Ep 9 - Late Diagnosed Autism with Helen Elizabeth

Helen Elizabeth, (Instagram: @alchemical.botanical) a wellbeing coach for neurodivergent women, shares her personal journey and the work she does to help neurodivergent individuals manage their emotions and live with more freedom. She discusses the challenges of navigating a neurotypical world, the importance of self-acceptance, and the need for accommodations and understanding. Helen also highlights the internal presentation of autism in women and the struggles they face in getting diagnosed. She emphasizes the need for creating lives that support neurodivergent individuals and challenges the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding autism. In this conversation, Jade Rose and Helen discuss the bittersweet experience of living with autism. They explore the traits and special interests that come with being autistic, such as a heightened appreciation for nature and a love of learning. They also address misconceptions about autism, including the idea that it is a male brain and the importance of recognizing the diverse experiences within the autism community. The conversation highlights the need for greater understanding, curiosity, and inclusivity when it comes to autism.

takeaways

• Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges in navigating a neurotypical world and managing their emotions.
• Self-acceptance and understanding are crucial for neurodivergent individuals to live fulfilling lives.
• Accommodations and support are necessary to help neurodivergent individuals thrive.
• The internal presentation of autism in women often goes unnoticed, leading to late diagnoses and a lack of support.
• Creating lives that support neurodivergent individuals is essential for their well-being and success. Living with autism can be bittersweet, with both challenges and unique strengths and interests.
• Autistic individuals often have intense love and appreciation for nature, beauty, and learning.
• There is a wide range of special interests within the autism community, beyond the commonly associated fields of science and engineering.
• Misconceptions about autism, such as the idea of a 'male brain,' can be harmful and invalidating.
• It is important to recognize and create space for the diverse experiences and support needs within the autism community.
• Greater understanding, curiosity, and inclusivity are needed to foster a more accepting and supportive society for autistic individuals.

keywords

wellbeing, neurodivergent, emotions, freedom, challenges, self-acceptance, accommodations, understanding, internal presentation, diagnosis, stereotypes, autism, bittersweet, traits, special interests, misconceptions, understanding, curiosity, inclusivity