The Other Autism Nicola Rowan-Brooks and Late Autism Diagnosis at 55
Feb 22, 2023
Nicola Rowan-Brooks, who discovered she was autistic at 55, shares her transformative journey from feeling different to embracing her true self. She discusses the profound impact of her late diagnosis, the challenges of sensory sensitivities, and the misperceptions surrounding autism and empathy. With a background in restoring teddy bears through her business, Ambrosia Bears, Nicola emphasizes the beauty of neurodiversity and the importance of community connection, inviting others to appreciate the unique strengths of autistic individuals.
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Lifetime of Feeling Different
- Nicola Rowan-Brooks lived a lifetime questioning why she was different before her autism diagnosis at 55.
- She faced bullying and social misunderstanding growing up, never fitting into social norms.
Diagnosis Sparked by Online Test
- Taking an online autism test led Nicola to a life-changing realization about her identity.
- She finally found validation from an autistic woman expert, Sarah Hendrickx, who confirmed her suspicions.
Positive Representation Matters
- Nicola noticed most autism content focuses on children and is framed negatively by neurotypicals.
- Finding Sarah Hendrickx's positive and respectful approach helped her feel truly seen and understood.