Amplifying Autism Podcast: Sharing Autistic Stories

In this episode Wendy speaks with author Marian Schembari about late autism diagnosis, self-understanding, and the journey from feeling broken to feeling whole.

Marian shares insights from her memoir, A Little Less Broken: How an Autism Diagnosis Finally Made Me Whole, and reflects on the impact of discovering she was autistic later in life. Through humor, honesty, and lived experience, she discusses the challenges of navigating a world that often misunderstands autistic people, as well as the relief that can come from finally having language for your experiences.

From coping with stress, managing auditory overwhelm, and finding trustworthy sources of information about autism, Marian encourages newly identified autistic adults to learn from autistic voices and experiences rather than relying solely on social media.

Takeaways:

 • Don’t rely exclusively on social media for information about autism
 • Seek out books, articles, and resources created by autistic authors
 • A late autism diagnosis can provide clarity and self-understanding
 • Understanding your autistic needs can help you better manage stress and overwhelm

About Marian Schembari:

Marian Schembari is the author of the memoir A Little Less Broken: How an Autism Diagnosis Finally Made Me Whole. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, and Good Housekeeping.

Her first published work, a poem about dragons, appeared at age eleven in Highlights for Kids. Today, she writes about autism, identity, parenting, and life as a late-diagnosed autistic woman. Marian lives in Portland, Oregon, with her husband and daughter.

Website: https://www.marianschembari.com/

Sign up on Marian’s website to receive the first chapter of A Little Less Broken for free, along with her newsletter.

You can find Marian Schembari’s book wherever books are sold, or you can use the Amazon Affiliate Link below. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases through this link, which helps support this podcast at not extra cost to you.

Amazon Affiliate Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1250895774/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_V84ZF1AT5JGXGVMZ0F8P?linkCode=ml1&tag=wendelawhitco-20&linkId=0ebb3de9d10e48647f65e5f9c83ccc9a

About Your Host:

Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. 

Books Available on Amazon

Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com
Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh
Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic 

Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm

Thank You for Listening:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. 

YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism

Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

In this solo episode of Amplifying Autism, Wendy explores the challenges, fears, and possibilities of dating while autistic.

Dating can feel overwhelming for anyone, but for autistic adults, navigating social communication and uncertainty can be especially exhausting. Wendy reminds listeners that while dating may be difficult, being autistic does not mean love and connection are out of reach.

Wendy contrasts the idea of passively waiting for love to appear with the importance of taking intentional steps toward connection. Whether through online dating, shared-interest groups, friends, or unexpected opportunities, meaningful relationships often begin when people allow themselves to participate in the adventure.

This episode also highlights the value of friendship, shared interests, and stepping outside of comfortable routines. Wendy shares stories about meeting her late husband and about a friend whose willingness to say “yes” to an unexpected invitation changed her life forever.

Takeaways:

• Being autistic does not mean you should give up on dating or relationships
• Meaningful relationships often require effort, vulnerability, and patience
• Waiting passively for love rarely works. Take action
• Shared-interest groups can be a great way to meet people naturally
• Friendships can grow into romantic relationships over time
• Sometimes saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities can change your life

About Your Host:

Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. 

Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com

Books Available on Amazon

Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh

Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic 

Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm

Thank You for Listening:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. 

YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism

Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Suzanne Plumley about late autism diagnosis, self-discovery, and supporting autistic adults as they navigate life after diagnosis.

Suzanne was diagnosed autistic in her fifties and now helps newly diagnosed autistic adults find love, clarity, and connection. Through her podcast, The Aspie Bridge, and her coaching work, she supports people who may feel overwhelmed or disoriented after discovering they are autistic later in life.

Wendy and Suzanne discuss the emotional journey of late diagnosis, the importance of recognizing your strengths, and learning to move forward with self-compassion instead of shame. Suzanne describes herself as a “torch bearer” for autistic adults crossing the bridge between Neurodiversity Island and the wider world, so they don't have to navigate that journey alone.

