How Sha’mya Was Diagnosed as Autistic as a Child But Didn’t Find Out Until High School
In this meeting of The Late Diagnosis Club, Dr Angela Kingdon welcomes Sha’mya Jones, who was diagnosed as Autistic in early childhood but didn’t learn about it until she was a a teenager.
In this meeting of The Late Diagnosis Club, Dr Angela Kingdon welcomes Sha’mya Jones, a graphic designer and entrepreneur who was diagnosed as Autistic in early childhood — but didn’t learn about it until she was a teenager.
Sha’mya shares what it was like to grow up knowing she was different but not understanding why, navigating school, relationships, and identity without the language to describe her experience. From early academic success to social challenges and bullying, her story reflects the complexity of being both supported and left in the dark.
Together, Angela and Sha’mya explore masking, college burnout, creative identity, and what it means to build a life and business that reflects who you truly are.
🎧 Listen to this episode:
🪑 Attendees
Chair: Dr Angela Kingdon — Author, community-builder, and Autistic advocate
Guest: Sha’mya Jones — graphic designer, entrepreneur, and Autistic self-advocate
You: The Listener!
🗒️ Meeting Agenda
Opening remarks from the Chair
Member introduction: Early diagnosis, late awareness
Discussion: Childhood differences and school experiences
IEP meeting and discovering her diagnosis
Masking, bullying, and social challenges
College life, burnout, and independence
Art, identity, and creative expression
Entrepreneurship and neurodivergent design
Representation and visibility
🧾 Minutes from the Meeting
1️⃣ Opening Remarks
Angela introduces Sha’mya Jones, a graphic designer and entrepreneur whose work centres on neurodivergent and underrepresented communities, particularly entrepreneurs of colour.
2️⃣ Member Introduction: Sha’mya’s Story
Shamaya was diagnosed as Autistic as a toddler, but her diagnosis was not shared with her until she was in high school during an IEP meeting.
Growing up, she sensed she was different, often finishing work early, helping classmates, and connecting more easily with teachers than peers. Despite having accommodations, she navigated childhood without the language to understand her experiences.
3️⃣ Discussion Highlights
Early diagnosis, hidden identity: Diagnosed in early childhood but not told until high school
Feeling different: Awareness of being out of step with peers from a young age
Teacher connection: Easier relationships with adults than classmates
IEP moment: Learning about her diagnosis during a school meeting
Masking and bullying: Navigating teasing, social confusion, and self-protection
Curiosity misunderstood: Being perceived as rude for asking direct questions
College burnout: Over-involvement, pandemic disruption, and exhaustion
Creative identity: Art as expression and pathway to career
Entrepreneurship: Building a business centred on neurodivergent clients
Representation: Highlighting Autistic women and people of colour
4️⃣ Key Learnings
Being diagnosed early does not guarantee understanding or support.
Without language, differences can lead to confusion and self-doubt.
Masking and social challenges often emerge more strongly over time.
Creative expression can provide clarity and identity.
Representation matters — especially for marginalised Autistic voices.
Self-understanding is an ongoing process, not a single moment.
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We’re always looking for late-diagnosed or self-identified neurodivergent adults who are ready to share their story on The Late Diagnosis Club.
Tell us a little about yourself and your diagnosis journey here:
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🎙️ Executive Producers
Amy Burns, Anamaria B Call, Andrew Banner, Anna Goodson, Ashley Apelzin, Audrea Volker, Ben Coulson, Brian Churcek, Cappy Hamper, Carley Biblin, Charlene Deva, Chloe Cross, Clay Duhigg, Clayton Oliver, Danny Dunn, Daria Brown, David Garrido, Emily Burgess, Eric Crane, Erik Stenerud, Fiona Baker, Grace Norman, Helen Shaddock, Jaimie Collins, Jason Killian, Jen Unruh, Jennifer Carpenter, Julia Tretter, Kathie Watson-Gray, Kenneth Knowles, Kira Cotter, Kristine Lang, Kyle Raney, Llew P Williams, Laura Alvarado, Laura De Vito, Laura Provonsha, Lily George, Nelly Darmi, Nigel Rogers, Rachel Miller, Tim Scott, Tyler Kunz, Victoria Steed, Yanina Wood.
🎧 Producers
AJ Knight, Bobby Simon, Da Kovac, Eleanor Collins, Emily Griffiths, Hannah Hughes, Jennifer Kemp, Jonas Fløde, Kate F, Katie N Benitez, Kendra Murphy, Lisa Dennys, Logan Wall, Louise Lomas, Melissa Nance, Nicola Owen, Rebecka Johansson, Sam Morris, Sarah Hannah Morris.
I've heard the same story so many times. It's amazing how many kids aren't told what their situation is. I don't personally believe we are doing children any good by keeping this information from them.