Diagnosed With Autism At Age 49
I Was Diagnosed With Autism at 49—Here’s What Happened Next
Last summer, at age 49, I was officially diagnosed as Autistic. I’d already been treating my ADHD for a few years, and while the medication was life-changing, something still felt... off. I was burned out in a way that didn’t make sense. Exhausted to the bone. I thought maybe I was just broken in some way.
Then something unexpected happened—listeners of my podcast started reaching out. They gently pointed out that some of the ADHD experiences I was describing sounded more like Autism. That feedback changed my life. I started researching, following Autistic creators, and soon learned that many people who are diagnosed with ADHD later in life eventually realize that it had been masking Autism all along.
Getting diagnosed didn’t just explain things. It transformed how I live, how I care for myself, how I set boundaries, and how I ask for what I need. Most of all, it gave me a deeper sense of self-love than I’ve ever known.
In this week’s episode, I’m sharing that story—and what it’s meant for my healing, my relationships, and how I move through the world now.
This week’s episode of “You Are A LOT” (an ADHD/AuDHD podcast) is out now, free on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or other podcast apps.
EPISODE 44: AuDHD
In this episode: Jen opens up about her surprising Autism diagnosis last summer, which added AuDHD to her identity alongside ADHD. She shares how this revelation unexpectedly tied together all the loose ends of what she’d felt was “wrong” her entire life. Jen also reflects on how many therapists missed what now seems like an obvious diagnosis, and why so many professionals still struggle to understand this complex neurotype.
Are You AuDHD Too?
I put together a list of my AuDHD MUST-HAVES—things that help me rest, regulate, and feel like a human again. From weighted blankets to sensory-friendly pillows, favorite books, and soothing tools (with some discount codes too!)
👉 Click here to explore the collection.