Takeaways:

• Recognize how much you have already accomplished in life
• Focus on your skills, passions, and strengths
• You are good enough exactly as you are
• Keep moving forward, and remember that you don't have to navigate this journey alone

About Suzanne Plumley:

Suzanne Plumley is a late-diagnosed autistic woman, podcast host, life coach, speaker, and author. As a Certified Dream Builder Coach, she helps clients create lives aligned with their Soul's purpose.

She is the host of The Aspie Bridge podcast, author of Autistic Hearts, and creator of the Patreon community Aspie Bridge Builders. Suzanne’s work focuses on helping autistic adults who have felt misunderstood or overlooked find connection, clarity, and belonging.

YouTube: @TheAspieBridgeShow
Patreon: patreon.com/AspieBridgeBuilders

About Your Host:

Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. 

Books Available on Amazon

Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com
Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh
Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic 

Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm

Thank You for Listening:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. 

YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism

Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Janeen Herskovitz about supporting neurodivergent families, building healthier relationships, and creating peace at home.

Janeen is a licensed mental health counselor and founder of Puzzle Peace Counseling in Jacksonville, Florida. As the parent of two autistic adult children, she brings both professional experience and lived experience to her work helping neurodivergent families reconnect and communicate more effectively.

This episode explores the meaning behind “Puzzle Peace,” reframing the puzzle piece symbol to represent the many parts of a family learning to work together. Janeen also discusses self-identification, autistic enthusiasm, and the importance of rejecting shame in a world that often misunderstands neurodivergent people.

Takeaways:

• Sharing your enthusiasms with others is a form of connection and love. Listening to someone talk about what they care about also deeply matters 
• Self-identification is valid, especially when diagnosis is inaccessible
• You are trying hard enough; neurodivergent people are not “lazy”

About Janeen Herskovitz:

Janeen Herskovitz is a licensed mental health counselor in Florida and the owner of Puzzle Peace Counseling, LLC. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Rowan University and her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University.

Janeen and her husband, Joe, have two autistic adult children. Through her counseling practice and podcast, Autism Blueprint, she helps neurodivergent families build more peaceful and supportive relationships.

Website: puzzlepeacecounseling.com
Podcast: autismblueprint.com
Patreon: Patreon.com/autismblueprint
YouTube: @autismblueprint

About Your Host:

Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. 

Books Available on Amazon

Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com
Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh
Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic 

Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm

Thank You for Listening:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. 

YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism

Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Susan Kayler about late autism discovery, self-understanding, and finding new purpose after diagnosis.

After successful careers as both an attorney and a judge, Susan still struggled with being misunderstood and having her facial expressions misread. Even practicing expressions in the mirror did not help her communicate emotions the way people expected. Yet when speaking about her passions naturally, others noticed her enthusiasm would shine through.

Susan created the podcast Meet My Autistic Brain with The Autistic Woman as a way to help family and friends understand what she was learning about herself through autism. Over time, the podcast grew into a widely followed resource for autistic adults and those exploring late diagnosis.

This conversation also explores identity, self-acceptance, and Susan’s transition into voice acting, a career that allows her to fully embrace her strengths without pressure to perform neurotypical social cues.

Takeaways:

• Autism can go unrecognized even in highly successful professionals
• Learn as much as you can about autism before you seek a diagnosis
• It’s a process. Be prepared for the highs of finally realizing there’s nothing wrong
with you, as well as the sadness and mourning that can come with a diagnosis

About Susan Kayler:

Susan Kayler, also known as The Autistic Woman™, is the host and producer of the podcast Meet My Autistic Brain. Her show focuses on autism, autistic lived experience, and conversations with autistic authors and creators.

Now in its sixth year, the podcast ranks in the top 0.5% globally with over one million downloads. Following careers as an attorney and judge, Susan has also begun a new career in voice acting and audio production.

Instagram: @meetmyautisticbrainpodcast
Twitter: @anautisticwoman
Website: theautisticwoman.com
Spotify & Apple Podcasts: Meet My Autistic Brain

About Your Host:

Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. 

