My Autistic World: Authentic Stories of Late Diagnosis

Matt Kandik
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Welcome to "Adult Autism: My Autistic World," a podcast exploring autism discovered in adulthood. Matt, diagnosed at 42, shares personal experiences and challenges faced by late-diagnosed autistic individuals. Inspired by Melissa Tacia’s "Oh, that's just my autism," Matt discusses masking, burnout, job struggles, relationships and self-acceptance. Join Matt for an honest, insightful look into living as an autistic adult. Subscribe to "Adult Autism: My Autistic World" for an enlightening journey of self-discovery and understanding. https://linktr.ee/myautisticworld

  1. 04.06.2025

    Cater. Challenge. Repeat.

    Are you stuck in burnout-mode, constantly wondering if you’re doing too much or not enough? This episode dives into the messy truth of self-growth for late-diagnosed autistic adults—where resting too much feels like failure, but pushing too hard just leads to another crash. If you've ever questioned whether you're making excuses or respecting your limits, you're not alone. In this episode, Matt unpacks: The hidden dangers of both over-catering and over-challenging How burnout warps your sense of what’s possible The difference between self-care and self-abandonment Three key questions to check in with yourself before saying yes, no, or not yet This isn't about toxic productivity or hiding under a blanket forever (even if the blanket is weighted and magical). It's about learning to calibrate—compassionately, intentionally, and in a way that actually works for you. Whether you're in burnout recovery, learning to set boundaries, or just tired of feeling stuck between guilt and exhaustion, this episode will help you find your footing. JUST LAUNCHED! Find the podcast schedule, expanded show notes and bonus material, coaching programs, additional resources, and more ways to work with Matt at: https://latediagnosedautistic.com

  2. 25.04.2025

    #ActuallyAutistic: Beyond Awareness

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Matt explores the gap between performative autism awareness and the lived experiences of autistic adults. With April bringing the usual wave of blue lights and puzzle pieces, this episode is a clear-eyed call to go deeper- to move beyond slogans and into real understanding, action, and inclusion. Through honest storytelling, Matt reflects on the impact of late diagnosis, the cost of lifelong masking, and the grief and relief that come with finally being seen. He unpacks the history of public autism narratives, the invisibility of autistic adults in awareness campaigns, and the importance of centering actually autistic voices in conversations about autism. Whether you're autistic, love someone who is, or are just beginning to learn, this episode invites you to question assumptions, expand your perspective, and rethink what true allyship looks like. It's not about being perfectly informed. It's about being open. Curious. Empathetic. Supportive. Take a listen- and consider what it means to really see someone.

  3. 21.03.2025

    Accommodations: Making Life Work

    What if the difference between struggling and thriving wasn’t about working harder—but working smarter? In this episode, we’re breaking down what accommodations really are and why they matter for everyone—not just those with official diagnoses. I’ll share what I’ve learned about self-advocacy, the surprising ways accommodations have reshaped my work and home life, and why balance—not just ease—matters when making things more accessible. Plus, we’ll dive into the myths, misunderstandings, and pushback that often come with asking for what you need. If you’ve ever felt like you’re pushing through life on hard mode, this episode might just change the way you think about making things possible. 🔗 Resources & Mentions:🎵 Hyperveridical - Actually Autistic (Intro/Outro Music)📌 Additional Resources on Self-Advocacy & Accommodations🔗 Connect with me Hit play, and let’s talk about making life work—for all of us.

  4. 28.12.2024 ·  Bonus

    S1 FINALE: My Autistic Holiday Special

    This Holiday Special and Season 1 Finale aims to take everything that we covered this season and stitch it together into one cohesive big picture with some new insight and juxtaposition of these themes. Resources mentioned in the episode: Embrace Autism Help and Healing Center Melissa Tacia Trevor Carroll Sol Smith Morgan Foley Hyperveridical Michelle and Andrew Preston Toren and Serenity Wolf Generic Art Dad I need your help... Did you know that more than 70% of autistic adults remain undiagnosed- including as much as 80% of autistic women, and 90% of autistic adults over 50- navigating a world that was never designed for their needs? As someone who lived this reality for over four decades, I know the pain, the confusion, and the loneliness all too well. But here’s the truth: understanding and connection can change everything. This past year, My Autistic World has become more than just a podcast—it’s a lifeline. It’s a space where late-diagnosed autistic adults like me can feel seen, heard, and validated. Together, we’ve built a community that thrives on vulnerability, truth, and advocacy. And now, we’re on the brink of something even bigger. Season 2 is about amplifying more voices, sharing authentic stories of late diagnosis, and advocating for change in a world that often overlooks us. But I can’t do this alone. Here’s where you come in: Your donation will directly fund: Transcripts and accessibility tools so our content reaches everyone who needs it. Production costs for high-quality episodes that resonate deeply. Outreach efforts to connect with more late-diagnosed autistic adults and their loved ones. The urgency is real: to meet the demand and expand our reach, we need to raise at least $5,000 by February 14th- Valentine's Day- 2025. Every dollar you give brings us closer to creating a world where late-diagnosed autistic adults no longer feel invisible. Take action now: Go to linktr.ee/myautisticworld to donate now. And share that link and this episode with your network—it costs nothing but makes a world of difference. I’ll leave you with this: When I first spoke into the void, I never imagined people would care. But your support has shown me that they do. You’ve already helped create a space where we can unmask, grow, and heal. Let’s take it further—together.

