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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

    Masking is interesting. It means different things to different people. As you probably noticed from the masking questionnaire, there are 3 components. The mix and extent of each changes your experience. The key thing is whether effort is involved. The interesting thing is what is normal learning and adaptation and what is something else. It is in relational and emotional areas that more problems tend to arrise, because they require more intuitive unwritten rules.

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  • in reply to JennyB

    Masking is interesting. It means different things to different people. As you probably noticed from the masking questionnaire, there are 3 components. The mix and extent of each changes your experience. The key thing is whether effort is involved. The interesting thing is what is normal learning and adaptation and what is something else. It is in relational and emotional areas that more problems tend to arrise, because they require more intuitive unwritten rules.

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