# 4 - The Split of Late-in-Life Diagnosis: Freedom & Grief

In this episode, The Split of Late-in-Life Diagnosis: Freedom & Grief, we explore the paradox many autistic women face when discovering their diagnosis later in life. For some, it feels like a light switching on—clarity, self-compassion, and the freedom to live authentically. For others, or often at the same time, it awakens grief for the misunderstood childhoods, lost opportunities, and silent struggles carried for years.

Join me as I share my own reflections alongside insights from Devon Price’s Unmasking Autism and Jenara Nerenberg’s Divergent Mind, while also pointing toward autistic-led communities and resources that can help on this journey. Together, we’ll hold space for both liberation and loss, honoring the truth that a diagnosis can be both a love letter to your past self and an invitation into a freer future.

✨ Quietly autistic at last, you are not alone.

🎧 New episodes every Tuesday. Follow on Instagram @quietlyautisticatlast or visit quietlyautisticatlast.buzzsprout.comfor more resources.

Here’s a quick note from me to you: Autism isn’t a single story—it’s a beautifully varied spectrum, and each of us carries our own unique experience. What I share here is just my perspective, shaped by my own late diagnosis and the path I’m learning to walk. I’m so grateful for the autistic voices who have spoken their truths before me. Your openness has been a lantern in the dark, helping me begin to understand myself with more clarity, compassion, and hope.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or diagnostic advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare provider for questions about your health or to pursue a formal diagnosis.