Originally recorded in 2019, this episode of Converge Autism Radio continues to resonate years later as conversations around late-diagnosed autistic women, masking, trauma, and identity have come into sharper focus.

In Autism in Women: Late Diagnosis, Masking, and the Minds That Move Us Forward, we speak with Madonna Kilpatrick, a late-diagnosed autistic woman whose background spans anthropology, sociology, theater, improvisation, stand-up comedy, and museum education.

Referred to the show by Dr. Mark Goulston, Madonna brings both intellectual rigor and lived experience to a deeply human conversation about what it means to discover your neurodivergence in adulthood—after decades of navigating the world without language for your wiring. Together, we explore high masking, stigma, creativity as survival, the overlap between trauma and neurodivergence, and how autistic cognition has quietly shaped culture, innovation, and progress all along. Madonna reflects on school, theater, intelligence, social expectations, and the cost of being misread for most of one’s life—and what becomes possible when clarity finally arrives.

This conversation predates much of today’s mainstream dialogue around late diagnosis, yet it anticipates many of the insights now widely discussed: the limits of functioning labels, the emotional toll of masking, and the urgent need for more humane, nuanced understandings of autism—especially in women. 

Editor’s Notes

• This episode was recorded in 2019. Some terminology used reflects common clinical and cultural language of that time.
• References to terms such as “high-functioning” appear in the conversation. Current best practice emphasizes support needs and lived experience rather than functioning labels.
• Mentions of Asperger’s / Asperger syndrome reflect diagnostic language in use at the time of recording. Today, these traits are understood within Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• These notes are included for context, not correction. The lived experiences and insights shared in this episode remain valid and valuable.

This episode remains widely shared because it captures something timeless: the relief, grief, humor, and self-recognition that often accompany late diagnosis—and the realization that the minds once labeled “too much,” “too strange,” or “too intense” are often the very minds that move humanity forward.

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In this episode of Converge Autism Radio, guest host Reid Miles speaks with Dr. Alice Ackerman and Rebecca Erwin, two experienced clinicians and educators working at the intersection of autism, behavioral health, and school crisis response.

Together they explore:

• The critical role schools play in supporting autistic students
• Why behavior is communication — not defiance
• How schools can respond to crisis without escalation
• What teachers and parents actually need during high-stress moments
• The importance of training, collaboration, and early intervention
• Real-world examples from clinical and educational settings
• How professionals can shift from fear and reactivity to understanding and partnership

This is a grounded, compassionate conversation for parents, teachers, clinicians, and advocates seeking deeper insight into trauma-informed, neurodiversity-aware crisis support.

Guest Websites:

Dr. Alice Ackerman
https://adackerman.com

Rebecca Erwin
www.thelarkcenter.com

This episode is part of the Converge Autism Podcastathon and includes a mid-show spotlight for Springbrook Behavioral Health's newest program, All Abilities & No Filter.

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Guest host Reed Miles welcomes writer, photographer, and educator Michelle Steiner for an honest conversation about breaking barriers and redefining what it means to live—and thrive—with a learning disability.

Michelle shares her journey with dyscalculia, her experiences in education, and how she turned stigma into strength through writing and photography. She now inspires others through her blog and online shop at michellesmission.com.

Together, Reed and Michelle explore advocacy, sensitivity in support systems, and the importance of seeing ability beyond diagnosis.


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In this inspiring episode of Converge Autism Radio, host Reid Miles sits down with artist, author, and creative business coach Mandy Nicholson to explore the deep connections between creativity and neurodivergence. Mandy—founder of The Creative Genius Consultant—shares her journey of self-diagnosed autism, raising two autistic children, and guiding other neurodivergent women to build thriving, passion-led businesses.
They discuss her bestselling book Beyond the Ordinary: Discover the Power of Creative and Neurodiverse Women, the challenges of late diagnosis, and how creativity can become a bridge to self-acceptance and empowerment. Learn more about Mandy’s work at https://linktr.ee/violetauraart. 

