The Late Discovered Club
The Late Discovered Club is a social impact community and podcast that amplifies the voices of Late Discovered autistic women and marginalized groups. Through real and empowering stories, it aims to deconstruct stereotypes and provide visibility for the next generation. Hosted by Catherine Asta and edited by Caty Ava.
Episodes
S4 Ep11 - True To Me
In this episode, Catherine is joined by Wendy Minhinnett - a lived experience leader who co-created the Rollercoaster Parent Carer Support Project. Her work has been recognised with a Positive Practice in Mental Health Award and a *BEM in 2022 for services to parents of children with mental health needs.After over a decade of heart-led lived experience work, Wendy experienced a complete burnout th
S4 Ep10 - Representation Matters
In this episode, Catherine is joined by Vicky Chapman, a gay autistic TV editor from Southampton, who had her late discovery at 26.Vicky shares how her journey began during the first lockdown, when her partner, who works in early years autism, first suggested she might be autistic. At the time, Vicky dismissed the idea, saying, “I can’t be autistic… I’m not Sheldon Cooper.” But a run-in with a ble
S4 Ep9 - A Creative Force
“Creativity has always been my life force. Even when I didn’t know I was autistic, it was how I survived.”From being sent out of chemistry class for caricaturing her teacher, to being piled on by hundreds of angry Nicola Sturgeon fans online, Lorna Miller has sharpened her pencil and become one of the UK’s most successful editorial cartoonists - known for her satirical, political, and deeply perso
S4 Ep8 - Radical Acceptance
In this episode, Catherine is joined by Julie, a Canadian based writer, artist, and creator of “The Autistic Mum” on Substack. Julie shares her powerful late discovery story, receiving an autism diagnosis at age 44 after a decade of questioning and reflection sparked by her son’s own diagnosis. Together, they explore the emotional terrain of late discovery, generational autism, sensory differences
S4 Episode 7 - A Kinder World
Joining Catherine is Trudi Murray - an artist, illustrator, writer, and a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, and proud granny. Diagnosed autistic at 47, Trudi now sees her lifelong creative work as a map of self-discovery, a visual language she was speaking long before she had the words to understand it.In this episode, Trudi reflects on how her art carried the essence of her autistic identi
S4 Episode 6 - ND Girl in a NT World
Joining Catherine in S4 Episode 6 is Louise Fox is a former GBR Elite triathlete (representing GBR 5 times at World and European championships), self-employed web developer, environmentalist, and Nordic-obsessed adventurer. Louise shares her late autism discovery and her journey from competitive sports to motherhood, from quitting her job in her early 30’s to follow her Pro athlete dream, and the
S4 Episode 5 - A Lifetime of Learning
Joining us in S4 Episode 5 is Dr Catriona Stewart OBE MCPP where we explore Catriona’s own late autism discovery, her lifetime of learning, and her lifetime of work - it’s a deeply emotional episode.Catriona founded autistic-led charity SWAN: Scottish Women’s Autism Network in 2012, on completion of her PhD research into the experiences of autistic girls, to provide peer support, build on the know
S4 Episode 4 - Pierre Novellie
Joining Catherine & Pete in S4 Ep4 is stand-up comedian, writer, radio host and podcaster - Pierre Novellie.Pierre is co-host of The Frank Skinner Show on Absolute Radio, and his television appearances include World’s Most Dangerous Roads (Dave), The Mash Report (BBC2), and Stand Up Central (Comedy Central). Pierre’s first book Why Can’t I Just Enjoy Things?: A Comedian’s Guide to Autism was p
Rediscovered (S4 Bonus Episode)
Catherine's much awaited and anticipated book 'Rediscovered' was published 21st February 2025. In this special episode, Catherine is interviewed by S4 guest (and friend) Dr Helen Lawal about the book.We talk everything from Mountains, Metaphors, Monotropism, Masking, Manifestos for Change - and so much more.*This recording is from the live online launch which took place on 24th Februar
S4 Episode 3 - Acts of Kindness
