Could You Be AUTISTIC? Navigating Life Before & After a Late Adult Autism Diagnosis at 27

Late Autism Diagnosis in Women: Identity, Burnout, and Finding Your Voice In this episode of The Spicy Brain Podcast, host Lara Sullivan shares her deeply personal story of being diagnosed with autism at the age of 27, reflecting on the experiences that led her to seek answers and how that diagnosis reshaped her life. Lara begins by exploring her time during the COVID-19 lockdowns, where she found herself unexpectedly thriving in a quieter, more predictable environment. As life returned to normal, however, she struggled with anxiety and depression, prompting her to question why readjustment felt so overwhelming compared to others. Watching Love on the Spectrum prompted Lara to research autism in adult women, leading to online assessments suggesting a diagnosis. With family support, she pursued a formal assessment in Ireland, detailing the process and the resulting complex feelings of relief, validation, and frustration. The episode also covers: 🌶️ Why autism is often missed or misdiagnosed in women 🌶️ The impact of masking and late diagnosis on mental health 🌶️ Post-diagnosis regression and the emotional aftermath of discovery 🌶️ Gaps in representation and research for neurodivergent adults 🌶️ Reassessing career paths and environments after diagnosis Lara speaks candidly about the emotional toll of feeling misunderstood and the anger from recognising missed signs earlier. Her diagnosis prompted a career reevaluation, leading her to step away from a corporate role and find a new purpose advocating for neurodiversity and underrepresented voices. Tune in for an honest and insightful conversation about late autism diagnosis, identity, and self-acceptance, and how understanding your neurodivergence can open the door to a more aligned and authentic life. Timestamps: 00:00:05 Introduction & Purpose of the Podcast 00:01:08 Episode Overview & Laura’s Story 00:02:27 Life Before Diagnosis: Covid Isolation 00:03:53 Struggles with Anxiety, Depression, and Therapy 00:06:35 Realization of Lifelong Difference 00:07:34 Discovery Through Media & Self-Education 00:09:51 Online Tests & Internalized Doubt 00:12:00 Family Support & Decision to Seek Diagnosis 00:14:18 The Diagnostic Process in Ireland 00:17:44 Clinic Experience & Emotional Assessment 00:21:21 Receiving the Diagnosis 00:22:21 Initial Emotional Reactions: Anger & Unfairness 00:25:43 Validation, Gratitude, and Masking 00:29:05 Advice After Diagnosis: Avoiding Over-Research 00:31:18 Lack of Representation & Desire for Community 00:33:56 Navigating Life Post-Diagnosis & Regression 00:36:20 Grieving the Old Self & Embracing Change 00:38:36 Running as Coping & Finding New Identity 00:39:37 Leaving Corporate World for Advocacy 00:41:59 Podcast’s Mission & Invitation to Learn Together Contact SpicyBrain Thanks for tuning in to Spicy Bain, the podcast Lara Sullivan created after her own late autism diagnosis. Each week, Lara sits down with guests from across the neurodivergent community to challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and laugh through the shared realities of life. For more content visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform to stay connected. Find out more: Email: [email protected] Follow us on social media: Instagram: www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/ Follow Lara: Website: linktr.ee/Sullivanlara Instagram: www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/