On autism and being an author

Welcome fellow authors, readers, spectrum people and like-minded people to my new blog 'Authistic' which has been incubating for a while now and which I'm hoping to combine with some video content! 

I decided to launch a new blog mainly about how autism relates to my writing in particular eg not just how I write but the fact that I write at all. But also focussing on writing processes, reading habits and other aspects in general.

I was recently diagnosed with autism at the grand old age of 63 along with my sister (aged 65) and suddenly it's made a lot of sense of our lives and the struggles we've had throughout life. It's very misunderstood, particularly among women, and I've learned so much in the last few months - like the fact that Asperger's is no longer used (although people already with that diagnosis hang on to it). Even the terms 'high functioning' and 'low functioning' aren't used either because a person can function well in one area but struggle in another area. But thanks to Right To Choose, a very supportive GP and invaluable advice in relevant Facebook groups we didn't have to wait the four and half years on the NHS (it had got longer than usual due to Covid backlogs) but went with a provider who offered the Right To Choose option.

On Wednesday this week, I'd been looking at the best way to do Instagram reels for visual content when I received an email from the National Autistic Society asking women and non binary people to share their own stories to raise awareness and challenge outdated stereotypes using the hashtag ‘nowiknow’ and the timing was quite uncanny especially as I was about to launch this blog. 

Here is the link to their very short video:

So  I thought I'd bite the bullet and have a go as much as I loathe speaking to the camera and hate to see myself on video! Mine is very short too!

Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-lxlLZ_Bne4

As I say, my sister was also diagnosed at the same time and we've heard of at least one woman in her seventies receiving a diagnosis. We’ve also been diagnosed with ADHD which often goes together with autism. I’ve yet to have it confirmed by a second assessor but I will know for sure later this month.

Anyway that’s all for now but I'm looking forward to sharing more blogs in the near future with (maybe) some more short videos, hoping it will resonate with others. I also hope to have improved my video techniques with fewer background distractions! I'm fine when filming nature or cats. But speaking and seeing myself is a hurdle I need to overcome!

Thanks for reading and viewing.

Best wishes until next time  😊