Joining Catherine and Pete in S4 Episode 3 in this powerful, and deeply moving episode is Tristan Kluibenschadl.Content Warning: In this episode we talk about sensitive content relating to mental health, suicide, trauma and grief.Tristan comes on the show to share his story of late autism discovery, which came at a time in his life when he was a working as a (former) Senior Police Officer where he
S4 Episode 2 - Made On Purpose
Joining Catherine & Pete in this episode of our new season is Dominique Bowler-Brown.CW: We discuss sexual abuse and traumaShe is a thirty-five-year-old from South London, home-schooling mother of two and a half children (pregnant at time of recording).Dominique studied at BRIT performing arts college and then Goldsmiths University of London, and over the past several years she has worked in t
S4 Episode 1 - Figuring it Out
Joining Catherine & Pete in the first episode of our new season - Nigerian born and Yorkshire bred, Dr Helen Lawal is Black African- White British, Medical Doctor, Nutritionist, Coach, TV Presenter and Mum of 2. She’s dedicated 20 years studying, training and working in the field of health care with degrees and qualifications in Sport & Exercise Science (Bsc), Medicine, Sexual & Rep
S4 Trailer
Season 4 is almost here!!We have a brand new season coming Friday 17th January 2025 with a new co-host joining Catherine in some of the episodes, author Pete Wharmby.About PeteAfter being diagnosed as autistic at the age of 34 in 2017, Pete has immersed himself in working to improve autistic awareness, acceptance and making the world a more suitable place for the neurodivergent community. He has s
S3 Episode 16 - Rediscovered Realities
In our final episode of Season 3 Catherine talks (unscripted!) to Andrea Anderson about 'Rediscovered Realities' because the reality is that accepting you are autistic is just the very beginning. Catherine & Andrea talk about:- Getting caught up in the 'should's'- Painful lessons when it comes to living in the shadows of burnout.- Somatic Self-Compassion.- Doing it our way.
S3 Episode 14 - Self Portrait
Sue is 69 and was diagnosed autistic less than a year ago at the age of 68. Ironically, her working life was spent with autistic children and young adults; coincidence? Probably not. In 2018, when Sue’s own children were in their mid and late twenties, they suggested to her that she might be autistic - after both realising that they were autistic. Before they could explore this further together, l
S3 Episode 13 - Simpler Times
Dr. Dionna Williams is an Autistic and first-generation academic and martial artist. Dionna received their MSc and PhD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and completed her postdoctoral training at Johns Hopkins University. While Dionna amassed academic and professional accomplishments they struggled with what she once considered to be a collection of seemingly unrelated quirks and social
S3 Episode 12 - Mother of Reinvention
Christine. A. Jenkins joins Catherine in this episode to talk about her autistic self-discovery in 2008 and life since her eventual diagnosis in 2009.Christine has been an Autistic advocate for many years, most recently around issues related to late-in-life diagnosis, gender bias, and autistic ageing. She contributed a chapter to the anthology Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism (2018),
S3 Episode 11 - Breaking And Remaking
Sophie Cartledge joins Catherine in this episode to talk about her autism discovery via an ADHD diagnosis in perimenopause at the age of 44. After researching why so many women were being diagnosed ADHD in perimenopause, for her work and simultaneously really starting to struggle with a number of things in her own life, she put two and two together and sought a diagnosis.Looking back now, she can
S3 Episode 10 - Joining The Dots
This is a memorial episode, to honor the life and legacy of Mary’s 90 year old late discovered autistic mum who sadly passed away in April 2023.Mary wanted to record an episode about how the 'mystery' that was the spikeyness of her profile gave Mary the motivation to turn detective on why they were both so misunderstood and misrepresented. Mary was eventually formally diagnosed autistic (a
S3 Bonus Episode - In Conversation With Laura Kerbey
In this S3 Bonus Episode S1 guest Laura Kerbey joins Catherine to talk about her new book ‘The Teens Guide to PDA’ - which published 21st June 2024 with JKP and is illustrated by Sunday Times Best Selling author Eliza Fricker.Buy the Book Connect with CatherineConnect with CatherineBuy Catherine's NEW Book 'Still Living' published April 2026Buy Catherine's Book 'R
