Breton Woman Finds Liberation in Autism Diagnosis After 26 Years
Paimpol, Brittany – After decades of feeling fundamentally different, Élise, a 32-year-old woman from Brittany, has received a diagnosis of autism at the age of 26, a revelation she describes as a “light switch” moment. Her story, recently shared on the podcast “The Locals” and with actu.fr,highlights the often-delayed diagnoses faced by women and the profound relief that can come with understanding oneself.
For years, Élise’s unique way of perceiving the world was attributed to her “character,” leaving her with a persistent sense of disconnect. The late diagnosis underscores the challenges in recognizing autism in individuals who don’t fit stereotypical presentations, notably women, and the importance of increased awareness. Now, Elise hopes to use her experience to help others, aspiring to become a trainer focused on autism support.
According to Elise, the feeling of being different permeated her childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood – a persistent “gap” she couldn’t articulate. Her former partner noticed patterns, such as a rigid daily routine, and flagged them as potential indicators. “Every morning, I had the same routine. It was definitely not necessary to change it,” Élise recalled in an interview with The Armor Press. Family members also sensed something deeper was at play, ultimately proving correct.
The full story and Elise’s account of the diagnosis are available in the latest episode of the actu.fr podcast, “The Locals,” accessible on all major audio streaming platforms.Listeners can also find all episodes at https://playerbeta.octopus.saooti.com/miniplayer/emission/11208/3?distributorId=6cc88bd2-a01b-4bf0-9bc4-949dec682133&color=30A1EF&theme=ffffff&wave=false.
