In this conversation, author, screenwriter and teacher Claire McGowan shares what it’s been like to receive an autism diagnosis at 43 — and how that discovery is reshaping her understanding of her life, identity, and creative work.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Claire’s late autism diagnosis and the path that led to it
• The mix of grief, anger, relief, and curiosity that followed
• Growing up in Northern Ireland in the 80s and why autism wasn’t on the radar
• Sensory overwhelm — from public transport to event spaces
• Hyperfocus, productivity, and writing 28 books in 14 years
• What Claire hopes will change in how society supports autistic adults

Claire also shares about the importance of talking about neurodiversity.

Claire McGowan website https://www.clairemcgowan.co.uk/

Claire’s book The Other Couple https://www.clairemcgowan.co.uk/books

Claire on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/clairemcgowanwriter

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RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads!

If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

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June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Autism affects how autistics experience relationships by definition. Some of the best traits can either lead to problems or support us in succeeding. In this episode you’ll learn about why autistics pick the wrong partner and how you can change it. It’s a thoughtful episode about relationships, compatibility, and learning what to notice.

Support the show

RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads!

If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

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Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon
Linktree
Email: info@theautisticwoman.com
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June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together

Unmasking is an ongoing process of noticing when we’re performing, deciding what serves us, and making gradual adjustments, according to Essy Knopf therapist and author of “Unmasking: What We Lose by Pretending and How to Get It Back”. Essy shares his autism diagnosis at 25 and later recognition of ADHD, highlighting how masking and non-stereotypical presentations delayed identification. In this conversation Essy shares about:

• Internalized ableism
• Conditional self-worth
• Burnout, and
• The difficulty of forming authentic connections while performing for acceptance.

This episode offers a grounded discussion of identity, self-advocacy, and living more intentionally as a neurodivergent adult.

Book: Unmasking: What We Lose by Pretending and How to Get It Back

Website: https://essyknopf.com

Check out Essy's YouTube channel

Essy on Instagram

Support the show

RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1,000,000 downloads!

If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

Instagram
Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon
Linktree
Email: info@theautisticwoman.com
Website

June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together