Late Diagnosed Autism in Adults: Wendela Whitcomb Marsh on Masking, Workplace Wins & Self-Acceptance | Adulting with Autism

Exhausted from late diagnosed autism masking as an adult? In this episode of Adulting with Autism, host April chats with Wendela Whitcomb Marsh (Dr. Wendy), award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and US Autism Association board member, on neurodivergent self-acceptance, workplace accommodations, and advocacy for high-masking autistic adults—especially women/girls/trans/ND folks. After 40 years in special ed/psychology, Dr. Wendy founded (and sold) Adult Autism Assessment & Services, drawing from her autistic family (late husband + 2/3 adult kids). Her Adulting While Autistic series (Independent Living, Dating, Relating, Parenting, Working While Autistic) and SWAN Church (Scripture & Worship for All Neurotypes) empower underserved voices.

Key insights:

• Adult vs. child autism: Masking hides symptoms (e.g., routines for eye contact/socializing); exhaustion from "faking normal."
• Late-dx challenges: Women/trans/non-binary often missed (3-6x overlap with autism); bullying/shame leads to self-doubt.
• Workplace/family support: Frame needs as productivity wins (e.g., noise-canceling headphones/WFH); believe autistic voices—no "faking."
• Clinician tips: Read autistic authors, seek ND-affirming pros; self-ID valid if no paper needed (for disability/accommodations).
• Advocacy ahead: Boa constrictor squeeze (hard times)—stay safe, speak out; churches need inclusivity (SWAN as model).

For autistic young adults unmasking or parents advocating, Dr. Wendy's optimism shines: "Nothing wrong with you—world's not built for you." Free library access to her books; inquire for Book Club readings.

Subscribe for ND adulting advocacy! Rate/review on Podbean/Apple/Spotify. Books at Amazon/Barnes & Noble/Powell's/indies; SWAN Church: swanchurch.org. Linktree: adultingwithautism.linktr.ee (Podbean/shop/socials).

Holiday merch sale: 30% off tees/hoodies with code BLACK25 at adultingwithautism.shop—fierce ND gear!

#LateDiagnosedAutism #AutismMaskingAdults #NeurodivergentWorkplace #AutismWomenTrans #AdultingWhileAutistic #SWANChurchND #AutismSelfAcceptance #AuDHD #OT #MentalHealth #BTS #BTSNeurodivergent #Neurodiversity #ADHD #PodMatch #Podcasts

 

Episode: Late Diagnosed Autism in Adults with Wendela Whitcomb Marsh

[00:00] Intro: Masking Exhaustion in Late-Dx ND Adults [00:30] Dr. Wendy's Story: 40-Year Career to Adult Autism Advocacy [02:00] Missed Symptoms: Adult vs. Child Autism (Masking Routines/Sensory) [05:00] Late-Dx Challenges: Women/Trans/Non-Binary Overlap (3-6x Higher) [08:00] Masking Effects: "Faking Normal" & Unmasking Safety [11:00] Family Support: Listen/Believe—Accommodations for All [14:00] Workplace Wins: Frame Needs as Productivity (Headphones/WFH) [17:00] Clinician Tips: ND-Affirming Pros, Read Autistic Authors [20:00] Lived Experience: Autistic Family Shapes Her Books/Advocacy [23:00] Church Inclusivity: SWAN Church Model for ND/LGBTQIA+ [26:00] Future Advocacy: Boa Constrictor Squeeze—Stay Safe/Speak Out [29:00] Testing Advice: Self-ID Valid; Sliding Scales for Assessments [32:00] Outro: Books/Resources & CTAs

Resources:

• Books: Adulting While Autistic series/Recognizing Autism in Women and Girls (Amazon/Barnes & Noble/Powell's/indies/libraries)
• SWAN Church: swanchurch.org (online ND-affirming worship)
• Contact: [e-mail] (Book Clubs/speaking)
• Linktree(Podbean/shop/socials)

Subscribe on Podbean/YouTube for ND advocacy! Share your masking story in comments. #AutismAdults #LateDxMasking #NDWorkplace #AutismWomen #SWANChurch