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Living On The Autism Spectrum: Women Talk About Their Diagnoses As Adults

Chion Wolf
/
WNPR
Sarah Hernandez - Board of Education member in Enfield, Connecticut.

When we hear the words “autism diagnosis” it’s common to imagine a young child or adolescent.

But what about those who receive their diagnoses at a later stage of life -- in the midst of successful careers or long, happy marriages?

This hour, we meet two women who were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder as adults.

Sarah Hernandez is a member of Enfield's Board of Education. Laura James is a journalist and author of the new book Odd Girl Out.

Coming up, we hear their stories and consider what it means to be autistic in 2017. 

Plus: understanding the language we use around autism.

High-functioning autism, low-functioning autism -- where do these labels come from? And are they really necessary?

GUESTS:

  • Laura James - Journalist and author of Odd Girl Out: My Extraordinary Autistic Life
  • Sarah Hernandez - Board of Education member in Enfield, Connecticut
  • Amber Underhill - Parent of a child with autism spectrum disorder

Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.

Chion Wolf contributed to this show.

Lucy leads Connecticut Public's strategies to deeply connect and build collaborations with community-focused organizations across the state.

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