"I have a different operating system. The thing about autism is that it can look so different in every person. It's a spectrum. So I liken it to Linux. Because everybody that really knows, runs and uses Linux, no two setups will look the same."

In this episode, I’m back with Krista Kemper, talking about her journey to receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult and how that has impacted her day-to-day life.

Krista is an engineer and artist who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 42. Despite exhibiting signs of being on the spectrum throughout her life, Krista was repeatedly told by mental health professionals that she was just "a little strange" or had "anger issues." It wasn't until Krista began working with a therapist who suggested she may have Asperger's syndrome that she started to understand the reasons behind her lifelong struggles.

During our conversation, Krista explains how she initially reacted with resistance to the idea of being autistic, as she had preconceived notions about what that meant. However, after taking time to reflect and work through the implications with her therapist, Krista came to see her autism as a "different operating system" - one that is highly specialized, but not always user-friendly. She likens it to running Linux rather than a more mainstream OS like Windows or Mac.

"I am a hyper 3D visualizer. I don't have to close my eyes to see things in 3D. I can be looking at it out in front of myself. So when I'm working on a hyperbaric chamber, I can actually visualize it out in front of myself. I can turn it around. I can blow it apart. I can dive into it."

Krista also shares some of her unique abilities that stem from her autism, such as her incredible 3D visualization skills. She can vividly see and manipulate 3D objects in her mind, which has made her a natural at CAD work and art. However, this gift also comes with challenges, as Krista often finds herself unable to vocalize her thoughts when in this highly focused, visual state.

I believe this episode is an important one for anyone who has experienced or knows someone with a "late in life" autism diagnosis. Krista's openness and humor in discussing her journey resonated with me, and I think it will with those who have felt misunderstood or struggled to find the right language to describe their experience. Her perspective on autism as a different way of operating, rather than a disorder, provides a refreshing and empowering framework.

To learn more about Krista Kemper, visit her website at https://kempereng.com/. Thanks again, and I love that you are here to listen to Good Life Stories.

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