What happens after a late autism diagnosis?
In the second episode of this two-parter special of The Spicy Brain Podcast, host Lara Sullivan continues her conversation with renowned neuroscientist and author of The Lost Girls of Autism, Professor Gina Rippon, exploring what life looks like after a diagnosis and why understanding autistic women goes far beyond outdated stereotypes.
Together, they discuss the hidden cost of masking, the emotional impact of receiving a late diagnosis, the importance of finding community, and how autism research and diagnosis could evolve to better support future generations.
Part 2 explores:
🌶️ The difference between masking and camouflaging
🌶️ Why masking can lead to burnout and exhaustion
🌶️ The grief and relief that often follows a late diagnosis
🌶️ Why autistic women are especially vulnerable to relational bullying
🌶️ The power of finding community after diagnosis
🌶️ How schools and workplaces can better recognise and support autistic people
🌶️ Why the future of autism diagnosis may be based on support needs rather than stereotypes
Tune in for a conversation about identity, belonging, and how we can build a world that better understands and supports autistic people.
Part 1 can be found on our channel.
Contact Spicy Brain
Thanks for tuning in to Spicy Brain, the podcast Lara Sullivan created after her own late autism diagnosis. Each week, Lara sits down with guests from across the neurodivergent community to challenge stereotypes, celebrate differences, and laugh through the shared realities of life. For more content visit our website or follow us on your favourite social platform to stay connected.
Find out more:
Email: hello@spicybrainmedia.com
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/spicybrain.podcast/
Follow Lara:
Website: linktr.ee/Sullivanlara
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sullivanlara/
Follow Gina:
Gina Rippon - Chair of Cognitive NeuroImaging
https://www.ginarippon.com/
British neurobiologist and feminist. She is a professor emeritus of cognitive neuroimaging at the Aston Brain Centre, Aston University, Birmingham.
Resources:
Gina's Book: The Lost Girls of Autism
The Autistic Girls Network: https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/
