Am I Actually Autistic? TABLE OF CONTENTS
Early Access to Dr. Angela Kingdon's memoir and self-identification guide, Am I Actually Autistic? is for Sustaining Supporters The Autistic Culture Podcast
The Autistic Culture Podcast presents…
Am I Actually Autistic?: Dr. Angela Kingdon's Memoir and Self-identification Guide to Processing the Identity Shock of a Late Autism Discover & Living Unmasked
This book is not yet available to a general audience, but I am making an early reader copy available as a pre-release to our paying podcast supporters along with a summary of each chapter that will be available for free. If you are not a paying supporter, you can read more about getting the book here.
If you are a paying subscriber, thank you so so so much for your support of The Autistic Culture Podcast. As a way of showing my appreciation, I wanted to give you PRE-LAUNCH access to the memoir and self-identification guide I wrote documenting my journey from suspecting I was Autistic at 39 to embracing my Autistic identity at 49. What took me a decade could take you a lot less time, because so much more is known now.
My book is called Am I Actually Autistic?, and it includes original research I have done on the accuracy of self-assessment tests in identifying Autistic traits in adults, but autism assessment is only part of the story. In the book, you will also find tons of great advice on processing the shock of learning you were a beautiful neuroswan and not an ugly duckling, and learning how to live an authentically unmasked Autistic life. Use this page to navigate to each of the chapters. Just click on the chapter name, and it will take you straight to that chapter.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 2: DO I NEED A REAL DIAGNOSIS?
CHAPTER 3: SELF-IDENTIFICATION IS NOT DIAGNOSIS (IT’S BETTER!)
CHAPTER 4: PART 1 - AUTISM SCREENING
CHAPTER 5: PART 2 - DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT
CHAPTER 6: PART 3 - INDEPENDENT PEER REVIEW OF DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT
CHAPTER 7: INTEGRATING YOUR IDENTITY
CHAPTER 8: AUTISTIC-AFFIRMING THERAPY
CHAPTER 9: SPECIAL INTERESTS ARE SELF-CARE
CHAPTER 10: WELCOME TO AUTISTICA
DEDICATION
This book is dedicated to my sister and my best friend, Gina, who pulled me back from the brink by always seeing and saying the truth.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book came out of an experience I had holding my sister, Gina’s, hand through the God-awful process of a neurodiversity evaluation that most people in America experience. My nephew’s evaluation was disrespectful, inaccurate, and filled with gaslighting, indirect, and manipulative communication. No one deserves that, but sadly, it’s what most people get. And most people don’t have me as their sister member to straighten things out. This book really started as a series of “hate-texts” about the neuropsych assigned to my awesome nephew’s case. It turned into a memoir about my decade-long experience of processing the identity shock of a late-in-life autism diagnosis and how I came to live an unmasked, authentically Autistic life.
Diagnosis for neurodivergence is just so often wrong.
Text messaging Gina is my favorite procrastination activity. As all of this was going on, the main thing I needed to procrastinate from was learning the statistics programming language R for my dreaded Research Methods class. I was working on my dissertation, which is about the accuracy of self-identification versus medical diagnosis of autism in high-masking late-diagnosed autistic people. My texts to Gina served as a way to avoid R homework while still feeling like I was working on my psychology master’s program.
I put this book together because it’s everything I was texting Gina, as I tried to support her through her kid’s diagnosis process was something I felt a lot of other people probably needed to hear too.
That’s my hope for this book and for my dissertation, which I also hope to publish in a peer-reviewed academic journal. I’m grateful to Gina for inspiring this lay adaptation.
The first draft of this book was written in a lovely beach house on the rugged coast of Wales in an adorable town called Aberdovey, which I would love to visit when I am not writing a book. I was joined on this trip by my friend and color psychology genius Nic Sears (aka J. Nichole Smith on the Internet, should you wish to look her up). The book is infused with her friendship and delicious coffee-making. My long-time friend Laura Slinn of Avalon Empowerment was also a confidant on this journey, to whom I am grateful. And my new fellow Taylor Swift fan, Alethea Shapiro (@swiftiesforpalestine) helped with the later version which included a significant rewrite. Laura’s early reader feedback and Alethea’s keen perspective on the later edition influenced the final product as much as Nic’s support on the draft. These three wonderful late-identifying neuroswans were my secret coven in birthing this baby and I could not feel more fortunate to be surrounded by so much empathy and excellence.
I am also filled with love and thanks for the entire North Somerset crew – Nicky, Zig, Leanne, Winter, Charlotte, Noah, Henry, Jacob, Nicole, and, of course, James and Helen. Cups of tea with you all make my Autistic Life so much better than I could have imagined when I was first diagnosed. You all have taught me I didn’t need to fix anything, and I could be loved and accepted exactly as I am, and for that I am eternally grateful.
