I adore--ADORE--this post and I adore this woman and I don’t even know her. As a 59 year old woman who had a Covid-related stroke and whose health has gone batshit crazy, I want to know more about what she did and what she does---Come for lunch, both of you. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Fantastic post - really fascinating. Extraordinary insight into a creative life in light of late-diagnosed autism - I loved reading how Julia's diagnosis has provided her with some clarity, some explanation of those unanswered questions in her life lived up to that point.
This question, right at the start, stopped me in my tracks: "Is there another age you associate with yourself in your mind? If so, what is it? And why, do you think?"
People don't really need to ask me my age these days, as I'm a grey-haired 47 and certainly look it, but for years, whenever anyone asked me 'how old are you?', my immediate answer would always be '26'. Ever since I was 26 I have always been 26. At 26, due to serious illness, my life was paused, interrupted, on hold. And my automatic, without-thinking, response to 'how old are you?' is still: 'I'm 26'.
Love this, Julia Lee Barclay-Morton! Thanks! Can you direct me to more on autists don't prune their synapses? Would love to understand. Is this in any way related to synaesthesia which an offspring has, and its lack of "pruning synapses?" Anyway, congrats on your dx/celebration of knowing yrself, and thx to Sari Botton for the mag and this piece (my first read here).
Yes she can thrive. Ensure she connects with autistic-led organizations. There is a vital and wonderful adult self advocating autistic community and groups of teens as well. It's not a deficit, it's a difference. You are probably familiar with this, but if not check out the social model of disability versus the medical model. There are many resources now. My life has been rich and varied and hers will be too.
Thank you so much! Her diagnosis is pretty new, so I'm trying to learn all I can, while combatting feelings of guilt that I didn't realize it sooner, because now it makes so much sense. Hoping to get her engaged in a local autistic teen group, but she doesn't want to go to the events. She prefers to be alone most of the time. I'll check out the models you suggested, not too familiar with that. Thank you again!
I hear that. Check out ASAN amongst others. Also I think AANE may have some Zoom teen groups which maybe would be less weird for her. On off chance she wants to talk to me, I am available. You can show her my website and how I have a life etc. Also check out Unmasking Autism as a good intro book.
Ahh thank you so much. That is so kind of you. I really appreciate your offer and recommendations. I will show her your website and look into that book. Can't thank you enough for sharing your wisdom.
No worries. I would have loved to have known this earlier, tho I am sure if found out at 14 I would be daunted, too, especially since that is the height of wanting to be normal period of time. Not sure if it's in article so my website is theunadaptedonea.com - def consider me a resource.
"The average life expectancy for an autistic person is 56."
I think I have said this sentence out loud 10 times and I haven't even finished the interview yet! (Bettye Saar's daughter Lezley Saar is one of my favorite Instagram follows! https://www.instagram.com/lezleysaar/ )
Thank you, yeah it took my breath away, but a lot of autistic adults, traumatized by horrific treatments as children designed to make them appear normal with no thought of their well being leads to a lot of suicide and also drug and alcohol addiction. I consider myself incredibly lucky I got sober young and had 12-step structure. Even before I knew why I felt as weird as I did.
I love this interview. It resonates so much with me, also diagnosed at 55 with autism and trying to figure out what that means after having lived so much of my life wondering what was wrong with me. Thank you Julia for your insight, your honesty and your wonderful way of writing! <3
Fabulous! I love this take on neurodiversity blowing aging out of the water. That lens on understanding oneself feels more relevant to me than just the accumulation of years.
Julia, I would love to know what the vagus nerve healing workshop was! This is on my priority list.
I love this: "So, my advice to women and girls of all ages is: you can’t win that game, so don’t play it. Please yourself." Really enjoyed this post. Thank you Julia and congrats on the new book.
I adore--ADORE--this post and I adore this woman and I don’t even know her. As a 59 year old woman who had a Covid-related stroke and whose health has gone batshit crazy, I want to know more about what she did and what she does---Come for lunch, both of you. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Yes!
Absolutely. I accept the invitation. I have done a lot actually and happy to share.
