Our host Kerry Highcock sits down with Charlie Hamilton, a neuroinclusion specialist and coach supporting late-diagnosed neurodivergent women, to talk openly about the realities of receiving an autism diagnosis later in life.

Together, they unpack:

Why so many autistic women and girls are missed or misdiagnosed
The emotional impact of masking, burnout and years of feeling “different”
The grief — and the relief — that can come with late identification
The power of self-compassion, community and personal advocacy
What society still doesn’t understand about autistic women and girls

Whether you’re late-diagnosed yourself, questioning your own journey, supporting someone you love, or working within education or health services — this honest, empowering conversation will leave you feeling seen, validated and motivated to help drive change.

This Is Autism is the official podcast from the North East Autism Society, sharing real voices and lived experiences to help us all understand autism a little better.

Listen now, and join the movement towards awareness, inclusion and understanding.