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The Conversation

Factual: Life Stories

Two women from different parts of the world share the stories of their lives

Two women from different parts of the world, united by a common passion, experience or expertise, share the stories of their lives.

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The Conversation: My life-changing autism diagnosis

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Morénike Giwa Onaiwu & Sara Gibbs

14/06/2021 GMT

My life-changing autism diagnosis

BBC World Service - The Conversation, My life-changing autism diagnosis

Sara Gibbs and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu talk about the impact of finding out they're autistic

Growing up Sara Gibbs and Morénike Giwa Onaiwu were called names and snubbed. They tell Kim Chakanetsa that being diagnosed as autistic in their 30s came as a welcome relief.

As a woman with autism you're likely to receive a diagnosis much later in life than if you are a man with the condition. Why is that and what impact does a late diagnosis have? Kim Chakanetsa is joined by two autistic women who are speaking up about their experience of the condition and seeking to help others. 

Morénike Giwa Onaiwu is part of the Autism Women's Network in US. She says many of her early symptoms of autism were dismissed or ignored because she is Black and explains how autism can amplify stereotypes around Black women.

Sara Gibbs is a British comedy writer and autistic. Labelled as a cry baby, scaredy cat and spoiled brat – she finally got a diagnosis in her thirties. She has written a book, Drama Queen, about trying to fit into a world that has often tried to reject her, and says that being on the spectrum doesn't have to be a barrier to a happy life full of love, laughter and success.
 
Produced by Jane Thurlow

IMAGE DETAILS
Morénike Giwa Onaiwu 
Sara Gibbs [credit Juliet McKee]

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