Fantastic post - really fascinating. Extraordinary insight into a creative life in light of late-diagnosed autism - I loved reading how Julia's diagnosis has provided her with some clarity, some explanation of those unanswered questions in her life lived up to that point.
This question, right at the start, stopped me in my tracks: "Is there another age you associate with yourself in your mind? If so, what is it? And why, do you think?"
People don't really need to ask me my age these days, as I'm a grey-haired 47 and certainly look it, but for years, whenever anyone asked me 'how old are you?', my immediate answer would always be '26'. Ever since I was 26 I have always been 26. At 26, due to serious illness, my life was paused, interrupted, on hold. And my automatic, without-thinking, response to 'how old are you?' is still: 'I'm 26'.
Thank you so much!
Love this, Julia Lee Barclay-Morton! Thanks! Can you direct me to more on autists don't prune their synapses? Would love to understand. Is this in any way related to synaesthesia which an offspring has, and its lack of "pruning synapses?" Anyway, congrats on your dx/celebration of knowing yrself, and thx to Sari Botton for the mag and this piece (my first read here).
My favorite interview so far. What a badass.
Love this. This gives me hope that my 14 year old ASD-1 child will find her way and survive life. Thank you.
Yes she can thrive. Ensure she connects with autistic-led organizations. There is a vital and wonderful adult self advocating autistic community and groups of teens as well. It's not a deficit, it's a difference. You are probably familiar with this, but if not check out the social model of disability versus the medical model. There are many resources now. My life has been rich and varied and hers will be too.
Thank you so much! Her diagnosis is pretty new, so I'm trying to learn all I can, while combatting feelings of guilt that I didn't realize it sooner, because now it makes so much sense. Hoping to get her engaged in a local autistic teen group, but she doesn't want to go to the events. She prefers to be alone most of the time. I'll check out the models you suggested, not too familiar with that. Thank you again!
I hear that. Check out ASAN amongst others. Also I think AANE may have some Zoom teen groups which maybe would be less weird for her. On off chance she wants to talk to me, I am available. You can show her my website and how I have a life etc. Also check out Unmasking Autism as a good intro book.
Ahh thank you so much. That is so kind of you. I really appreciate your offer and recommendations. I will show her your website and look into that book. Can't thank you enough for sharing your wisdom.
No worries. I would have loved to have known this earlier, tho I am sure if found out at 14 I would be daunted, too, especially since that is the height of wanting to be normal period of time. Not sure if it's in article so my website is theunadaptedonea.com - def consider me a resource.
Also, the link doesn't seem to work. It says "This site cannot be reached."
Thank you so much!
"The average life expectancy for an autistic person is 56."
I think I have said this sentence out loud 10 times and I haven't even finished the interview yet! (Bettye Saar's daughter Lezley Saar is one of my favorite Instagram follows! https://www.instagram.com/lezleysaar/ )
Thank you, yeah it took my breath away, but a lot of autistic adults, traumatized by horrific treatments as children designed to make them appear normal with no thought of their well being leads to a lot of suicide and also drug and alcohol addiction. I consider myself incredibly lucky I got sober young and had 12-step structure. Even before I knew why I felt as weird as I did.
I love this interview. It resonates so much with me, also diagnosed at 55 with autism and trying to figure out what that means after having lived so much of my life wondering what was wrong with me. Thank you Julia for your insight, your honesty and your wonderful way of writing! <3
Thanks, Emma, so glad we connected even before we realized why! 😂
I love this essay. It spoke to me on many levels. Thank you and I plan on reading your book.
Thank you so much!
Fabulous! I love this take on neurodiversity blowing aging out of the water. That lens on understanding oneself feels more relevant to me than just the accumulation of years.
Julia, I would love to know what the vagus nerve healing workshop was! This is on my priority list.
Ah yes the vagus nerve healing...so important. You can check out my website theunadaptedones.com and check out the yoga page and get in touch.
Fabulous, inspiring post. Now I will order the book!
Thank you so much!
I love this: "So, my advice to women and girls of all ages is: you can’t win that game, so don’t play it. Please yourself." Really enjoyed this post. Thank you Julia and congrats on the new book.
Thank you!
Oh, I needed this! Thank you, Julia and Sari!
Thank you so much! I am so glad to hear this.