Late Diagnosis Club: How Daria Realised She Was Autistic 10 Years After Her Son’s Diagnosis

In this meeting of The Late Diagnosis Club, Dr Angela Kingdon welcomes Daria Brown, creator of Affect Autism and host of the We Chose Play podcast.Daria shares her journey from parent advocate to late-identified Autistic adult, reflecting on the decade between her son’s diagnosis and her own. What began as a search for how to support her son eventually led to a deeper understanding of herself, reframing lifelong traits, parenting experiences, and ways of relating to the world.They discuss DIR Floortime, rejecting compliance-based approaches, and the role of connection, regulation, and play in both parenting and personal growth.This is a conversation about unlearning, identity, and what happens when the lens finally shifts.🪑 AttendeesChair: Dr Angela Kingdon — Author, community-builder, and Autistic advocateGuest: Daria Brown — Parent advocate, podcaster, and late-identified Autistic adultYou: The Listener!🗒️ Meeting AgendaOpening remarks from the ChairMember introduction: Parenting, advocacy, and late self-recognitionDiscussion: Son’s diagnosis, seizures, and early understanding of autismMedical model, ableism, and the “fixing” mindsetDiscovering Autistic voices during the pandemicQuestioning identity and the late diagnosis journeyDIR Floortime, connection, and rejecting compliance-based therapyKey learningsClub announcements🧾 Minutes from the Meeting1️⃣ Opening RemarksAngela introduces Daria Brown, a long-time parent advocate and creator of Affect Autism, whose work focuses on supporting families through DIR Floortime and neurodiversity-affirming approaches.2️⃣ Member Introduction: Daria’s StoryDaria’s journey into the autism world began with her son’s diagnosis following a serious medical event involving seizures and brain inflammation. At the time, her understanding of autism was shaped by ableist narratives and a belief that her role was to “fix” her child.Over the years, as she supported her son and connected with other families, Daria became deeply involved in advocacy and alternative approaches like DIR Floortime.A decade after her son’s diagnosis, Daria received her own autism diagnosis, reframing her identity and life experiences.3️⃣ Discussion HighlightsEarly assumptions: Autism initially understood through an ableist, deficit-based lensMedical trauma: Son’s seizures, hospitalisation, and lasting impact on parentingDIR Floortime: Choosing connection and co-regulation over complianceABA tension: Navigating systems that prioritise behaviour over individual needsLate recognition: Seeing lifelong traits through an Autistic lensImposter syndrome: Questioning identity despite strong resonanceReframing traits: From “bossy” or “controlling” to regulation and coping strategiesSpecial interests: Intense projects, creativity, and lifelong patternsCommunity: Finding belonging through shared neurodivergent experiences4️⃣ Key LearningsUnderstanding autism often begins with outdated or ableist assumptions that require unlearning.Parenting a neurodivergent child can reshape identity and self-understanding.Connection and co-regulation are foundational to both parenting and personal growth.Traits once labelled negatively may be reframed as adaptive or regulating.Community plays a crucial role in reducing isolation and building self-acceptance.📌 Notice BoardAffect Autism WebsiteKieran Rose, The Autistic AdvocateKathleen Platzman, PhDWe Choose Play PodcastThe Neurodivergent experience Podcast📣 Club Announcements🎧 The Late Diagnosis Club is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.💬 Join our online meetups and community at latediagnosis.club.📌 Check the LDC Notice Board for Member Contributions💜 There is a small charge — but no one is turned away for lack of funds.🌈 Celebrate autistic voices with early access, ad-free listening, and our full archive at AutisticCulturePlus.com🌐 Visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com📲 Follow us on Instagram: @autisticculturepodcast🎙️ Executive Producers: Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.🎧 Producers: AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah...