Imagine struggling to express how you feel, and finding the world around you a confusing and overwhelming place. That’s the reality for the 700,000* people in the UK living with autism. It is a lifelong developmental condition, and although everyone who has autism is born with it, some go undiagnosed until adulthood. Presenter Melanie Sykes, 52, revealed that her own diagnosis came at the age of 51, and Christine McGuinness, 35, who has three autistic children, announced that she had been diagnosed at 33.
While there is no cure or medication to treat autism, creating awareness, understanding symptoms and knowing how to manage them can be hugely beneficial. But according to recent figures, autistic children currently have to wait up to five years for an NHS assessment. And delays in diagnosis can have huge impacts on patients and their families.
We speak to two women about their experiences and why, for them, getting a diagnosis was key…
‘After years, everything made sense’ Mahlia Amatina, 38, is a neurodivergent artist from Reading, where she lives with her dog, Jasper.
As bright light pierced my eyes, I pulled my hood up to shield my face. I hated waiting rooms. The ticking of the clock pulsated through me like a beating drum, and conversations buzzed irritatingly around me. When the healthcare worker called my name, it was a relief to escape the sensory overload that filled my head. ‘So, are you autistic?’ she asked, sensing my distress. I shook my head. ‘No,’ I replied.
Denne historien er fra April 03, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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Denne historien er fra April 03, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?
