#latediagnosis — Public Fediverse posts

My AuDHD mornings run on dice now. Six tasks on paper, a 1d6 for priority, a 1d20 for minutes per task, a 60-second primer timer that runs before everything else. The system that finally aligns the autistic architecture (taxonomies, protocols) with the ADHD activation (urgency, novelty). New piece today on Invisible Illness.

https://medium.com/invisible-illness/how-d-d-dice-and-a-60-second-timer-run-my-audhd-day-a5053f5ba12e

#AuDHD #Autism #ADHD #LateDiagnosis

Sant Jordi is the Catalan feast of books and roses. Every April 23rd, people here exchange books instead of gifts. It felt like the right moment.
Until Sunday, Wrong Planet / Right Mind is 20% off on every platform.
Amazon, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo. $7.99. Until Sunday.
If you've been thinking about it, this is the week.
#ActuallyAutistic #LateDiagnosis #Neurodivergent

https://www.christiangajewski.com/the-book

Adult Autism Awareness Day 🌈

Honouring autistic adults and the many ways they contribute, create, and thrive. ✨

This day brings attention to the realities of late diagnosis, masking, burnout, and the need for compassionate, adult‑focused support. 🫂

It’s a reminder that autism is lifelong — and so is the right to acceptance. 💜

#autism #adultautism #latediagnosis #support #jenniesworld

I wrote Wrong Planet / Right Mind after 48 years of wrong diagnoses, burnout, and a life that only made sense backwards.
The book is out. No reviews yet.
If you’re autistic, late-diagnosed, or simply always knew something was different, and you’d like a free EPUB copy in exchange for an honest Amazon review, reply or DM me.
No Amazon purchase needed, just an active account.
No pressure on what you write. Honest means honest.
#ActuallyAutistic #Latediagnosis #neurodivergent

I selected eight of my essays on autism, late diagnosis, masking, and burnout, and made them free to read. No paywall, no account required.

Topics: how I built four systems to manage an AuDHD brain, why autistic adults look younger than they are, what The Little Prince has to do with diagnosis, and more.

All in one place:
https://www.christiangajewski.com/essays

#Autism #ActuallyAutistic #Neurodiversity #AuDHD #LateDiagnosis

#ADHD #LateDiagnosis #Neurodivergent #ADHDMemes #Relatable #MentalHealth

Surprise... Kim Has ADHD (Part 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Htlxm0NMCBw

#ADHD #ADHDer #ADHDers #Woman #Women #LateDiagnosed #LateDiagnosis #latedignosedadhd #holdernessfamily

struggles autistic females face #ActuallyAutistic
#AuDHD
#AutismAcceptance
#AutismCommunity
#AutisticAdults
#ADHDLife
#Neurodivergent
#ADHDAndAutism
#LateDiagnosis

struggles autistic females face #ActuallyAutistic
#AuDHD
#AutismAcceptance
#AutismCommunity
#AutisticAdults
#ADHDLife
#Neurodivergent
#ADHDAndAutism
#LateDiagnosis

struggles autistic females face #ActuallyAutistic
#AuDHD
#AutismAcceptance
#AutismCommunity
#AutisticAdults
#ADHDLife
#Neurodivergent
#ADHDAndAutism
#LateDiagnosis

struggles autistic females face #ActuallyAutistic
#AuDHD
#AutismAcceptance
#AutismCommunity
#AutisticAdults
#ADHDLife
#Neurodivergent
#ADHDAndAutism
#LateDiagnosis

I’m wondering if anyone relates to the painful grief of all the years spent masking, pretending, and stifling yourself just to fit in. I thought I had worked through this after my diagnosis in April, but it has returned with vengeance.

Finding my autistic tribe online has been life-changing. Last week I felt fully heard and understood in an autistic group for the first time ever. It was incredible, but since then I’ve been an emotional mess. The contrast is so stark: years of loneliness, squashing myself, constant misunderstandings.

I don’t need replies suggesting therapy. I already have a neuroaffirming therapist who helps me more than any counsellor ever has. But it’s 2 am, I can’t sleep, and I feel very alone.

Is it normal for this grief to come back so strongly?