S3 Episode 8 - Doing You More
Dr Rebecca (Becci) Jackson is also known as The Quirky Brain Coach. Becci is an autistic and ADHD positive psychology coach who works with ADHD/autistic adults on zest, self-regulation and executive functions. Having been misdiagnosed with an anxiety disorder and depression, Becci discovered her neurodivergence towards the start of the pandemic. Once she got the user manual to her brain, she turne
S3 Episode 7 - Full Circle
Catherine speaks to Lauren Fernandez a trainer, speaker, advocate, content developer and Founder & Director of Mask Off CIC and a fellow trainer on the NHS National Autism Trainer Programme. Through her work with ‘Mask Off’ she educates minds, challenges attitudes and promotes equality through the 'Invisible' Black autistic Female's perspective.Lauren was diagnosed autistic at aged
S3 Episode 6 - The Unknowing
Catherine speaks to Faye Twinn about her late autistic discovery. Faye discovered she was autistic in her late 30’s and this discovery changed her entire outlook on life itself. She spent her teens in Devon and it was there within her secondary school that she was identified as ‘dyslexic’. Struggling to fit in, she quickly self identified as arty and found that within the creative subjects she cou
S3 Episode 5 - The Missing Piece
Catherine speaks to Anita Patel about her late autistic discovery. Anita received a late diagnosis of Autism and ADHD in 2023, after recovering from breast cancer and also burnout, through many years of masking. Anita’s life has totally changed since her late discovery and she is keen to raise awareness about the role intersectionality can also play, when seeking answers and accessing support. Bei
S3 Episode 4 - Creating Your Own Space
Catherine speaks to Sofia Akbar about her late autistic discovery. Sofia is a late diagnosed AuDHD single mum and secondary maths teacher. Her self discovery journey started from the trials of her oldest son's autism diagnosis, impacted by the trauma of (TW) domestic abuse and racial discrimination. She was recognised for her Support for Inclusive Learning by Scottish Asian Minority Ethnic Edu
S3 Episode 3 - The Autistic Chef
Catherine speaks to Vanessa D’Souza AKA The Autistic Chef about her late autistic discovery. Vanessa is a MasterChef UK 2023 Semi-Finalist and National Autistic Society Celebrity Ambassador who runs a neuroaffirming instagram page where she shares sensory friendly feeding tips and recipes in order to make cooking accessible to everyone.Connect with CatherineBuy Catherine's NEW Book 'Still
S3 Ep2 - Pete Wharmby
It's World Autism Acceptance Week, so we thought we'd bring you an extra special episode to celebrate someone who, through his advocacy work, books and his very presence, has made a significant difference to our Late Discovered Community - we're not sure that Pete really knows the difference he has made to helping others feel seen, heard and understood through his work, and his words a
S3 Episode 1 - Unfurling
We're back for another season, and first up in Season 3 is Dr Emma Svanberg - an award winning Clinical Psychologist, author of Parenting For Humans (Vermilion, 2 March 2023) founder of The Psychology Co-operative and co-founder of Make Birth Better CIC. Emma also facilitates a parenting community on Facebook called The Village – A Parenting Community For Humans.We explore how being undiagnose
S2 Episode 16 - Searching For The Why
In this episode we are joined by Helen Hillman - a late discovered autistic woman, who made her autistic discovery whilst in therapy, and received her official diagnosis last year at the age of 28 after a long history of poor mental health. Helen has suffered with anxiety all her life, which she thought was explained by a diagnosis of dyspraxia when she was 18. She had her first breakdown, and was
S2 Episode 15 - Language Matters
In this episode we are joined by Kate Boot - a late discovered AuDHD Speech and Language Therapist, Sensory Integration Practitioner and Relationships and Sex Education Practitioner.Since qualifying, it’s fair to say that Kate has found herself on an authentic and original journey which has seen her lean into what she now understands, post discovery to be her autistic and ADHD strengths and identi
S2 Episode 14 - Power in Knowledge
