Episode #4
“I Just Thought I Was an Anxious Person” — Sarah’s Story
In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah, a late-identified Autistic woman who was diagnosed at 32. Sarah shares the burnout and overwhelming anxiety that eventually led her towards understanding herself as Autistic. We talk about growing up feeling different, masking, bullying, and being the quiet, academic child whose struggles were easily missed. We explore anxiety through an Autistic lens — including health anxiety, sensory sensitivity and what it can be like to experience your own body so intensely. Sarah also shares her experiences of employment, disclosure and just how inaccessible the traditional job interview can be. And the difference it has made to finally work somewhere that recognises what she can do rather than asking her to prove herself in ways that don't work for her. It's a conversation about being missed, being misunderstood, and gradually replacing “what's wrong with me?” with a much kinder understanding of yourself. Sarah now works in neurodivergent employment and is also a qualified dog trainer with a particular interest in animals and Autistic wellbeing. This episode is supported by Otavo. Get 10% off with code UNLEARNING10.
