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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

  • Hi Jenny,

    Congratulations with your diagnosis! I got mine last August I'm 46.

    I went to art school, and did a degree in fine art and have explored different interests. I can't imagine life without music. I grow ornamental trees.. 

    Welcome.

  • in reply to pietro_21

    Hello pietro_21 

    Thank you! I am 45 - im finding it quite a big deal to find out at this age despite years of suspecting it. Im so highly masking that I was always met with discouraging responses from friends or family when i suggested i might have it that In the end i went through the journey without telling anyone except the infomant for the assessment - because i just needed to be clear / sure.   Its a relief to know and i know ive a good few months (years?!) of learning and understanding about how it all is for me - ahead of me.

    Seems you have some interests in common with me and i look forward to getting to know you. Best wishes 

  • in reply to JennyB

    This is a problem I have with masking, addressing the reality. We are all truth seekers so we should embrace that.  It’s a constant revision with the knowledge you have now. Having a formal diagnosis changes the context of everything once you see what you believed as totally real. 

Reply
  • in reply to JennyB

    This is a problem I have with masking, addressing the reality. We are all truth seekers so we should embrace that.  It’s a constant revision with the knowledge you have now. Having a formal diagnosis changes the context of everything once you see what you believed as totally real. 

Children
  • in reply to pietro_21

    Sometimes I think about this masking and I wonder if it’s even a thing Joy everybody has always described me as random and eccentric so now I’m wondering if all this fitting in I was doing even worked. I think I tend to try to join in on conversations I wouldn’t normally engage in if it was just me…. I prefer my own company so having to go and bed social is hard work but I also do love my friends so still do socialise