In this episode we are joined by Marsha Martin - a Behavioural Therapist and the Founder and CEO of Black SEN Mamas - a UK based national support group and informational hub, which aids Black mothers of special educational needs and disabled (SEND) children, in sourcing adequate mental health support for themselves and resources and provision, for their children, with currently over 1,000 mums str
S2 Episode 13 - Power Of The Sea
In this episode we are joined by Lucy Baena - a Mother, Writer & Birthkeeper.Throughout her life Lucy has been given an array of diagnosis the first at age 7 when she was diagnosed as Dyslexic. At 15 she discovered she was Epileptic and a month after her 38th birthday she received her Autistic diagnosis. Lucy has struggled with a variety of complex health (& many mis) diagnosis over her li
S2 Episode 12 - Jane Green MBE
In this episode we are joined by Jane Green MBE - an educationalist, former Assistant Headteacher, and former lead for autism education in all phases of education. Jane is disabled, neurodivergent and an autistic parent carer for her eldest neurodivergent autistic adult non-binary child. Jane is the Founder and Chair of SEDSConnective a multi-award, neurodivergent and symptomatic hypermobility us
S2 Episode 11 - Holly Smale
In this episode we are joined Holly Smale - the internationally bestselling, award-winning author of the Geek Girl series, which has sold 3.4 million copies worldwide and is currently being adapted by Netflix. The Cassandra Complex, her adult debut, was the Reese's Book Club pick for June this year. She was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 39, and a lot of things suddenly made sense. Holly
S2 Episode 10 - You're Not Broken
We're back! In this episode we are joined by Heidi Mavir - a public speaker, autistic advocate, author, podcaster and SEN parent.We explore so much in this episode from Heidi's late autism discovery in her mid 40's, menopause, grief, loss, self-identification, being an autistic parent of an autistic child, what it was like growing up without the knowledge of knowing that you are autist
S2 News - Base Camp
CW - This episode talks about Catherine's recent diagnosis of breast cancer.CoppafeelConnect with CatherineBuy Catherine's NEW Book 'Still Living' published April 2026Buy Catherine's Book 'Rediscovered'Visit Catherine's website Contact CatherineFollow Catherine on Instagram Need Pos
S2 Episode 9 - The Funny One
In this episode we are joined by Laura Claxton - a comedy writer who has written gags for some of the biggest names and programmes in British Comedy.We explore Laura's late autism discovery as a 30 something woman, and her lifetime of struggles that she has never shared publicly, until now.Laura discovered very early on her life that if she could be 'the funny one' and make people laug
S2 Episode 8 - Against The Wall
In this episode we are joined by Samar Waqar who describes discovering that she is autistic and ADHD in her 30’s a s life changing discovery.Samar's childhood was inherently spent knowing and believing within her heart that she was different, and her diagnosis served as validation for her - she could finally put her guard down. Or could she? She founded Kind Theory to cultivate acceptance, inc
S2 Episode 7 - Safe Spaces
In this episode we are joined by Dr Anthea Cree who is a Clinical Oncologist in the NHS. Anthea is the first openly neurodivergent doctor in her organization, and has felt so alone. Anthea's openness at work about her neurodivergence saw her sharing her experiences in a video with her entire Royal College, although she confesses that it has caused much confusion about what to with her. Anthea
S2 Episode 6 - The Cool Kid
In this episode we are joined by Madge Woollard - a self-employed piano and keyboard teacher who has run their own successful business since 1994. A graduate of Cambridge University, where they were a Peterhouse college’s first female organ scholar. Madge currently works both privately and in schools, and now specializes in teaching neurodivergent students - diagnosed autistic in 2016 at age 44 a
S2 Episode 5 - Midlife Autistic Doctor
In this episode we are joined by Dr Rosie Baruah who is an NHS Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine and Anesthesia in Scotland. Rosie has spoken publicly recently in a BBC Interview about her midlife discovery at 46, and her identity as a Late Discovered Autistic Female Doctor. Rosie is determined to further educate and advocate for autistic doctors, widen perceptions about 'what' an auti