#ActuallyAutistic #AutisticCommunity #Unmasking #Grief #LateDiagnosis #Neurodivergent

I’m wondering if anyone relates to the painful grief of all the years spent masking, pretending, and stifling yourself just to fit in. I thought I had worked through this after my diagnosis in April, but it has returned with vengeance.

Finding my autistic tribe online has been life-changing. Last week I felt fully heard and understood in an autistic group for the first time ever. It was incredible, but since then I’ve been an emotional mess. The contrast is so stark: years of loneliness, squashing myself, constant misunderstandings.

I don’t need replies suggesting therapy. I already have a neuroaffirming therapist who helps me more than any counsellor ever has. But it’s 2 am, I can’t sleep, and I feel very alone.

Is it normal for this grief to come back so strongly?

#ActuallyAutistic #AutisticCommunity #Unmasking #Grief #LateDiagnosis #Neurodivergent

I’m wondering if anyone relates to the painful grief of all the years spent masking, pretending, and stifling yourself just to fit in. I thought I had worked through this after my diagnosis in April, but it has returned with vengeance.

Finding my autistic tribe online has been life-changing. Last week I felt fully heard and understood in an autistic group for the first time ever. It was incredible, but since then I’ve been an emotional mess. The contrast is so stark: years of loneliness, squashing myself, constant misunderstandings.

I don’t need replies suggesting therapy. I already have a neuroaffirming therapist who helps me more than any counsellor ever has. But it’s 2 am, I can’t sleep, and I feel very alone.

Is it normal for this grief to come back so strongly?

#ActuallyAutistic #AutisticCommunity #Unmasking #Grief #LateDiagnosis #Neurodivergent

I’m wondering if anyone relates to the painful grief of all the years spent masking, pretending, and stifling yourself just to fit in. I thought I had worked through this after my diagnosis in April, but it has returned with vengeance.

Finding my autistic tribe online has been life-changing. Last week I felt fully heard and understood in an autistic group for the first time ever. It was incredible, but since then I’ve been an emotional mess. The contrast is so stark: years of loneliness, squashing myself, constant misunderstandings.

I don’t need replies suggesting therapy. I already have a neuroaffirming therapist who helps me more than any counsellor ever has. But it’s 2 am, I can’t sleep, and I feel very alone.

Is it normal for this grief to come back so strongly?

#ActuallyAutistic #AutisticCommunity #Unmasking #Grief #LateDiagnosis #Neurodivergent

I’m wondering if anyone relates to the painful grief of all the years spent masking, pretending, and stifling yourself just to fit in. I thought I had worked through this after my diagnosis in April, but it has returned with vengeance.

Finding my autistic tribe online has been life-changing. Last week I felt fully heard and understood in an autistic group for the first time ever. It was incredible, but since then I’ve been an emotional mess. The contrast is so stark: years of loneliness, squashing myself, constant misunderstandings.

I don’t need replies suggesting therapy. I already have a neuroaffirming therapist who helps me more than any counsellor ever has. But it’s 2 am, I can’t sleep, and I feel very alone.

Is it normal for this grief to come back so strongly?

#ActuallyAutistic #AutisticCommunity #Unmasking #Grief #LateDiagnosis #Neurodivergent

So nonfiction and I are not close friends. But lately, I’ve found some books that have caught my eye. Parenting is hard enough …. But maybe I can find a couple of tips to make life easier?🤷🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️

#latediagnosis #autisticmom #autismawareness
#parenting #itsallhard #parentingwhenyoureautistic

They called me shy. Too sensitive. Perfectionistic. Anxious.

But they didn’t see what was really happening underneath.

These are just a few autistic traits that get misinterpreted as personality quirks.

What traits of yours were dismissed or misunderstood? Let’s unmask.

#TheNeuroDuo #ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #LateDiagnosis #AutisticWomen #NeurodivergentVoices #AutisticNotBroken #MaskedAutism #NeurodivergentWomen

This week, I have discovered something important about myself: I am AuDhd — autistic and ADHD.

A few years ago, close family suggested that I might be autistic. I started to wonder too, but life kept moving and I pushed it aside. Recently, my psychologist recommended a full assessment. I decided it was time to find out.

