In this episode therapist, author and autistic woman Sharon O'Connor shares her deeply personal journey to a late autism diagnosis and the burnout that changed everything.

Sharon shares what it was like to begin recognizing herself in her young son's autism evaluation, how two dramatically different diagnostic assessments shaped her understanding and how she has healed from autistic burnout.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• What it's like to receive an autism diagnosis as an adult, and why the diagnostic experience matters as much as the outcome
• The relationship between masking and autistic burnout — and why burnout is never a personal failure
• Early warning signs that burnout may be approaching
• Why energy is the foundation of autistic life, and how sensitivity to others' emotions is often a form of self-protection
• How burnout affects our sense of identity
• Practical suggestions for managing burnout when leaving a demanding job simply isn't an option
• Why connection with other autistic people can be transformative
• What life can look like on the other side of burnout

Website: SharonKOConnor.com

Book: Healing Autistic Burnout — available in print, e-book, and audiobook https://a.co/d/028qGW4a

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RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!

If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

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June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

If you’ve been curious about how AI might actually help neurodivergent people—not just in theory, but in real, everyday life—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

This special episode is from a podcast I’m genuinely excited to share with you called Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson. Rae brings in experts—scientists, doctors, and researchers—and together they go beyond the headlines to explore what’s really true about how neurodivergent brains work.

In this featured episode, “What Could the AI Boom Mean For Neurodivergent People?”, the conversation is especially relevant. It looks at how AI can be used in meaningful, practical ways—particularly in the workplace—and how it can function as powerful assistive technology for neurodivergent people and those with disabilities.

This is one of those episodes where you come away with both insight and possibility—real ideas you can think about, and maybe even try.

There’s so much more in the conversation, and I’m really glad I get to share it with you. Take a listen and see what stands out for you.

Hyperfocus with Rae Jacobson

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RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!

If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

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June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Meet Ryan Bush author of Become Who You Are and Designing the Mind. Hear how learning he’s autistic led him to a better understanding of himself and how we can all become who we truly are.

Become Who You Are is for everyone. It’s a must-read for late-diagnosed autistics who’ve spent a lifetime wanting to know.

Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Become-Who-You-Are-Self-Esteem/dp/1737846241/ref=monarch_sidesheet?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theautistic05-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=5da2b9245809a6ac087a2b51b6712b9f&camp=1789&creative=9325

Learn more about the book

Ryan Bush website

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RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!

If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

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June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Step into the complex world of Women and Girls on the Autism Spectrum with author Sarah Hendrickx. She talks about why autism is often missed in women and girls and how traits can differ. You’ll hear her own personal story of late diagnosis and how it has impacted her life.

Sarah's website

Sarah's book

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RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!

If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

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June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Can being autistic make a person a great detective? According to writer Tim Sullivan the answer is yes. He’s created a main character, Detective Sergeant George Cross, whose sense of justice, attention to detail and systematic approach to crime-solving gives him a distinct advantage. In an authentic portrayal of an autistic character Tim reveals why he writes about George and tells how George has become an endearing character in his books. This Cambridge-educated, screenwriter-turned-novelist demonstrates the importance of acceptance and the qualities that make autistics shine.

Tim Sullivan's Websites: US UK

Tim's books

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RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!

If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

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June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Have you thought about unmasking, i.e. telling people you’re autistic, by advocating for diversity? Here’s one story about how unmasking played out, including:

• The blank looks, the self-doubt, and the mental replay afterward
• Whether advocacy is worth the emotional cost
• The tension between staying safe behind the mask… or speaking plainly

If you’ve ever left a room and replayed every word, wondering if you revealed too much — this conversation is for you!

Link to the story about Justice Kevin Dougherty of Pennsylvania who advocates for training judges about autism: https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/pa-supreme-court-justice-eyes-reforms-to-serve-those-on-autism-spectrum.html

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RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!

If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

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Email: info@theautisticwoman.com
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June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

In this conversation, author, screenwriter and teacher Claire McGowan shares what it’s been like to receive an autism diagnosis at 43 — and how that discovery is reshaping her understanding of her life, identity, and creative work.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Claire’s late autism diagnosis and the path that led to it
• The mix of grief, anger, relief, and curiosity that followed
• Growing up in Northern Ireland in the 80s and why autism wasn’t on the radar
• Sensory overwhelm — from public transport to event spaces
• Hyperfocus, productivity, and writing 28 books in 14 years
• What Claire hopes will change in how society supports autistic adults

Claire also shares about the importance of talking about neurodiversity.

Claire McGowan website https://www.clairemcgowan.co.uk/

Claire’s book The Other Couple https://www.clairemcgowan.co.uk/books

Claire on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clairemcgowanwriter

Support the show

RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!

If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

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Email: info@theautisticwoman.com
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June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Autism affects how autistics experience relationships by definition. Some of the best traits can either lead to problems or support us in succeeding. In this episode you’ll learn about why autistics pick the wrong partner and how you can change it. It’s a thoughtful episode about relationships, compatibility, and learning what to notice.

Support the show

RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!

If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

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Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon
Linktree
Email: info@theautisticwoman.com
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June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together