This episode follows on from our previous conversation about the diagnosis process. Here, we focus on what can come after an autism diagnosis. Catherine shares her personal experience of life after diagnosis, including the emotional, relational, and practical adjustments that can follow. She reflects on how understanding herself differently shaped her sense of identity, and how diagnosis was not an ending, but the beginning of a new way of relating to herself and others. We talk about what the post diagnosis period can look like for parents and family members too. Parents often carry feelings of guilt for missing it, and we reflect on how understandable this is, particularly when autism understanding has changed so much over time. When an adult receives a diagnosis, many people missed it along the way, not because of neglect, but because information, awareness, and language simply were not there. Catherine references the BBC documentary Christine McGuinness. Unmasking My Autism, and reflects on how watching it with her dad helped create shared understanding and a starting point for conversation. We reflect on how things may shift at work after diagnosis, including questions around disclosure and workplace adjustments. We do not offer advice on whether to tell or not tell an employer, as this is deeply personal, but we talk about the kinds of considerations people often weigh up. In the UK, autism is recognised under the Equality Act 2010, which can offer a framework for reasonable adjustments, while still emphasising that choice and safety matter. We also talk about the wider narrative around diagnosis, and challenge the idea that people are jumping on the bandwagon. We reflect on why increased diagnosis often reflects increased understanding, rather than trend following, and why this matters for compassion, support, and self acceptance. This episode may feel helpful for autistic people navigating life after diagnosis, parents or loved ones trying to understand how best to support, and professionals working alongside clients during this period of adjustment. As with our previous episode, we have linked the same practical resources in our materials for anyone seeking further information about diagnosis pathways and support options. Whether you’re autistic, think you might be, or love someone who is, we hope this conversation brings some insight and comfort. All client information shared has either been used with permission or modified to prevent identification. Download the resource: www.twicetranslated.co.uk/podcast-season-1-resources You can find our ‘getting a diagnosis’ resource here https://www.twicetranslated.co.uk/getting-a-diagnosis-resources Follow us on Instagram: @twicetranslatedpod Connect with us: www.twicetranslated.co.uk Follow Carolyn at www.respecttherapy.com | Follow Catherine at www.ckpsychotherapy.co.uk Instagram: @respecttherapy | @ck_therapy If this episode resonated, please follow, rate, or share. It really helps others find us. This podcast is a personal conversation between two friends, one autistic and one neurotypical. It will not reflect everyone’s journey and is not a clinical guide. All music used in this podcast is produced & licensed through Mark Kniveton.
