73. S6, Ep6: Building a more authentic autistic life and relationships, and managing health and energy.

Jun 18, 2022

A life coach shares her recent autism diagnosis and the cultural nuances of navigating autism in Norway. She reflects on the challenges of masking and the joy of finding her authentic self in a supportive relationship. The conversation touches on the impact of health issues like myalgic encephalitis and how it complicates social interactions. Listeners also hear about childhood memories of autistic joy, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and connection in fostering healthier relationships.

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INSIGHT

Autism Diversity Defies Stereotypes

Autism traits vary widely; some are hypersensitive and others hyposensitive across senses and behaviors.
Stereotypes of autism overlook this diversity, delaying diagnosis and understanding.

INSIGHT

Diagnosis Brings Authenticity Balance

Diagnosis helps solve the puzzle of identity, making life feel more whole and authentic.
Some masking can be productive for fitting in, but a balance with authenticity is key.

ANECDOTE

Childhood Autistic Joy

Solgunn recalls a childhood memory of autistic joy when fascinated by a red layer of soil at age three or four.
She experienced deep emotional awe alone, unlike other children who wanted to play elsewhere.

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Solgunn is a life coach from Oslo in Norway. She is 45 and was diagnosed autistic very recently, in April, following her husband's diagnosis last year.

She has spent most of her working life in IT, web design, project management and consultancy, but after an unusual adverse reaction to medical treatment, which she believes is linked to her autistic physiology, she found herself suffering from ME and unable to work.

She now works part time as a coach, doing as much as her energy levels allow.

In our conversation we talk about:

➡ The Norwegian autism assessment process, and Norwegian culture and autism

➡ Her experiences of masking and finding her more authentic self - and a supportive neurodivergent relationship

➡ The impact of her health problems, and the link between autism and physical reactions and symptoms, and how she’s learned to manage her energy

She also shares a beautiful childhood memory of autistic joy that I thought sums up the untranslatable autistic experience so well.

Squarepeg is a podcast in which neurodivergent women, and trans and nonbinary people, explore navigating a neurotypical world and share their insights, challenges and successes.

I hope that these conversations will be inspiring and thought provoking, open you up to new ways of thinking about being neurodivergent, and help you feel more connected to a worldwide community of people with similar experiences.

I’m Amy Richards, and after being diagnosed autistic at the age of 37 I’m now on a mission to learn more about different perspectives and issues around being a neurodivergent adult in a world that feels like it doesn’t quite fit.

EPISODE LINKS:

Solgunn’s website: https://verdiklemma.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verdiklemma/

https://www.instagram.com/menduserikkeautistiskut/

Information about the ADOS autism test: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/diagnostic-tools/all-audiences#H2_1

Study on Oxidative Stress and Immune System Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7247582/

If you'd like to connect or get in touch with Squarepeg, you can find me on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squarepeg.community/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/squarepegautism

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squarepegautism/

Or on my website: https://squarepeg.community/

THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS!

A HUGE thank you to my amazing patrons, who support my work on the podcast:

Abi Hunter, Amy Adler, Amy-Beth Mellor, Abigail J Moore, Ben Davies, Benita Borchard-Thierbach, Caroline, Cat Preston, Catrin Green, Cindy Bailey, Corinne Cariad, Danielle Warby, Dawn Trevellion, Elizabeth Williams, Elise, Jackie Allen, Jeff Goldman, Kate Faust, Katharine Richards, Katherine Lynch, Lea Li, Lilli Simmons, Lyb, Mandy Allen, Pete Burke, Rebecca Kemp, Sarah Cottrell, Sarah Jeffery, Sarah Swanton, Sioned Wynn, Suzanna Chen, Suzanne, Tree Hall, Una Walkenhorst, Vera Cady, Vicki Temple and Victoria Routledge.

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