Now it’s confirmed. I’m officially diagnosed.

It’s life-changing.
It’s a revelation.
It explains so much about who I am and how my brain works.

I finally have answers to the questions I’ve carried for years. Why I think the way I do. Why I experience the world so intensely. Why things that seem “easy” for others cost me so much energy.

I’ve already spent time grieving the parts of my life shaped by misunderstanding — both from others and from myself. This diagnosis doesn’t change who I am. It simply gives me language for it. It makes sense of a lifetime of being “too much,” “too sensitive,” “too intense.”

I’m not broken.
I’m not a failed version of normal.
I’m neurodivergent — and there is strength in that.

I'm still learning what Unmasking for me means, but here are a few things i plan to start doing:

• Asking for clarity instead of masking confusion
• Setting up my life around my brain’s natural rhythms
• Refusing to apologise for my sensory needs
• Speaking plainly about how I experience the world

Getting this diagnosis is not an end. It’s a beginning.

If you’re walking this path too — late-diagnosed, learning who you really are underneath the masks — you are not alone.

We are allowed to exist as we are.

I’m AuDHD.
I’m proud.
I’m building a life that finally makes sense.

#AuDHD #ActuallyAutistic #ADHD #LateDiagnosis #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #Unmasking #SelfAcceptance #DiagnosisJourney #DisabilityPride #Authenticity

One effect from my #LateDiagnosis of #AuDHD that I hadn't expected: having spent all my life hating myself for not being 'normal' enough, I now find myself also feeling guilty for not being #autistic enough AND for not thriving as a #neurodivergent person.

Complicated business, this life thing.

Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities for autistic adults, including those diagnosed later in life, is vital. Dive into my latest blog post for more insights: [Read more](https://www.papalpenguin.com/?p=1326)

#AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance #Neurodiversity #MentalHealth #EmploymentChallenges #LateDiagnosis

I. Feel. Every. Single. Fucking. Word.

#ActuallyAutistic #ADHD #AuDHD #LateDiagnosis #Ableism #Sexism #PeripheralVestibularDisorder #ChronicPain #InvisibleDisability

Hi. I haven't been on social media for the past year or so. (Mental health: very not good.)

But yesterday I had the final part of my autism assessment, and the official verdict is that I am #ActuallyAutistic.

It's a relief, but it feels a bit weird. I guess 50+ years of bafflement and self-loathing don't just go away overnight. But I made a bargain with the universe that I'd try to give living as my real self a go if the diagnosis was autism.

Just need to find out who/what my 'real self' is.

#LateDiagnosis #Autism #ASD
@actuallyautistic

I never had kids. Not a philosophy. Something... overlooked...? in a life of autistic drama.

Which is why the 17 grandkids... and counting... I married into...

are so dear.

Zyzix, Kanyin, Willow in this reel. Now in or qpproaching the dangerous early teen zone...

#ActuallyAutistic #LateDiagnosis #AutisticAdults

👉 https://photos.app.goo.gl/c5HPYwfbhFExU9Az9

Awhile back I wrote about this in a way ...

https://johnnyprofane1.medium.com/that-song-ill-never-sing-to-my-son-a21bad5aeaeb

@actuallyautistic @actuallyadhd @actuallyautistics @actuallyaudhd

🧵
🌟 This Week on Artfully Autistic: #Medium readers! 🌟

1️⃣ "You're Autistic, So Can You Answer My Questions?" Natalie Forrest

🤔 Ever been asked bizarre questions about being autistic? Natalie explores this.

👉 Read https://medium.com/artfullyautistic/youre-autistic-so-can-you-answer-my-questions-a89bf3dc5ad6
📚 Sub for more! #AutismAcceptance

@actuallyautistic
@actuallyautistics @actuallyadhd
2️⃣ "30 Sensory Icks" by Shamiha Said

🏷️ A checklist for sensory triggers you didn't know you had!

