In this episode of the PRsonal Podcast, host Charlotte Nichols sits down with Kelly Smith, designer and founder of Spelk Studio, for a conversation that peels back the layers on living with invisible illness and late-diagnosed neurodiversity.

Kelly recounts a shocking turning point in her health journey - the moment she was accidentally served the wrong cake. It seemed harmless, but that single slice containing gluten triggered a severe autoimmune reaction. Within weeks, her muscles began to seize, and soon, she was unable to walk. What followed were endless neurological tests, including investigations for MS and motor neurone disease, but no definitive answers. The cause? A serious reaction from undiagnosed coeliac disease.

But that’s only part of Kelly’s story.

As a mother navigating her son’s early development, Kelly began to notice signs that he might be autistic. In researching and advocating for him, she came to a powerful and life-changing realisation: she, too, was likely autistic. Her later-in-life autism diagnosis brought understanding to decades of social struggles, miscommunications, and professional barriers.

She opens up about how gluten left her unable to walk and why coeliac disease is far more serious than a food fad; the emotional toll of living with an invisible illness; her journey of self-discovery through parenting; the impact of undiagnosed autism on her school years, friendships, and career; the lasting trauma caused by childhood bullying; and her decision to start a business that supports both her neurodiverse son and ageing parents.

Kelly’s honesty is refreshing and eye-opening. This episode is essential listening for anyone affected by gluten intolerance, autoimmune conditions, neurodiversity, or mental health challenges and for anyone who wants to better support those around them.

Through tears, humour, and hard-earned wisdom, Kelly reminds us that every story is worth hearing , and that understanding what’s beneath the surface can make all the difference.

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