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Hello all

JennyB

Hello all, im Jenny - introducing myself :)

 I was diagnosed with autism in November 2025 and later in life - im in my 40s. Its a relief to finally know and understand challenges ive had all my life with this new lens. I have an 'internalised presentation' though its exhausting to keep it so internal and harder to as I get older! Im keen to let my autism traits break free more -though nervous about this and how it may impact my closest connections. I recently listened to Katherine Mays audio book 'The electricity of every living thing'  and found it a great comfort as I relate to much of her experience. Has anyone else read/ listened to this book?

A bit more about me:

Im a mother to a teen and work as a self-employed gardener (plants are a special interest). I went to art school as a young adult and continue to enjoy creative self expression. Currently; I enjoy creative writing - often writing and reading poetry or creative non-fiction, sometimes fiction. I love music too.

I would most like to connect with other later diagnosed folk - especially mothers and /or creative souls. I dont know any diagnosed autistic women IRL (though one or 2 friends are questioning it) Thank you for reading all this! Looking forward to connecting.

Please say hi Slight smile

Parents

  • Good morning from America, JennyB! Congrats on your diagnosis!

    Autistic father here. I’m glad it sounds as though the diagnosis has given you a great deal of closure. Recently I’ve been hearing a lot about people experiencing more of loss and emptiness post-diagnosis. Just know that feeling a little grief is a normal part of the process and it is totally okay to feel sorry for a younger you that had to endure hardship without understanding why. But I mostly felt closure and better understanding of myself when I got my diagnosis.

    I do creative writing as well, though lately I’ve been more focused on remixing video game music. That’s awesome to hear that your job is in your special interest! I used to work in my special interest (teaching music), but I got pretty burnt out from that job for various reasons. 

    If you don’t mind me asking, is your teen Autistic as well? One of my daughters is, and it has made for us having a pretty special connection because of it.

    Best wishes!

  • in reply to profdanger

    Many thanks for getting in touch and from America too! - i get the impression that in many areas in America the understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity is a little ahead of us here.??.. 

    I have experienced mixed emotions post diagnosis though mostly ive had a deep sense of positivity and clarity for my future. Im so glad i went for it.  Now I have something I can lean into learning more about and find support / advocate better for myself etc. For me a diagnosis was important because i was so full of doubts owing to other peoples opinions of me and so I suppose that prevented me leaning in with learning more and finding support. Its fascinating to learn more about how gender plays a part too  - with how autism 'presents' ( though of course we have to be careful about generalisations). Thats great about your special connection with your daughter as a result of autism. I have wondered for others in my family and thought if I start the process of finding out first it may get the ball rolling for others! ( Though this wasnt the main motivation) 

    Plants have always fascinated me though I dont always feel fulfilled enough by gardening ( lots of weeding and quite physically demanding) It works well as an escape plan when ive become overwhelmed in other work places eg open plan office environments etc! I often wonder how i can turn gardening back into a hobby again one day and retrain in / develop something more fulfilling to me and more suitable as i get older. Its ok for now though. 

    What sort of writing do you do?

Reply
  • in reply to profdanger

    Many thanks for getting in touch and from America too! - i get the impression that in many areas in America the understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity is a little ahead of us here.??.. 

    I have experienced mixed emotions post diagnosis though mostly ive had a deep sense of positivity and clarity for my future. Im so glad i went for it.  Now I have something I can lean into learning more about and find support / advocate better for myself etc. For me a diagnosis was important because i was so full of doubts owing to other peoples opinions of me and so I suppose that prevented me leaning in with learning more and finding support. Its fascinating to learn more about how gender plays a part too  - with how autism 'presents' ( though of course we have to be careful about generalisations). Thats great about your special connection with your daughter as a result of autism. I have wondered for others in my family and thought if I start the process of finding out first it may get the ball rolling for others! ( Though this wasnt the main motivation) 

    Plants have always fascinated me though I dont always feel fulfilled enough by gardening ( lots of weeding and quite physically demanding) It works well as an escape plan when ive become overwhelmed in other work places eg open plan office environments etc! I often wonder how i can turn gardening back into a hobby again one day and retrain in / develop something more fulfilling to me and more suitable as i get older. Its ok for now though. 

    What sort of writing do you do?

Children
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