The Late Discovered Club is a social impact community and podcast, on a mission to give a voice to Late Discovered autistic women and marginalised groups.
The podcast brings you real and empowering stories of late discovered autistic women and people from all walks of life - through an intersectional lens - helping to deconstruct stereotypes, and giving the next generation visibility.
Hosted by Catherine Asta and edited by Caty Ava.
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Dr. Dionna Williams is an Autistic and first-generation academic and martial artist. Dionna received their MSc and PhD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed her postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University.
While Dionna amassed academic and professional accomplishments they struggled with what she once considered to be a collection of seemingly unrelated quirks and social discomfort - aware of these differences, they became less of a hindrance to interacting with people as she learned to suppress the things that made her most different from others. However, these strategies eventually became less effective and at the most stressful time of their life Dionna began therapy.
It was through this experience that they received an autism diagnosis at the age of 35, which has been life changing.
Since this realization one and a half years ago, Dionna realized all the ways in which she lived an inauthentic life and they are now committed to living a life of their own accord, unmasked, and open about the joys and challenges faced as a neurodivergent scientist from a low-income background raising the most amazing 3-year old.
From December 2025, Catherine will be hosting the NHS commissioned and funded 'Autism Central Podcast' as part of the £6 million National Autism Peer Education Programme being delivered by Anna Freud over the next 3 years. Catherine & Caty will be teaming up once again to bring real stories, honest conversations, and shared wisdom. Read more here
Support our work
3 ways you can support the podcast and the work we do...
Uma is the world’s first strengths-based self-identification service that helps adult women, non‑binary and AFAB people safely self-screen for autism, ADHD, and CPTSD. She also screens for commonly co-occurring health difficulties related to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Hypermobility EDS (hEDS), to build a complete brain-body picture.
UMA are looking for people who are medically diagnosed or self-identify as ADHD or autistic, as well as those waiting on a diagnosis, to try the service.
Catherine speaks to Sofia Akbar about her late autistic discovery.
Sofia is a late diagnosed AuDHD single mum and secondary maths teacher.
Her self discovery journey started from the trials of her oldest son's autism diagnosis, impacted by the trauma of (TW) domestic abuse and racial discrimination. She was recognised for her Support for Inclusive Learning by Scottish Asian Minority Ethnic Educators in 2022 and also won Small Business Award from Scottish Asian and Business Awards 2023 for her private tuition business called Limitless Learners.
Sofia has also been nominated as a finalist for British Muslim Awards Community Spirit for her role in setting up and leading Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics CIC.
Catherine speaks to Vanessa D’Souza AKA The Autistic Chef about her late autistic discovery.
Vanessa is a MasterChef UK 2023 Semi-Finalist and National Autistic Society Celebrity Ambassador who runs a neuroaffirming instagram page where she shares sensory friendly feeding tips and recipes in order to make cooking accessible to everyone.
It's World Autism Acceptance Week, so we thought we'd bring you an extra special episode to celebrate someone who, through his advocacy work, books and his very presence, has made a significant difference to our Late Discovered Community - we're not sure that Pete really knows the difference he has made to helping others feel seen, heard and understood through his work, and his words as a best selling author and speaker.
Pete was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 34 in 2017, and in this episode we explore his late discovered autistic story.
And whilst this podcast is to give autistic women and marginalized genders a voice, it’s also vitally important that we hear as many late discovered voices and perspectives on the autistic experience, so we will be making *additional* space to hear more from the male experience of late discovery, and we're hoping that Pete might help us with bringing more of those stories to life!
We explore how being undiagnosed and undiscovered for four decades has impacted Emma's mental health and physical health, the space she has created for herself to embrace and unfurl, letting go of the weight of expectations, and Emma talks about the missing mixed race element and conversation to autistic identity.
Follow Emma on Instagram
More information about Dr Emma Offord - the Psychologist Emma talks about who undertook her assessment.
In this episode we are joined by Helen Hillman - a late discovered autistic woman, who made her autistic discovery whilst in therapy, and received her official diagnosis last year at the age of 28 after a long history of poor mental health.
Helen has suffered with anxiety all her life, which she thought was explained by a diagnosis of dyspraxia when she was 18. She had her first breakdown, and was diagnosed with generalised anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder at age 20.
Helen experienced a second breakdown at age 24, and at this point, was unable to leave the house more than once or twice a week, and was losing hope, so mounted a search for a therapist.
Helen talks in the episode about the life changing role that therapy played in her autistic discovery, and hopes that it helps those thinking about therapy, and therapists themselves.Helen has become increasingly convinced that sharing her experience will not only prove invaluable to her own processing, but is the surest way to help other women and girls who find themselves in similar positions to get the help they need.
In this episode we are joined by Kate Boot - a late discovered AuDHD Speech and Language Therapist, Sensory Integration Practitioner and Relationships and Sex Education Practitioner.