Books Available on Amazon

Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com
Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh
Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic 

Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm

Thank You for Listening:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. 

YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism

Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

In this episode, Wendy speaks with author Brendan Corbett about late autism diagnosis, self-discovery, and returning to creativity through writing.

Brendan was diagnosed in his 30s, and the realization became a turning point in understanding his life. He found it cathartic and helped him on his journey of self-discovery. He reminds us how “coming of age” can happen at any age, especially when discovering you are autistic.

The conversation explores his late diagnosis, creativity, and Brendan’s future projects, including a more personal story centered on generational trauma and his experience as a biracial Korean-American.

Takeaways:

• No one except you can know what it means to be you
• "Coming of age" can happen at any point in life
• Give yourself the grace and time to think about who you are, what your values are, and how you want to live your life. It's incredibly freeing

About Brendan Corbett:

Brendan Corbett is an author whose work blends fantasy, identity, and personal growth. His career has spanned roles from engineer to nonprofit director before returning to writing after his autism diagnosis.

Growing up in a military family, books, especially fantasy, were both stabilizing and an escape. Now, Brendan channels that lifelong connection into his writing, including The Runetree Chronicles and The Quinate’s Faithful. His upcoming work explores generational trauma and his experience as a biracial Korean-American, as well as future fantasy projects inspired by Korean culture and mythology.

He lives in Oregon with his family and continues to explore storytelling and his creative expression.

Website: authorbrendancorbett.com
Instagram: @authorbrendancorbett

If you sign up for his newsletter and mention the Amplifying Autism Podcast, Brendan will gift you a free ebook as a thanks!

About Your Host:

Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. 

Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com

Books Available on Amazon

Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh

Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic 

Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm

Thank You for Listening:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. 

YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism

Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

In this episode of Amplifying Autism, Wendy speaks with John Burke about how autistic thinking can thrive in the world of AI.

John shares insights from his work with AI, as well as his experience as a late-diagnosed autistic adult. The conversation explores how AI can be a powerful tool when used thoughtfully. John encourages listeners not to give up after a frustrating first experience, but instead to experiment with different platforms, use better prompts, and actively engage with the technology.

Takeaways:

• There are many different AI platforms; explore and find what works for you
• A poor first experience with AI doesn't mean it can't be useful
• Don't accept everything AI offers at face value. Feel free to question and challenge AI responses
• An autism diagnosis at any age can bring clarity to past challenges and successes

About John Burke:

John Burke has spent over 25 years building IT security, software, leading teams, and solving "impossible" problems. His background in education has led him to work as a coach, mentor, pastor, and speaker.

He has lived and worked abroad, including time in Uzbekistan helping create sustainable jobs, and has a deep interest in languages and cultures. Today, John works at an AI startup and loves working with and talking about AI and security, and building environments where different kinds of thinkers can thrive.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-burke42/

About Your Host:

Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. 

Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com

Books Available on Amazon

Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh

Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic 

Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm

Thank You for Listening:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. 

YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism

Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

In this episode, Wendy speaks with Kay Burnham about late diagnosis, unmasking, and the unique experience of being both autistic and ADHD (AuDHD).

Diagnosed with autism and ADHD in her 50s, Kay shares how they changed her life and perspective. After years of advocating for others, including her own children, she is now learning to advocate for herself. Our conversation explores identity-first language, self-trust, and the challenges of navigating two seemingly contradictory neurotypes.

Kay also discusses her work, including The Art and Science of Raising Your Autistic Child and her next book, Mapping Your Paradoxes, which explores the lived experience of managing both autism and ADHD. 

Takeaways:

• Your mask is not the enemy. It’s a set of skills and a tool you can choose when to use.
• Late diagnosis is both difficult and empowering, often a non-linear process.
• Replace the word “broken” with “wounded." Wounds can heal. The world might be broken, but you are not.
• Trust yourself. If you can't access a diagnostic assessment, trust your lived experience to self-identify.
• If an accommodation helps you, you deserve to use it.
• Don't believe people who tell you that you can't be autistic; if you know, you know.

