#175 Late-Diagnosed Autism: How One Discovery Changed an Entire Life with Katrina Spiva

In this deeply personal episode of the **Power & Purpose Podcast**, Vanessa sits down with her sister, Katrina, to share her journey of discovering she is autistic as an adult. It's a conversation about self-awareness, healing, acceptance, and finally having the language to understand your own experience. Whether you're neurodivergent, suspect you may be on the spectrum, love someone who is, or simply want to better understand the human experience, we hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone. If this episode helps even one person begin their own journey toward understanding themselves with more compassion, then sharing this story was worth it. ❤️ If this conversation resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need to hear it. ⏱ Timestamps **00:00** Preview **01:03** Welcome & Why We Recorded This Conversation **02:53** The Beginning of Katrina's Autistic Awakening **05:37** Childhood Signs That Were Missed **08:08** Being Labeled "Difficult" Instead of Understood **10:03** What Masking Really Looks Like **15:14** The Book That Changed Everything **16:53** Processing the Emotional Impact of Self-Discovery **20:34** "I've Been Drowning for Years" **22:16** The Challenges of High-Functioning Autism **24:00** Feeling Misunderstood & Searching for Answers **27:33** Autism, Burnout & Nervous System Regulation **29:23** How Self-Awareness Changed Relationships **33:17** Therapy, Healing & Learning to Advocate for Yourself **36:01** Advice for Adults Who Think They May Be Autistic **37:45** *The Unmasking Workbook for Adults* Recommendation **40:39** Embracing Autism Without Losing Yourself **42:23** Supporting Someone Through an Autistic Awakening **44:06** Final Thoughts & Message of Hope 📚 Resources Mentioned 📖 *The Unmasking Workbook for Adults* by Jessica Penot **Connect with Vanessa Soul:** 🌐 Website: https://vanessasoul.com/Sacredsoulenergetics 📸 Instagram: https://instagram.com/vanessaasoul 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VanessaSoulWork 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanessa.spiva.9 **Listen to the Power and Purpose Podcast:** 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7itutYtXv9lVJQZcjcdg7C 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/power-and-purpose-podcast/id1713095352 Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.