Since qualifying, it’s fair to say that Kate has found herself on an authentic and original journey which has seen her lean into what she now understands, post discovery to be her autistic and ADHD strengths and identity.
Kate talks openly and vulnerably in this episode about her own experiences, and of how she has experimented with language, expanded her language, and crucially acquired new language on her own late discovery journey - which has not only helped her to make sense of her own autistic experience, but has also professionally helped to build that safety and advocacy for others too.
In this episode we are joined by Marsha Martin - a Behavioural Therapist and the Founder and CEO of Black SEN Mamas - a UK based national support group and informational hub, which aids Black mothers of special educational needs and disabled (SEND) children, in sourcing adequate mental health support for themselves and resources and provision, for their children, with currently over 1,000 mums strong and growing fast.
Marsha talks about how initially autism was a thing of shame for her, to now being a tool of empowerment, and how there is power in knowledge and making your own space!
*The episode was recorded in Marsha's car (the only place she could find some space for the interview) and the sound quality is patchy in parts due to the Wi-Fi connection during the interview. We hope it doesn't impact your podcast experience.
In this episode we are joined by Lucy Baena - a Mother, Writer & Birthkeeper.
Throughout her life Lucy has been given an array of diagnosis the first at age 7 when she was diagnosed as Dyslexic. At 15 she discovered she was Epileptic and a month after her 38th birthday she received her Autistic diagnosis.
Lucy has struggled with a variety of complex health (& many mis) diagnosis over her life and learning that she is Autistic has had a profound impact on her understanding of her health and wellbeing.
Since becoming a Mother 8 years ago Lucy has dedicated much of her time to being a Doula and Birthkeeping in her local community. Lucy was told that she would never have children so birthing at home as an Epileptic disabled mum was the achievement of Lucys life and has shown her she is made of pure fire.
Lucy was disabled before she knew she was Autistic so her post diagnosis experiences are different to those who learn they are Autistic but did not already consider themselves disabled.
Lucy believes in the power of wild places to heal and the sacredness of the natural world, especially the Ocean, and she now knows her Autistic brain sees things in the natural world that neurotypical people miss and she is full of awe daily.
In this episode we are joined by Jane Green MBE - an educationalist, former Assistant Headteacher, and former lead for autism education in all phases of education.
Jane is disabled, neurodivergent and an autistic parent carer for her eldest neurodivergent autistic adult non-binary child.
Jane is the Founder and Chair of SEDSConnective a multi-award, neurodivergent and symptomatic hypermobility user led and voluntary charity transforming neurodivergent health and wellbeing in a community and beyond worldwide.
In the Kings’ Honours NYE list, Jane was awarded an MBE for voluntary services to neurodivergent people and those with related joint hypermobility syndromes including Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and the also closely related Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders.
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From December 2025, Catherine will be hosting the NHS commissioned and funded 'Autism Central Podcast' as part of the £6 million National Autism Peer Education Programme being delivered by Anna Freud over the next 3 years. Catherine & Caty will be teaming up once again to bring real stories, honest conversations, and shared wisdom. Read more here
Support our work
3 ways you can support the podcast and the work we do...
Uma is the world’s first strengths-based self-identification service that helps adult women, non‑binary and AFAB people safely self-screen for autism, ADHD, and CPTSD. She also screens for commonly co-occurring health difficulties related to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Hypermobility EDS (hEDS), to build a complete brain-body picture.
UMA are looking for people who are medically diagnosed or self-identify as ADHD or autistic, as well as those waiting on a diagnosis, to try the service.
From December 2025, Catherine will be hosting the NHS commissioned and funded 'Autism Central Podcast' as part of the £6 million National Autism Peer Education Programme being delivered by Anna Freud over the next 3 years. Catherine & Caty will be teaming up once again to bring real stories, honest conversations, and shared wisdom. Read more here
Support our work
3 ways you can support the podcast and the work we do...
Uma is the world’s first strengths-based self-identification service that helps adult women, non‑binary and AFAB people safely self-screen for autism, ADHD, and CPTSD. She also screens for commonly co-occurring health difficulties related to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Hypermobility EDS (hEDS), to build a complete brain-body picture.
UMA are looking for people who are medically diagnosed or self-identify as ADHD or autistic, as well as those waiting on a diagnosis, to try the service.
From December 2025, Catherine will be hosting the NHS commissioned and funded 'Autism Central Podcast' as part of the £6 million National Autism Peer Education Programme being delivered by Anna Freud over the next 3 years. Catherine & Caty will be teaming up once again to bring real stories, honest conversations, and shared wisdom. Read more here
Support our work
3 ways you can support the podcast and the work we do...
Uma is the world’s first strengths-based self-identification service that helps adult women, non‑binary and AFAB people safely self-screen for autism, ADHD, and CPTSD. She also screens for commonly co-occurring health difficulties related to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Hypermobility EDS (hEDS), to build a complete brain-body picture.
