A woman with blonde hair sits at a round wooden table in a brightly lit room. She is looking at her laptop while touching her chin with her left hand. She wears a red scarf, a dark jacket, and has sunglasses resting on her head. There are various items on the table including a smartphone. In the background, on a shelf, there is a large vase with dried flowers and several pieces of paper or cards. A white wall and a window with subtle light form the backdrop, creating a cozy and warm atmosphere.

About Me

My name is Lena. I write about late diagnosis, neurodivergence, and the art of finding one’s way through a world that rarely comes with an instruction manual. I am autistic (diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome) and also struggle with complex PTSD and depression.

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My background

For many years, I tried to fit in, perform at a “reasonable” level, and understand why the simple things in everyday life sometimes felt so difficult. I was accused of being lazy, difficult, selfish, and other less-than-flattering things. I tried to compensate, to learn, but the result was that I felt terrible.

My path

A Late Realisation

I had already turned 40 before I seriously began the process of finding myself—with everything that entailed. Psychologists, psychiatrists, therapy, medications that didn’t help, and a misdiagnosis when I finally did get help. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to meet many kind (mental) health professionals, and it is thanks to them that I am still alive.

Starting Over

I have started over several times. I have changed jobs, moved, emigrated to another country, and tried various methods to recover. After being diagnosed with autism, I had to rethink things—again.