An Autism Diagnosis Rewrites the Story

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