  5. 07.11.2024

    S1:E10 My Special Intersts

    In this episode of Adult Autism: My Autistic World, Matt dives into the fascinating world of special interests- those unique and intense passions that bring so much joy and purpose to many autistic and neurodivergent individuals. He shares some of the special interests that have shaped his life, from ancient civilizations to cults, and his obsession with Tori Amos. He also shares his latest and dominant special interest- neurodivergence, which has consumed his focus for the past two years. Matt also discusses the struggle of suppressing and hiding special interests for years, feeling pressure to “leave childish things behind,” and the trauma of misdiagnosis and mapping special interests to signs of mania. He reflects on how this suppression and shaming made him feel diminished joy and connection to self. Rediscovering special interests has been a journey of self-acceptance and authenticity for him. He also highlights the importance of special interests, explaining how these passions provide a sense of purpose, a means of self-expression, and a pathway to mental and emotional well-being. BuyMeACoffee.com/MattKandik

  6. 14.10.2024

    S1:E9 Overcoming Employment Struggles and Series Update

    In this episode of Adult Autism: My Autistic World, Matt takes a reflective journey through their employment history, shedding light on how undiagnosed autism impacted his career. Despite often being recognized as a strong employee, he frequently experienced burnout, often leaving jobs due to feelings of overwhelm or becoming stuck in issues related to a strong sense of justice. He also discusses how autism contributed to difficulties in managing basic self-care, finances, relationships, and other aspects of life outside of work. Taking classes to become a life coach improved not only his professional abilities but also his home life. Systemization became a key strength, allowing him to excel at work by seeing the path from point A to point B more clearly. These newfound skills also helped him manage his personal life more effectively, leading to better self-care. He touches on the topic of employment disclosure and the process of seeking disability accomodations, highlighting the power of understanding and advocating for one's own needs. At the end of this episode, Matt discusses his plans for his future and the future of the podcast, including a second season focused on hearing other autistic people's experiences. Please consider supporting the podcast by donating as much or as little as you can afford at: https://buymeacoffee.com/mattkandik

  7. 09.10.2024

    S1:E8 Sensory Overload and Sensory Joy: My Autistic Sensory Differences

    In this episode of Adult Autism:My Autistic World, Matt takes a deep dive into the world of sensory differences experienced by autistic individuals. With a focus on the eight sensory systems—visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory, vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive—he explores the complex relationship between sensory overload and sensory-seeking behaviors, known as "stimming." This episode is perfect for those looking to better understand the intricacies of sensory processing in autism and learn about practical coping strategies. ADULT AUTISM:MY AUTISTIC WORLD NEEDS YOUR HELP... ...to fulfill the mission of spreading awareness and representation for autistic adults. If all that you can do is comment or share the podcast, please do that! Far and wide! But if you can afford to give $5, go to https://buymeacoffee.com/mattkandik , and please donate what you can. With your support, we can do great things with this platform!

  8. 30.09.2024

    S1:E7 Misdiagnosed: Why Autism Often Gets Overlooked in Adults

    In this episode of Adult Autism: My Autistic World, Matt tackles the issue of misdiagnosis among undiagnosed autistic individuals, sharing personal experiences and shedding light on why autism can go unrecognized until later in life. This episode is particularly insightful for those navigating their own diagnostic journeys or supporting loved ones who may be experiencing similar struggles. Matt opens up about the frustration of receiving multiple mental health diagnoses over the years, none of which fully explained the root cause of their challenges. From bipolar disorder to major depressive disorder (MDD) to severe anxiety and disordered eating, these labels seemed accurate on the surface but always felt "just off the mark." This is a common experience among autistic adults who were diagnosed later in life, leaving many stuck in a cycle of ineffective therapies and lingering confusion. For many adults diagnosed with autism, the path often begins with a series of misdiagnoses. Diagnostic criteria for autism has been updated over time but misinformation has remained a systemic issue in medical and mental health professions. This lack of awareness and outdated practices have left many autistic adults searching for answers. Misdiagnoses of depression, anxiety, or even bipolar disorder are common, and while these conditions may share some overlapping symptoms, they fail to capture the core traits of autism. The emotional impact of living undiagnosed can be profound, leading to trauma and C-PTSD from a lifetime of being misunderstood, labeled as lazy or difficult, and deprived of the accommodations they needed to thrive.

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Welcome to "Adult Autism: My Autistic World," a podcast exploring autism discovered in adulthood. Matt, diagnosed at 42, shares personal experiences and challenges faced by late-diagnosed autistic individuals. Inspired by Melissa Tacia’s "Oh, that's just my autism," Matt discusses masking, burnout, job struggles, relationships and self-acceptance. Join Matt for an honest, insightful look into living as an autistic adult. Subscribe to "Adult Autism: My Autistic World" for an enlightening journey of self-discovery and understanding. https://linktr.ee/myautisticworld

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