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In this heartfelt episode, Jeremy Rochford reflects on his evolution as both an autistic adult and a parent. He shares candidly about past struggles with anger and communication, and how learning to shift from control to connection transformed his relationship with his son, Jonathan. Together, father and son bring humor, honesty, and perspective—closing with a lighthearted segment about their first comedy gig as a duo. It’s an authentic look at growth, forgiveness, and the joy that comes from embracing both the serious and the silly sides of parenting.

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In this episode, Charity Rochford of NeuroFam hosts an open and heartfelt conversation with her daughter, Corinne, about life as a teenage girl on the spectrum. From navigating friendships and social pressures to embracing strengths in theater and creativity, Corinne shares the challenges and gifts of her journey with autism. Their dialogue highlights how autism can present differently in girls, the impact of masking and people-pleasing, and what it means to find authenticity in relationships. This episode offers validation, hope, and practical insight for families, educators, and professionals seeking to better understand autistic girls’ experiences.

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In this episode of Converge Autism Radio, hosts Stephanie Holmes and Jeremy Rochford welcome internationally renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Tony Attwood. Together they discuss his groundbreaking new book, Relationship Counseling with Autistic Neurodiverse Couples: A Guide for Professionals (co-authored with Maxine Aston). Dr. Attwood shares insights from decades of work in autism, exploring unique challenges in mixed neurotype relationships, autistic women in partnerships, and practical strategies for communication. Stephanie and Jeremy also reflect on their personal and professional experiences, offering hope and resources for couples navigating neurodiverse relationships.

Learn more and order the book: https://tonyattwood.com.au/ and  https://www.amazon.com/Relationship-Counselling-Autistic-Neurodiverse-Couples/dp/1805013025?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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In this episode of Converge Autism Radio, host Reid Miles sits down with Debbie Crouch, a creative wellness and therapeutic arts tutor, to explore the transformative power of art and neurodivergence. Debbie shares her story of being discouraged from pursuing art as a child, only to reclaim creativity later in life as a tool for healing and connection. She discusses how neurodivergence can be reframed as a gift, the role of imagination in resilience, and the importance of telling our stories to remind others they are not alone. Debbie is also a co-author of Beyond the Ordinary, a collection of stories from neurodiverse and creative women. Learn more about her work at www.creativewellnessjourney.co.uk.

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In this inspiring episode of Converge Autism Radio, we sit down with Jonathan, a 10-year-old navigating life with both autism and ADHD. Together with his family, he shares honest reflections on medication, school testing, sports, and the importance of making his own choices. From learning how to balance focus and independence to discovering the life-changing role of a positive mindset, Jonathan reminds us that empowerment starts early—and that children thrive when they’re trusted with agency. This episode offers parents, educators, and clinicians practical insight into supporting kids with accommodations while also celebrating their strengths.

A shout out to NeuroFM for sharing this amazing story with us! J

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In this episode of Converge Autism, illustrator and surface pattern designer Jo Phillips shares her extraordinary journey from medical retirement to a flourishing creative career. Battling chronic health challenges, Jo’s late diagnoses of autism (2020) and ADHD illuminated the roots of her lifelong struggles and unlocked a wave of self-compassion and clarity.

Jo candidly discusses how medication has helped ease her ADHD symptoms, offering focus and calm that transformed her daily life and creative process. She also reveals how embracing her neurodivergence has empowered her art—fueling not only her own resurgence as a surface pattern designer but also inspiring her advocacy work within autism support circles. 

This is a compelling conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and creative rebirth. It’s ideal for neurodivergent artists, mental health advocates, and anyone seeking hope in the power of identity and artistry.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Jo is an advocate for neurodivergent individuals, sharing her experiences to inspire others. For a closer look at Jo Phillips' work and to connect with her, you can visit her Infinity Designer website www.centcreativebyjophillips.com.


“Own your own identity. Learn about autism, learn about how it affects you and how great it is, but also the challenges that it brings. And learn to embrace it all.” Jo Phillips

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