S2 Episode 4 - Paying It Forward
In this episode we are joined by Kirsty Cullen-Campanelli from LA in California who, at 38 years old, is very much at the beginning of her autistic self-discovery journey. We talk misophonia, invalidation, multiple diagnoses preceding her autistic late discovery, sobriety, trauma and the life changing and affirming moment for Kirsty of finding a health professional who understood her. We also talk
S2 Episode 3 - Autistic Awakening
Raven Gray is a primitive skills practitioner and experimental archaeologist, with more than 25 years’ experience in wilderness living and survival training. Raven was 55 when she discovered that she is autistic, and comes on the show to talk vulnerably and publicly for the first time about her life as an undiscovered autistic woman and her journey to her autistic awakening. The ugly duckling that
S2 Episode 2 - Autistic Academic
Dr Kate West is an autistic and first-generation academic, author and autism activist. Kate read her DPhil (PhD) and MSc at the University of Oxford (funded by one of the UK’s most competitive academic scholarships) and her Law degree at the University of Edinburgh. She has been awarded various academic prizes and an international academic Fellowship. She is now Senior Lecturer in Visual Criminolo
Trailer (15 mins)
Connect with CatherineBuy Catherine's Book 'Rediscovered'Visit Catherine's website Contact CatherineFollow Catherine on Instagram Need Post Discovery Support?Join our next 6 week post discovery support circleJoin our Late Discovered Club Community & our
S2 Episode 1 - Making Room
Jennifer Crawford is a chef, pro-wrestler, and feeler of big feelings. They grew up in Nova Scotia’s beautiful Annapolis Valley, and after more than a decade in Toronto and winning MasterChef Canada in 2019, they're home again. When they’re not weaving challah in the kitchen, you might find them as Moon Miss in the wrestling ring at the Lion’s Club Arena, cooking for their experimental pro-wre
Bonus Episode - A Compassionate Message to My Younger Self
In this bonus episode of Season one we have compiled all the compassionate messages our guests would want to tell their younger selves, and we have new music by Allora from their new EP 'Don't Feel it All' with 'Mother'.Connect with CatherineBuy Catherine's NEW Book 'Still Living' published April 2026Buy Catherine's Book 'Rediscovered'
Episode 16 - Behind the Scenes of Season One
In our final episode of Season one we have Catherine and Caty, the mum & daughter duo together on the podcast for the first time where they:Unpack season oneTalk about the impact it had on them Their stand out momentsWhat it was really like editing and interviewing BTS of the podcast Hopes for season 2Key takeaways Where we are and what next Connect with CatherineBuy Catherine's NEW Book
Episode 15 - Breaking Barriers
Our guest on Episode 15 is Hazel Lim - a leading advocate in the campaign against the stigma associated with autism, with a focus on the cultural stigma within the Chinese community in the UK.Living as a late discovered autistic minority in the UK, Hazel understands the struggles. She moved with her husband and three children to Swansea to study for an MSc in Autism and related Conditions at Swans
Episode 14 - Neurodivergent Affirming & Inclusive Workplaces
Our guest on Episode 14 is Ed Jenneson - a leading UK Employment Lawyer and Partner at GunnerCooke. The focus in this episode is a theme that has come up repeatedly in season one, and in our group support circles and in our community, and that is the need for neurodivergent affirming and inclusive workplaces.Workplaces that feel safe places in which to self-disclose and request adjustments. Becaus
Episode 13 - A Handpicked Life
Our guest on Episode 13 is Kate Laine-Toner - an autistic trainer, speaker and author, she is also mother to an amazing neurodivergent child. In 2012, Kate founded the parent support charity Bristol Autism Support when she struggled to find support for her own daughter, and over the following 10 years helped to guide over 3,000 parents and carers on their autism journey, as well as navigating her
Episode 11 - Too Many Doors
Our guest on Episode 11 is Krystle McGilveryKrystle McGilvery is the award-winning Founder of Mind Over Money, a finance training and education consultancy, a Behavioural Finance specialist, Podcaster, Mentor and Coach. She combines finance and psychology to improve financial decision-making, confidence, and wellbeing. Krystle has worked with the likes of Equifax, Moonpig, and AllBright, appeared
