The Squarepeg Podcast
126. Letting go of self hatred: the impact of an autism diagnosis
Mar 1, 2025
Hannah Brockway, an Australian violinist, discusses her journey with autism, chronic fatigue, and eating disorders. She shares her emotional rollercoaster from diagnosis to self-acceptance, emphasizing the importance of family support. Hannah critiques societal body image pressures and their impact on self-worth, while also exploring the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent musicians in a competitive industry. Through her personal narratives, she highlights the need for understanding and advocacy in navigating the complexities of autism and mental health.
01:04:15
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Quick takeaways
- Hannah's journey highlights the emotional relief and understanding gained from an autism diagnosis, challenging misconceptions about empathy in autistic individuals.
- The podcast underscores the intersection of autism and mental health, particularly how autistic traits complicate the management of eating disorders like anorexia.
Deep dives
Journey to Diagnosis
The guest shares her journey toward an autism diagnosis, which involved significant delays and misdiagnoses due to common stereotypes about autism, particularly regarding empathy. Initially, she struggled to identify her autistic traits, believing that her high level of empathy precluded her from being autistic. After discussions with friends and extensive research, she finally sought a formal evaluation during the COVID pandemic, but faced challenges in receiving a proper diagnosis. After being assessed by a psychiatrist who lacked knowledge of eating disorders, the guest ultimately succeeded in her diagnosis through a clinical psychologist familiar with her history, leading to immense emotional relief.
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