From shame to advocacy: a late-diagnosed autistic woman’s journey through self-discovery and systemic barriers
This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.
About the autistic author markerViswanathan, P. (2025). From shame to advocacy: a late-diagnosed autistic woman’s journey through self-discovery and systemic barriers. Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 30(3), 380-389. https://doi.org/10.1108/mhsi-08-2025-0236
This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:
Authors
Abstract
Purpose This paper aims to explore the lived experience of a late-diagnosed autistic woman, traversing the journey from self-blame to self-acceptance and advocacy. It expounds upon the impact of when invisible disabilities interact with rigid systems, and seeks to bridge the gap between personal experience and professional knowledge, calling for systemic changes that support neurodiversity. Design/methodology/approach Using an autoethnographic exploration, this paper draws on diary entries, professional experiences as a therapist, educator and advocate, and self-reflections during and after the diagnostic process. It contextualizes first-person accounts with relevant literature to throw further light on themes such as masking, stigma, environmental sensitivities, safety challenges and the complex relationship between self-awareness and societal barriers. Findings The narrative shows that while late diagnosis can bring relief and clarity, it also exposes systemic inadequacies. Routine activities such as bureaucratic paperwork, seeking safety or engaging in public spaces become overwhelming due to noninclusive processes and highly stimulating environments. Despite professional knowledge, internalized stereotypes delayed recognition. This paper highlights practical changes – quiet hours, multiple communication modes, sensory-friendly spaces – that benefit autistic individuals and others. Practical implications This paper argues that neurodiversity-affirming systems are essential, not optional, and that changes made for autistic individuals improve environments for everyone. Originality/value Women diagnosed later in life remain underrepresented in autism research, particularly those in helping professions. This paper adds a rare insider perspective, showing how lived experience can inform practice, policy and inclusive design.
Bibliography cited by this reference
Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.
Cited bibliography overview
These indicators describe the bibliography cited by this publication. An author name is counted each time it appears in one cited reference, so the same person can be counted more than once. Names not yet linked to an author already present in AutiHub are treated as unknown, not as non-autistic. Last computed: 28 Oct 2026 01:01.
- With a DOI
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- Without a DOI, from raw bibliography text
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- References with detected author names
- 8 / 11 (72.7%)
- Without detected author names
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- Without a structured title
- 3
- Without a stable identifier
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- References with raw author names still to review
- 3
- References with external metadata lookup issues
- 0
- From DOI or external metadata
- 74
- From validated raw bibliography text
- 0
- Raw names already validated
- 0
- Raw names still to review
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Joanna M Tsirgiotis , Robyn L Young , Nathan Weber (2024). A comparison of the presentations of males and females with autism spectrum disorder and those narrowly below the diagnostic threshold . Autism, 28(4), 1029-1044. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
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Tobago, U. S. E. T. (2024), “Ask the Consul-March 2024”, U. S. Embassy in Trinidad & Tobago, available at:Link to the cited article.Type: OtherCrossref