👉 Learn More https://medium.com/artfullyautistic/30-sensory-icks-a-complete-checklist-for-neurodiverse-people-a2d64db3f4d4

🌈 Become a #Medium member! #SensoryAwareness #ActuallyAutistic #AutisticAdults

3️⃣ "Homeless & Autistic? Theo Taught Me Actually Autistic Joy in School" by johnnyprofane1

🏫 Finding joy and education through an unlikely friendship.

👉 Discover https://medium.com/artfullyautistic/homeless-autistic-theo-taught-me-actually-autistic-joy-in-school-90937ace8374

👏 Support our #Medium writers! #AutisticJoy #SEND #ActuallyAutistic #AutisticEducation

4️⃣ "13 Travel Tips For Autism/ADHD" by Shamiha Said
✈️ Essential travel hacks for neurodiversity.
👉 Check it Out https://medium.com/artfullyautistic/13-really-helpful-travel-tips-for-people-with-autism-adhd-63dc97efe9bc
💡 Unlock #Medium premium content! #TravelTips #ActuallyAutistic #ADHD #Neurodivergent #AutisticAdults #AuDHD

5️⃣ "Labels and Liberation: The Impact of Adult Autism and ADHD Diagnoses
" by Laura Vegh
🆓 How diagnosis can be a path to personal freedom.
👉 Read Now https://medium.com/artfullyautistic/labels-and-liberation-the-impact-of-adult-autism-and-adhd-diagnoses-eb9ca0b769d1
🔒 Subscribe for full access! #AdultDiagnosis #LateDiagnosis #ActuallyAutistic

6️⃣ "It's Exhausting" by Shamiha Said
🏢 The unspoken challenges of being autistic at work.
👉 Explore https://medium.com/artfullyautistic/its-exhausting-the-hidden-struggles-of-working-autistic-people-b5275338255
💰 Support quality writing on #Medium! #WorkStruggles

#ArtfullyAutistic, the largest #Medium pub for New Voices in Neurodivergence.

Autistic? Love one, care for, educate, or employ some... wonder if you ARE one?

👇 Share, comment, let us know what resonated with you! 🗨️💬
#Neurodiversity #AutismCommunity
https://medium.com/artfullyautistic

Recognizing that you are Autistic as an adult often includes facing how much you have been denying your own struggles and pain for a very long time.

That can be hard to deal with, and it's OK that it's hard.

#ActuallyAutistic #Autistic #AuDHD #Neurospicy #latediagnosis

Grieving the life you could have had, had you know you were Autistic, or if you had had acceptance and support for your entire life, is a healthy part of the process of healing and acceptance.

#ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #Neurospicy #latediagnosis

Trying to find supports/groups/etc for autistic adults (aka people like me) in my county and urgh if I see one more or 'your child' or 'children and young adults with autism' or 'takes place online or in Dublin' I will scream in rage. #actuallyautistic #latediagnosis

It is okay to feel grief in your later identification of autism.

I've felt grief at what might have been, and the life that I could have had. I found it was important to sit with that grief and let it be. And eventually it wasn't so overwhelming anymore. Sometimes I still get a wave of it, and I know it'll pass if I let it be.

A later identification isn't a one emotion experience. It's okay for it to be complicated and challenging. So is life.

#ActuallyAutistic #AuDHD #latediagnosis

#ActuallyAutistic #ADHD #AuDHD #ADHDBrain #LateDiagnosis #Autistic #AutismAwarenessMonth #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #ASD

I'm still doing that #LateDiagnosis Hard Bop Jitterbug in my head. To the beat “So-Maybe-I-Am, Just-MayBE-I’m-Not.”

Hopping one mental foot to another. Always landing on the wrong offbeat. Flailing off-balance.

Great. Maybe I am officially #autistic. My life still sucks…

New to @mastadon after @medium suggested it. I have been in the Medium Partnership program for 7 months now and an active Medium blogger for over a year. I write about #autism #adhd #neurodivergence #writing #mentalhealth #trauma #personalgrowth #neurodiversity #latediagnosis , if you want to connect with me.

I'm still doing that #LateDiagnosis Hard Bop Jitterbug in my head. To the beat “So-Maybe-I-Am, Just-MayBE-I’m-Not.”

Hopping one mental foot to another. Always landing on the wrong offbeat. Flailing off-balance.

