Ever been fascinated by the realm of autism, particularly in women diagnosed late in life? Strap in for an insightful journey, as we joined by Karen Hayes - a researcher with a freshly minted Master's in Autism Studies who has devoted her time to understanding these unique narratives. Karen unravels captivating stories of 14 participants, sharing their struggles, their reasons for seeking diagnosis, and how they navigated the world while hiding in plain sight.

Our conversation meanders through the labyrinth of experiences these women have faced. We explore the stigma and shame, and how it often becomes a hurdle. Interestingly, we also discuss the powerful effects of public figures coming out as autistic, and the inspiration it brings for others in the community. Using her research as a platform, Karen magnifies the voices of these women, sharing their experiences, their resilience, and their need for understanding communities and role models.

We also dive into the challenges these women face in accessing autism diagnosis, with Karen sharing heartrending narratives of women denied treatment post-diagnosis. We further delve into the factors influencing women who received a late autism diagnosis and their choices to disclose their condition. Wrapping up, we leave no stone unturned in addressing the trials of conducting research on autism, with Karen serving up some priceless advice for fellow researchers. Tune in for an episode filled with fascinating insights, compassionate understanding, and a journey into the world of late-diagnosed autistic women.

To find out more about our graduate courses visit: https://www.mic.ul.ie/faculty-of-education/programme/graduate-certificate-diploma-ma-autism-studies?index=0