Episode 10 - Healing By Helping Others
Our guest on Episode 10 is Charlotte Bergslien, AKA 'The Spectrum Girl'.Trigger Warning: This episode discusses self-harm, suicide, abuse, and traumaAfter hitting a massive autistic (and ADHD) burnout at the age of 36, Charlotte started sharing about her experiences leading up to her burnout and of her current life since being diagnosed at 38.Charlotte always felt different from those arou
Episode 9 - A Work In Progress
Our guest on Episode 9 is Laura Kerbey, Co-Founder of NESTLaura received a diagnosis of ADHD in her forties, and comes on the podcast to talk about her autism self-discovery - this being the first time she has spoken publicly about what she’s slowly discovering about herself.She describes herself as a “work in progress” of identifying herself and the realization that her neurodivergence includes a
Episode 8 - You Are Only Just Beginning
Our guest in Episode 8 is Morgan Harper Nichols, an acclaimed artist, poet and Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly best-selling author. With nearly 2 million followers on Instagram, Morgan uses her art, her platform, and her experiences to connect with her community.Morgan joins our host Catherine Asta to talk about her late autism discovery, the barriers to accessing an assessment, and her
Episode 7 - Too Autistic For Black
Tee Cee joins our host Catherine Asta for a compassionate conversation to shine a light on her Late Discovered Autism. A presenter, writer, and filmmaker - Tee Cee is known for her colourful style, youthful nature and passion for Caribbean heritage. Diagnosed autistic aged 27, Tee Cee publicly revealed her diagnosis for the first time in her most recent documentary ‘Too Autistic for Black’. Commis
Episode 6 - Out of the Dark
Becky Davies joins our host Catherine Asta to shine a light on her late autism discovery at 38.As a Detective Inspector, Becky has the privilege of looking after the people who deliver a public protection service to some of the most vulnerable members of our society.Also a single mum with two beautiful children, it was her experience of #postnataldepression that ignited her passion for improving
Episode 5 - With Compassion
Victoria Matthews talks to our host Catherine Asta about her experience of years of mental and physical ill health, which all culminated in a breakdown in 2018, and how, with professional help she uncovered layers of hidden trauma, followed by her late discovered autism and ADHD aged 51.Why her 25 years of work in the education and charity sectors as an early years teacher and a literacy and dysle
Episode 4 - This is who I am
Andrea Anderson talks to our host Catherine Asta about her late discovered autism aged 45, just as the world was turning on a pandemic axis - what followed were two years of her carefully constructed world unravelling.How her many bouts of burnout during her 10 + years working in fast growing, dynamic fashion and digital businesses saw her leave her career at ASOS severely burnt out, and devoid of
Episode 3 - Autistic at 40
Our guest on Episode 3 is Toni B, creator and host of the podcast 'Autistic at 40'. After a lifetime of existential confusion, wondering if there was any place for her in this world, along with the pain and shame of knowing that she was different but never understanding *why* Toni stumbled by chance upon a YouTube video about autistic masking, just around the same time she was wondering wh
Episode 2 - Change the Narrative
Our guest on episode 2 is ex-Olympic Rower and Founder of Neurodiverse Sport, Caragh McMurtry. Caragh talks to host Catherine Asta about her late discovered autism diagnosis, how she was misdiagnosed as having bipolar during what should have been the peak of her athletic career, and why she is now fiercely focused on changing the narrative around neuroinclusion and neurodiversity in sport through
Episode 1 - Be the Change
Our guest on our first ever episode is me, Catherine Asta, the Creator and Host of The Late Discovered Club.Having always been the champion of other peoples stories, I thought it was time to champion some of my own story. In this first episode, it’s just me, bravely and vulnerably sharing some of my late discovery story with you. Because I want to lead this podcast by example, and it turns out I h
