What happens when you spend years advocating for your autistic child—only to discover that you're autistic too?
In this special April episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Julie Green to explore late autism diagnosis, motherhood, masking, identity, and the journey toward self-understanding and acceptance.
This episode marks two important milestones:
• The first anniversary of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
• World Autism Awareness Day
Together, these moments create space not just for awareness but for reflection, nuance, and deeper understanding of the autistic experience.
Julie shares how her understanding of autism evolved—from stereotypes shaped by media and popular culture to a deeply personal realization that reframed her understanding of herself, her family, and her life experiences.
This conversation is about much more than diagnosis.
It's about moving from self-blame to self-understanding, recognizing the ways autistic women are often overlooked, and learning to extend compassion to ourselves and the next generation.
As we recognize World Autism Awareness Day, this discussion invites listeners to move beyond awareness toward:
• Understanding
• Acceptance
• Inclusion
• Systems-level change
It also celebrates one year of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast—a year dedicated to amplifying lived experience, challenging assumptions, and creating meaningful conversations about neurodiversity.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
• Late-diagnosed autism in women
• Motherhood and neurodivergent identity
• Masking and the hidden cost of fitting in
• Self-discovery and self-acceptance
• Autism stereotypes and misconceptions
• Parenting autistic children
• Moving from self-blame to self-understanding
• Why awareness must lead to acceptance and change
Why This Conversation Matters
Many autistic women spend years—or even decades—without recognizing themselves in traditional descriptions of autism.
Julie's story highlights the importance of representation, lived experience, and creating space for more diverse autistic narratives.
Her journey reminds us that understanding ourselves can be one of the most powerful forms of advocacy.
Resources & Links
Learn more about Julie Green:
juliemgreen.ca
Explore her memoir, Motherness:
juliemgreen.ca/books-1
Subscribe & Support
If this episode resonated with you, please follow The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may benefit from this conversation.
Your support helps amplify neurodivergent voices and create greater understanding, acceptance, and belonging for autistic and neurodivergent people everywhere.
#Autism #LateDiagnosis #AutisticWomen #Neurodiversity #Motherhood #AutismAcceptance #WorldAutismAwarenessDay #Neurodivergent #Masking #Inclusion #JulieGreen #NeurodiversityVoices #Podcast
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