We Can Do Hard Things
220. Why So Many Women Don’t Know They are Autistic with Katherine May
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Autism in women challenges stereotypes and highlights diverse experiences.
- Undiagnosed autism in childhood may lead to deep sensitivity and overwhelm.
- Safe spaces and time alone are crucial for managing social interactions for autistic individuals.
- Embracing neurodiversity involves shedding societal norms and rediscovering one's true identity.
Deep dives
Invest in Your Pet's Health with The Farmer's Dog
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Listening to Inner Truths with Autism
Discovering one's autism can be an enlightening journey often triggered by a moment of instant recognition. Understanding autism from the inside provides a different perspective, challenging stereotypes and misconceptions. It highlights the importance of recognizing the diverse experiences and emotions felt by autistic individuals.
Childhood Insights: Feeling Different and Sensing Empathy
Childhood experiences of feeling alien and fantasizing about revealing one's true self reflect the challenges of growing up with undiagnosed autism. The ability to sense others' feelings deeply and being easily overwhelmed by sensory inputs are common traits among autistic individuals, shedding light on unique perspectives and behavioral patterns.
Unspoken Rules and Safe Spaces for Autistic Individuals
Navigating social situations can be overwhelming for autistic individuals due to unspoken rules and sensory sensitivities. Having safe spaces where one can be authentic and comfortable is essential for managing social interactions. Autistic people may need time alone to recharge and process sensory inputs more effectively.
Rewilding Self: Embracing Neurodiversity and Identity
Embracing one's neurodiversity and identity involves unlearning societal norms and reclaiming authenticity. The concept of 'rewilding the self' parallels the idea of shedding learned behaviors and embracing one's natural essence. The journey of de-imprinting and rewilding reflects a profound process of rediscovering one's true identity and accepting unique traits.
Challenging Stereotypes and Building Acceptance for Autistic Individuals
Overcoming societal stigma and misconceptions about autism is crucial in promoting acceptance and understanding. Autistic individuals often face challenges in self-identification and seeking validation for their experiences. Creating a supportive and inclusive environment for autistic individuals involves recognizing their diverse needs and advocating for neurodiversity.
Promoting Research and Awareness on Autism
Advocating for improved research and awareness on autism is vital in shaping a more nuanced understanding of the condition. Highlighting the diverse experiences and complexities within autism spectrum disorders can lead to more inclusive practices and support systems. Empowering autistic individuals to self-identify and seek validation is key in fostering a more accepting and equitable society.
Author Katherine May recounts the moment she – at age 37 – discovered she is autistic and recognized herself for the first time.
Living as an autistic person in a world that often misunderstands her, Katherine shares:
- How the prevailing understandings of autism erase the lived experiences of autistic women and girls;
- The way autism looks and feels for adult women; and
- How she navigates social interactions and sensory overload.
Katherine also reveals what she hears most often from people who think they might be autistic, which has Glennon asking: “Katherine, am I one of those people?”
For more information about how autism may show up in the lives of adult women, listen to the end of this podcast, and visit Katherine May’s Autism Resource Page at https://katherine-may.co.uk/autism-resource-page.
Don’t miss our We Can Do Hard Things conversation with Hannah Gadsby, who was also diagnosed with autism in adulthood: Episode 82 Hannah Gadsby: How to Communicate Better.
About Katherine:
Katherine May is the New York Times–bestselling author of Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age and Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, which has been translated into twenty-five languages around the world. Her journalism and essays have appeared in a range of publications including The New York Times and The Times of London. She lives by the sea in Whitstable, England.
IG: @katherinemay
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