This book would not have been written without my former podcast cohost, Matt Lowry. Together, we created three amazing seasons of The Autistic Culture Podcast to celebrate neurodiversity and to help Autistic people love and leverage our shared heritage and birthright. I am proud of our body of work. Autistic voices have been shut out, as have the voices of many marginalized people. That’s changing, and nothing (and no one) can stop the tide.
My final thanks goes to my ride-or-die partner in life, love, business, and books. Thanks for feeding my body and soul through this process. I love you, Paul.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Angela Kingdon is a leading Autistic advocate, bestselling author, TEDx Speaker, and award-winning podcast host dedicated to advancing neurodiversity. As the host of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Angela explores the richness of Autistic life, highlighting deep thinking, sensory experiences, special interests, and communication differences, all through an #ActuallyAutistic lens. Her podcast has garnered significant recognition, becoming a Substack bestseller, a GoodPods Top 100 podcast, and a finalist for Best Society & Culture Podcast at the Quill Podcast Awards.
Angela’s passion for neurodiversity extends into academia, where she serves as a member of the editorial board of Neurodiversity Journal, where she helps shape and influence conversations around autism and neurodiversity in the academic community. She is a postgraduate University of Kent's psychology department, specializing in autism research. This role allows her to further explore the Autistic experience and contribute to the growing body of knowledge that informs neurodiversity-affirming practices.
Diagnosed at age 39, Angela’s journey as a late-diagnosed Autistic person has been pivotal to her career. This discovery empowered her to fully embrace her neurodivergent identity and to advocate for more inclusive spaces for Autistic individuals. Leveraging her expertise in communication, she has authored eight books, including neurodiversity-affirming titles like The Equalizing Quill, which promotes neuro-inclusive strategies in leadership and workplace environments.
Angela holds a B.A. and M.A. in Journalism and Media Affairs from George Washington University, a Ph.D. in Communications from European Graduate School, and a Master’s Conversion in Psychology from the University of Kent.
Regulating Stims: echolalic singing, nail-biting, fidget bubble poppers
Alliterative SPINs: Hamlet, Hamilton, John Hamm
Dr. Angela might be found on social media at the following sites:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/drangelakingdon
Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@linguisticautistic
Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelakingdon/
About Autistic Culture Podcast
Autistic Culture celebrates autistic identity, voices, and experiences beyond medical frameworks, embracing neurodivergence as a valued cultural difference. We champion authentic storytelling, community connection, and deep dives into topics that matter most to autistic adults, especially late-diagnosed individuals exploring newfound identities. Our community-driven platform provides resources, affirming spaces, and powerful advocacy aimed at amplifying autistic perspectives. Whether through weekly writing prompts, live gatherings, or thoughtful podcasts, we foster belonging, self-discovery, and pride. Autistic Culture is more than content; it's a vibrant, inclusive home where autistic lives, stories, and joys are recognized, respected, and richly celebrated.
The Autistic Culture Podcast explores the vivid and diverse world of autistic identity and neurodivergent storytelling. Hosted by Dr. Angela Kingdon, each episode uncovers compelling personal narratives, cultural insights, and empowering conversations tailored especially for late-diagnosed autistic adults navigating the transformative journey of embracing their authentic selves. From thought-provoking interviews to in-depth discussions, our episodes challenge stereotypes, build community, and highlight autistic culture beyond clinical labels. Whether you're newly diagnosed, deeply familiar, or simply curious about autism through an affirming lens, this podcast offers meaningful connection, insightful exploration, and a celebration of neurodivergence through stories that resonate deeply and authentically.
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Thank You
I am so grateful you have taken the time to read this book. It would be such a shame if our relationships stayed one-sided! I would love to meet you. The best way for us to connect is over on our Substack page AutisticCulture.Substack.com.
You can join for free with just your email address or make a small contribution to our work and get the opportunity to come to live calls with us and participate in other exclusives just for our financial supporters.
For all our subscribers, I share podcast episodes and resources in that group, and it will give you a chance to meet other Autistic people and those who love us who are committed to making the world safer and better for us.
If you found this book helpful, you can help others find it by subscribing, liking, and reviewing the Autistic Culture Podcast which you can find wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Published by Autistic Culture Press
Bristol, England, UK
Copyright © 2025
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the author. Reviewers may quote brief passages in reviews.
DISCLAIMER
This book contains psychological and therapeutic insights based on the authors' professional and lived experiences. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and helpful information, this book is not a substitute for individualized assessment, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified mental health professional.
The authors and publisher make no guarantees about the effectiveness or applicability of the content for any specific individual. Readers are responsible for how they interpret and apply the information presented, and any actions taken based on this book are at their own discretion and risk. If you have concerns about your mental health or well-being, please seek guidance from a licensed professional.
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