Diagnosed with current-day Level 3 Autism at 18 months old, Jenna Noble was blissfully unaware of her diagnosis for the first half of her life.
In this episode, Jenna Noble, a violinist, singer, orchestra director, mom, and military spouse, joins Alex for an honest, moving, and genuinely fascinating conversation.
Jenna has been on the Autism spectrum her whole life. However, for 17 years, she never knew. She was diagnosed at just 18 months old, given a level three diagnosis, and told she may never live independently. Nobody told Jenna this, and she didn't find out this imperative information about herself until she stumbled across messages on her mom's phone.
In this episode, they talk about growing up autistic without knowing it, the complicated feelings that come with finding out the way she did, how music quite literally changed the trajectory of her life, and what navigating relationships, motherhood, meltdowns, and emotional regulation looks like as an autistic woman.
In this episode:
- Finding out about her diagnosis at 17 - through her mom's phone
- Growing up level three autistic and being told she'd never live independently
- How music became her first language and changed everything
- The grief, confusion, and relief of finally having an answer
- Masking, social scripting, managing expectations and what's actually going on inside her head
- Meltdowns - what they look like, how she recovers, and the Peloton that saves her
- Motherhood, emotional regulation, and parenting while autistic
- PDA, emotional fluency, and people-pleasing
Connect with BoldlyWired:📬 Subscribe on Substack📸 Instagram @boldlywiredpod🎵 TikTok @boldlywiredpod
[email protected]
Boldly Wired is not created by a licensed doctor, therapist, or mental health professional. The content shared here reflects the personal lived experiences of the host and guests, along with personal research and learning. This podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health or medical support. Please do your own research, learn from multiple sources, and keep your care team close.