For decades, Cathey W. navigated her life as a veteran school nurse in Houston, living with a persistent sense of being different without knowing why. Growing up in the 1970s, her struggles were dismissed as "personality problems," overshadowed by a family culture of pride and a lack of awareness. It wasn't until a chance conversation with a parent at her school sparked a life-changing realization: the reflection she saw in their autistic child was actually her own.

At 59, after pursuing a formal diagnosis, Cathey's journey revealed the hidden reality of many women who "camouflage" their traits to navigate the world around them, sometimes waiting a lifetime for answers that could have been diagnosed during childhood. Today, she has transformed from a silent observer into a bold self-advocate, helping others navigate the complex path to an adult diagnosis.

For those looking for more information, Cathey recommends starting with the Adult Autism Diagnosis Tool Kit and exploring Autism Speaks’ resources for guidance and support. These tools are designed to help individuals navigate the clinical, emotional and social aspects of receiving a diagnosis later in life.

Learn more about Cathey and her autism diagnosis in this Spectrum Spotlight Q&A.

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