In this meeting of The Late Diagnosis Club, Dr Angela Kingdon welcomes Jason Killian, an engineer, hiking instructor, and long time member of the club, who shares his journey to understanding himself as Autistic in his 40s.
Growing up in a neurodivergent household, Jason was unknowingly accommodated in early childhood. Despite strong academic performance, Jason struggled with social integration, bullying, and later workplace dynamics, experiences that only made sense years later through the lens of Autism.
This is a conversation about understanding your needs, building a life that fits, and what changes when you finally have the right framework.
πͺ Attendees
Chair: Dr Angela Kingdon β Author, community-builder, and Autistic advocate
Guest: Jason Killian β Engineer, hiking instructor, and Autistic advocate
You: The Listener!
ποΈ Meeting Agenda
π§Ύ Minutes from the Meeting
1οΈβ£ Opening Remarks
Angela introduces Jason Killian, a longtime LDC member whose story explores what it means to grow up supported, but not understood, and to find clarity later in life.
2οΈβ£ Member Introduction: Jasonβs Story
Jason grew up in a neurodivergent family where his needs were naturally accommodated β quiet spaces, independence, and room to explore interests.
But once he entered school, sensory overwhelm, social expectations, and group environments became challenging. Without a framework for Autism, these struggles were interpreted as social difficulties rather than unmet needs.
Although he performed well academically, Jason experienced bullying, isolation, and later workplace challenges, particularly around communication, expectations, and social norms.
It wasnβt until adulthood β after years of reflection, therapy, and recognising patterns β that Jason identified as Autistic and sought a formal diagnosis.
3οΈβ£ Discussion Highlights
4οΈβ£ Key Learnings
π£ Club Announcements
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