Great. Maybe I am officially #autistic. My life still sucks…

New Episode!

"Authentic Autistic Life: 4 Short Stories Fearless, Joyful & Chaotic"

Season 3's mission? To boldly explore living authentically autistic… out loud.

Text/Podcast/Video

@actuallyautistic @actuallyadhd

#ActuallyAutistic #ADHD #AuDHD #AutisticAdult #LateDiagnosis #LateDX #podcast #video

https://autisticaf.me/2023/03/06/authentic-autistic-life-4-short-stories-fearless-joyful-chaotic/

Hey fediverse: I’ve launched my #adhd #blog!

I’ve been obsessed w/ building & designing it for 2w now. Finally wrote the About page & a welcome post and realized that I should probably tell people about it.

My intention for it: process my adhd.

I’m 50 & a #LateDiagnosis #ADHDer and have known about it for just over a year. But we moved to a new state and I haven’t had time to really process until now.

Please ck it out so I don’t feel alone 😆

https://whatwasidoingagain.com/

#AdultADHD #ADHDAdult

"Rediscovering Autistic Joy: My 4 Easy, SHAMELESS Ways as an Autistic Adult'

For my #TikTok friends...

@actuallyautistic @actuallyadhd

#ActuallyAutistic #Autistic #ADHD #AuDHD #LateDiagnosis #LateDX #AusticAdult #Video
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRnFxan5/

Rediscovering #AutisticJoy: My 4 Easy, SHAMELESS Ways as an #AutisticAdult'

New Blog & Video Premiere! (2:57)

Captioned to aid audio processing.

@actuallyautistic @actuallyadhd #ActuallyAutistic #Autistic #ADHD #AuDHD #LateDiagnosis #LateDX #Neurodivergent

https://autisticaf.me/2023/02/19/rediscovering-autistic-joy-my-4-easy-shameless-ways-as-an-autistic-adult/

Any #Medium readers around here?

Nothing that ANY screen ever showed me… not effing “reality” TV… prepared me for life. As an autistic.

Coming soon as an AutisticAF.me podcast & YouTube segment.

Now for Medium readers.

#ActuallyAutistic #Autistic #ADHD #AuDHD #LateDiagnosis #LateDx

@actuallyautistic

https://medium.com/artfullyautistic/promising-me-beautiful-lies-how-hollywood-failed-my-autism-906c700a6e64

🧵1/

There's nothing I craved more in my life than companionship. And the times I found it? My most glorious moments.

Whenever I found 'em. For however long. *With WHOever…*

@actuallyautistic #ActuallyAutistic #Autistic #ADHD #AuDHD #AutisticAdult #LateDiagnosis #LateDX

https://youtu.be/wZMT2gyCVxk

I miss 5 barred Gates

"Take me away from the city and leave me to where I can be on my own"

#Bagatelle #Dublin #mountains

On tour with #TheScourge & Between performances I demanded to be brought to green hills.

@actuallyautistic #LateDiagnosis at 57 #AuDHD
In #nyc I demanded to be brought to water & so stood like millions in the shingle under #BrooklynBridge

🌿💦✍️📕✍️🎭🎤🎧🎙️📷🎥🗽✍️✍️
#socialhistorian #documentarian
#spidersdonteatbiscuits
www.shellshock.ie

I miss 5 barred Gates

"Take me away from the city and leave me to where I can be on my own"

#Bagatelle #Dublin #mountains

On tour with #TheScourge & Between performances I demanded to be brought to green hills.

@actuallyautistic #LateDiagnosis at 57 #AuDHD
In #nyc I demanded to be brought to water & so stood like millions in the shingle under #BrooklynBridge

🌿💦✍️📕✍️🎭🎤🎧🎙️📷🎥🗽✍️✍️
#socialhistorian #documentarian
#spidersdonteatbiscuits
www.shellshock.ie

Schrödinger’s autistic cat

https://embrace-autism.com/schrodingers-autistic-cat/

#Personalexperience #Self-understanding #Diagnosticprocess #Autismdiagnosis #Self-compassion #Belongingness #Latediagnosis #Self-identity #Authenticity #Acceptance #Literalism #Diagnosis #Identity