Finding Identity, Community, and Purpose After a Late Autism Diagnosis

What changes when you finally have words for a life that never quite made sense? In this episode, I sit down with Thomas Hassell to talk about that shift.

Thomas shares what it was like to move through school and work without the support he needed, and how a later autism diagnosis helped him understand his past in a new way. We also talk about the hard parts that many autistic adults know too well: feeling misunderstood, struggling to find the right fit, and trying to build a life in a world that often expects you to be someone else.

But this conversation doesn’t stay there. I also explore how Thomas found belonging through an adult autism support group, and how that sense of community grew into leadership, advocacy, and writing. You’ll hear what helped him keep going, what inclusion means to him now, and why his message to others still carries so much weight.

About the Guest

Thomas Hassell is an autistic self-advocate, writer, and longtime community leader. He has led adult autism support spaces, contributed to advocacy work, and continues to speak up for autistic people and their families.

Timestamps

• 0:02 - I welcome Thomas and ask what learning felt like before diagnosis
• 2:17 - Thomas reflects on getting support through an alternative learning program
• 4:15 - What changed after his autism diagnosis at 44
• 5:59 - How community and friendship helped him feel understood
• 6:09 - Stepping into leadership in an adult autism support group
• 8:13 - Why society still misunderstands autistic adults
• 9:04 - What writing gives Thomas that conversation sometimes can’t
• 11:04 - What he would say to his younger self now

If you’re autistic, newly diagnosed, or supporting someone who is, I think this episode will stay with you. Listen in, then share it with someone who needs the reminder that they’re not alone.

#AutismAcceptance #NeurodivergentConnection #AutisticAdults #DisabilityAdvocacy #Neurodiversity

Hosted by Reid Miles.
Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush.

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