My life-changing autism diagnosis
Growing up Sara Gibbs and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu were called names and snubbed. They tell Kim Chakanetsa that being diagnosed as autistic in their 30s came as a welcome relief.
As a woman with autism you're likely to receive a diagnosis much later in life than if you are a man with the condition. Why is that and what impact does a late diagnosis have? Kim Chakanetsa is joined by two autistic women who are speaking up about their experience of the condition and seeking to help others.
Morénike Giwa Onaiwu is part of the Autism Women's Network in US. She says many of her early symptoms of autism were dismissed or ignored because she is Black and explains how autism can amplify stereotypes around Black women.
Sara Gibbs is a British comedy writer and autistic. Labelled as a cry baby, scaredy cat and spoiled brat – she finally got a diagnosis in her thirties. She has written a book, Drama Queen, about trying to fit into a world that has often tried to reject her, and says that being on the spectrum doesn't have to be a barrier to a happy life full of love, laughter and success.
Produced by Jane Thurlow
IMAGE DETAILS
Morénike Giwa Onaiwu
Sara Gibbs [credit Juliet McKee]
Last on
More episodes
Previous
Broadcasts
- Mon 14 Jun 2021 03:32GMTBBC World Service except Australasia, East Asia & South Asia
- Mon 14 Jun 2021 04:32GMTBBC World Service Australasia, South Asia & East Asia only
- Mon 14 Jun 2021 10:32GMTBBC World Service
- Mon 14 Jun 2021 21:32GMTBBC World Service except Europe and the Middle East
- Mon 14 Jun 2021 22:32GMTBBC World Service Europe and the Middle East
- Sat 19 Jun 2021 07:32GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa
The best of The Conversation
Podcast
-
The Conversation
Two women from different parts of the world share the stories of their lives