About Kay Burnham:

Kay Burnham is a late-diagnosed AuDHD adult and author of The Art and Science of Raising Your Autistic Child. She supports individuals on their unmasking journey and works with companies to implement neurodivergent-affirming practices.

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kayunmasked

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

Substack: https://substack.com/@kaymburnham

Relevant To This Episode:

Ask for these books at your public library, local independent bookstore, or by using my affiliate link below. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from purchases through these links, which helps support the podcast at no extra cost.

The Art and Science of Raising Your Autistic Child by Kay Burnham 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/41jxoXw

Recognizing Autism in Women and Girls by Wendela Whitcomb Marsh

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/194917784X/

About Your Host:

Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. 

Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com

Books Available on Amazon

Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh

Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic 

Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm

Thank You for Listening:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. 

YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism

Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

In this solo episode of Amplifying Autism, Wendy explores social approach and avoidance through a simple but powerful question: Are you more like a butterfly or a bear?

Some people are like butterflies, drawn to connection, moving from conversation to conversation, energized by social interaction (even if it eventually leads to exhaustion). Others are more like bears, preferring smaller, quieter environments, needing more recovery time, and feeling drained by social demands.

Neither way of being is “wrong.” Autistic and neurotypical people alike can fall anywhere on this spectrum. Release judgment, understand your own social needs, and practice self-compassion in a world that often favors one style over another.

And when you're learning to forgive others, remember to forgive yourself, too.

You deserve it.

Takeaways:

• Social behavior exists on a spectrum
• Autistic people can be highly social or more reserved
• Social interaction can be enjoyable and still be exhausting
• Needing space, quiet, or recovery time is valid
• Self-understanding and self-forgiveness are key to navigating social life

About Your Host:

Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. 

Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com

Books Available on Amazon

Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh

Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic 

Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm

Thank You for Listening:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. 

YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism

Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast

In this episode of Amplifying Autism, Wendy speaks with April Ratchford about self-acceptance, late autism diagnosis, and what it means to truly “lean into” being autistic.

April is the host of the top-ranking podcast Adulting with Autism, a resource for neurodivergent adults seeking validation and practical tools for navigating adulthood. She originally created the podcast for her autistic son before realizing later in life that she is autistic herself.

Drawing from both clinical experience and lived experience, April shares advice on self-advocacy, college, work, and relationships.  She encourages autistic adults to stop masking and instead embrace who they are. By leaning into your identity and surrounding yourself with people who accept you, you can create a more fulfilling life.

Takeaways:

• Lean into it, instead of hiding it
• There is nothing wrong with you
• Your life experience is valuable
• Find your people and a space where you can unmask and be yourself

About April Ratchford:

April Ratchford, OTR/L, is an Autistic occupational therapist, writer, and host of the top-ranking podcast Adulting with Autism, which has over 2.7 million downloads worldwide. Her work combines clinical expertise with lived experience to support neurodivergent adults navigating independence, workplace challenges, and mental health. 

As an Executive Contributor for Brainz Magazine, she focuses on helping autistic adults advocate for themselves and thrive.

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/adultingwithautism

Website: adulting-with-autism-shop.fourthwall.com

About Your Host:

Wendela Whitcomb Marsh, MA, RSD, is an award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and host of Amplifying Autism. Though not autistic herself, Wendy has dedicated her career to supporting the neurodivergent community. She is the founder of Adulting While Autistic and helps late-diagnosed autistic adults find clarity and community. 

Website: wendelawhitcombmarsh.com

Books Available on Amazon

Instagram: @wendela.w.marsh

Adulting While Autistic: @adultingwhileautistic 

Join the Newsletter: https://forms.aweber.com/form/49/591191449.htm

Thank You for Listening:

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it. Your support helps us reach more late-diagnosed autistic adults and those who care about them. 

YouTube: @AmplifyingAutism

Spotify & Apple Podcast: Amplifying Autism Podcast