Introduction

In this introduction to the podcast series, "Adult Autism: My Autistic World", Matt Kandik, 42, introduces his podcast and shares the personal reasons behind its creation. The podcast serves as a platform to navigate his recent autism diagnosis and invites listeners to join him on this journey. He describes his own experience with masking and burnout, exacerbated by COVID-19 and the demanding nature of his job. This burnout led to difficulties in cognitive functions and emotional regulation which raised questions which ultimately led to his autism diagnosis. Inspired by Melissa Tacia’s podcast, "Oh, that's just my autism," Matt finds purpose in representation for late diagnosed autistic people. Listeners are invited to join Matt as he embarks on this journey, exploring the nuances of his life with autism and how his evolving self-view.