Jen Malia is an author, professor, autism advocate, wife and mom who received her autism diagnosis on the same day as her daughter.   She writes about this experience in her New York Times article.  Jen shares openly how challenging it was for her to get diagnosed and unfortunately, so many other autistic women will probably relate to her story.  Jen had done lots of research, seen various professionals who dismissed her requests for an assessment, however her persistence paid off when she met with a caring, knowledgeable clinical psychologist who properly assessed and diagnosed her.  

Jen shares openly and honestly about how her husband responded to her and her children's diagnoses and how they have worked together to create balance and happiness as a neurodiverse family.  Her and her husband give each other a lot more space and grace, and have learned how to focus on their own strengths and self-care needs.  In addition, they have created access to resources and opportunities for each of their autistic children.   

Jen also shares how she suffers from migraines and prior to her diagnosis she ended up hospitalized with a potentially life threatening medical issue.  After her diagnosis she realized that "autistic burnout" may have been a contributing factor to the hospitalization, which required a month of recovery.

If you would like to follow Jen her handle on Twitter and Instagram is Jenmaliabooks.  You can also connect with her on LinkedIn or check out her website at: www.jenmalia.com.  Her children's book  "Too Sticky: Sensory Issues with Autism" is available wherever books are sold:-)

Note from Mona: No one should have to go through life fighting to be heard, understood and accepted, however this challenge is one that so many undiagnosed autistic adults (and especially women and non-binary people) experience.

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