Episode 203: Growing Up Twice After Adult Autism Discovery [featuring Elena Carroll]

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Elena Carroll, an Autistic content creator who’s inspiring many others on her journey of late-diagnosed autism, talk about her story of moving from New Zealand to Toronto and finding her voice as a writer and advocate for neurodivergent communities. This conversation highlights some powerful lessons for mental health professionals, neurodivergent individuals, and anyone passionate about inclusion.Key Takeaways:Unmasking and Self-Discovery is a Lifelong Process: Elena shares her experiences with late autism diagnosis, showing that it’s never too late to understand yourself and make space for authenticity—even if it means returning to and healing parts of your childhood.Accommodations Are Not “Extras”—They’re Essentials: Both Patrick and Elena discuss the importance of embracing sensory tools, routines, and downtime as valid forms of self-care, not signs of weakness or “neediness.”Community & Representation Matter: Finding others who share your experience makes a world of difference. Content creation and open conversation help others feel seen, reduce shame, and normalize diverse neurodivergent journeys.If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of late-diagnosed autism and want a refreshing, vulnerable perspective on healing and self-acceptance, this episode is for you.More about Elena:I'm Elena. I was diagnosed Autistic at 25 after years of struggling with mental health challenges and receiving different diagnoses that didn’t quite fit. I always felt different growing up, but I spent most of my life working hard to appear “normal.” Now, at 29, I’m on a journey to undo more than two decades of masking and finally get to know my true self.I recently moved from New Zealand to Toronto, Canada, and over the past 18 months, I’ve started creating content focused on neurodivergence and autism. This work has been incredibly healing for me and has helped me connect with others who share similar experiences. I’m also in the process of writing a book about what it’s like to be a late-diagnosed autistic woman, exploring all the complexities and discoveries along the way.Instagram: elenacarr0ll TikTok: elena__carroll YouTube: Elena Carroll–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault✈️ Learn about Retreats🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community–––––––––––––––––––––Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!✨ The Receptionist for iPadThanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.Free Gifts for Our Listeners✨ Free Podcasting WorkbookGet a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations.You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain.Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent EntrepreneurMove Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work.Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-EntrepreneurMentioned in this episode:The Receptionist for iPad The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.