Scott began exploring executive functioning, received an ADHD diagnosis, and later recognised Autism. 3️⃣ Discussion Highlights * Gifted program: Early intelligence recognised, while deeper needs were missed * Smart but struggling: Academic ability masking social confusion * Relationship patterns: Trying hard without understanding the rules * Sudden grief: Becoming a widowed father to a three-year-old * Radio collapse: Career pressure, impossible demands, and burnout * Hidden scaffolding: Job structure and parenting routines quietly sustaining life * ADHD first: Executive functioning becomes the doorway to understanding * Autism later: Shutdowns, overwhelm, and lifelong patterns making sense * Memoirs mattered: Learning through Autistic voices and lived experience * Support needs emerge: Struggles become visible once the structure disappears 4️⃣ Key Learnings * High achievement can hide unmet support needs. * Grief and burnout often expose needs that were once masked. * Executive functioning struggles are often misunderstood as laziness or failure. * Late recognition can come after life changes remove coping systems. * Autistic voices and memoirs can be more powerful than diagnostic checklists. * Support is often invisible until it is gone. 📌 Notice Board Scott’s Website [https://www.scottsimpson.ca/] Scott’s YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/bigasssuperstar] 📣 Club Announcements 🎧 The Late Diagnosis Club is available on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0TXhqtffSfmJrGm5zHANCQ?si=90e3cdf219fe43eb], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-late-diagnosis-club/id1847627224], and all major platforms. 💬 Join our online meetups and community at latediagnosis.club [https://latediagnosis.club/]. 📌 Check the LDC Notice Board [https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/t/noticeboard] for Member Contributions 💜 There is a small charge — but no one is turned away for lack of funds. 🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com [http://autisticcultureplus.com/] 🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com [http://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/] 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast [https://www.instagram.com/autisticculturepodcast] 🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood. 🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

8. Mai 202656 min