UMA are looking for people who are medically diagnosed or self-identify as ADHD or autistic, as well as those waiting on a diagnosis, to try the service.
From December 2025, Catherine will be hosting the NHS commissioned and funded 'Autism Central Podcast' as part of the £6 million National Autism Peer Education Programme being delivered by Anna Freud over the next 3 years. Catherine & Caty will be teaming up once again to bring real stories, honest conversations, and shared wisdom. Read more here
Support our work
3 ways you can support the podcast and the work we do...
Uma is the world’s first strengths-based self-identification service that helps adult women, non‑binary and AFAB people safely self-screen for autism, ADHD, and CPTSD. She also screens for commonly co-occurring health difficulties related to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Hypermobility EDS (hEDS), to build a complete brain-body picture.
UMA are looking for people who are medically diagnosed or self-identify as ADHD or autistic, as well as those waiting on a diagnosis, to try the service.
From December 2025, Catherine will be hosting the NHS commissioned and funded 'Autism Central Podcast' as part of the £6 million National Autism Peer Education Programme being delivered by Anna Freud over the next 3 years. Catherine & Caty will be teaming up once again to bring real stories, honest conversations, and shared wisdom. Read more here
Support our work
3 ways you can support the podcast and the work we do...
Uma is the world’s first strengths-based self-identification service that helps adult women, non‑binary and AFAB people safely self-screen for autism, ADHD, and CPTSD. She also screens for commonly co-occurring health difficulties related to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Hypermobility EDS (hEDS), to build a complete brain-body picture.
UMA are looking for people who are medically diagnosed or self-identify as ADHD or autistic, as well as those waiting on a diagnosis, to try the service.
From December 2025, Catherine will be hosting the NHS commissioned and funded 'Autism Central Podcast' as part of the £6 million National Autism Peer Education Programme being delivered by Anna Freud over the next 3 years. Catherine & Caty will be teaming up once again to bring real stories, honest conversations, and shared wisdom. Read more here
Support our work
3 ways you can support the podcast and the work we do...
Uma is the world’s first strengths-based self-identification service that helps adult women, non‑binary and AFAB people safely self-screen for autism, ADHD, and CPTSD. She also screens for commonly co-occurring health difficulties related to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Hypermobility EDS (hEDS), to build a complete brain-body picture.
UMA are looking for people who are medically diagnosed or self-identify as ADHD or autistic, as well as those waiting on a diagnosis, to try the service.
From December 2025, Catherine will be hosting the NHS commissioned and funded 'Autism Central Podcast' as part of the £6 million National Autism Peer Education Programme being delivered by Anna Freud over the next 3 years. Catherine & Caty will be teaming up once again to bring real stories, honest conversations, and shared wisdom. Read more here
Support our work
3 ways you can support the podcast and the work we do...
Uma is the world’s first strengths-based self-identification service that helps adult women, non‑binary and AFAB people safely self-screen for autism, ADHD, and CPTSD. She also screens for commonly co-occurring health difficulties related to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Hypermobility EDS (hEDS), to build a complete brain-body picture.
UMA are looking for people who are medically diagnosed or self-identify as ADHD or autistic, as well as those waiting on a diagnosis, to try the service.
From December 2025, Catherine will be hosting the NHS commissioned and funded 'Autism Central Podcast' as part of the £6 million National Autism Peer Education Programme being delivered by Anna Freud over the next 3 years. Catherine & Caty will be teaming up once again to bring real stories, honest conversations, and shared wisdom. Read more here
Support our work
3 ways you can support the podcast and the work we do...
Uma is the world’s first strengths-based self-identification service that helps adult women, non‑binary and AFAB people safely self-screen for autism, ADHD, and CPTSD. She also screens for commonly co-occurring health difficulties related to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Hypermobility EDS (hEDS), to build a complete brain-body picture.
UMA are looking for people who are medically diagnosed or self-identify as ADHD or autistic, as well as those waiting on a diagnosis, to try the service.
From December 2025, Catherine will be hosting the NHS commissioned and funded 'Autism Central Podcast' as part of the £6 million National Autism Peer Education Programme being delivered by Anna Freud over the next 3 years. Catherine & Caty will be teaming up once again to bring real stories, honest conversations, and shared wisdom. Read more here
Support our work
3 ways you can support the podcast and the work we do...
Uma is the world’s first strengths-based self-identification service that helps adult women, non‑binary and AFAB people safely self-screen for autism, ADHD, and CPTSD. She also screens for commonly co-occurring health difficulties related to Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Hypermobility EDS (hEDS), to build a complete brain-body picture.
UMA are looking for people who are medically diagnosed or self-identify as ADHD or autistic, as well as those waiting on a diagnosis, to try the service.
