Hi, I'm Katie! I currently live in Northumberland with my family, originally from Middlesborough. Running my business, Unite Club allows me to meet different families around the North East of England, an opportunity I find very exciting.

Realising I Might Be Autistic
My journey toward understanding my autism began with a realisation that I was different from my friends. As a child, I wasn’t often invited to friends’ houses or at least when I was, their parents prepared with earplugs! The older I got the more out of place I felt. This feeling intensified when my younger brother was diagnosed as autistic at the age of ten. Seeing him struggle and eventually get diagnosed made me consider that my own struggles could be explained by being autistic too.

The Walkie-Talkie Analogy
One analogy I came up with to help others understand my experience is the "walkie-talkie effect." It felt like everyone else had a perfectly functioning walkie-talkie, while mine only produced white noise. After my diagnosis, it was as if someone switched my channel to the right frequency, making everything clearer.

Challenges and Diagnoses
Diagnosed during the pandemic, I faced delays and a lot of uncertainty. The remote diagnosis process added to the anxiety. When I finally received my diagnosis, it felt validating yet incomplete. I realised that while diagnoses can provide clarity, they often come without comprehensive support or guidance. This gap led me to start Unite Club, to support others on their journey.

The Importance of Support
Receiving my diagnosis highlighted the need for better understanding and support systems. For me, sensory challenges were significant, and the lack of tailored strategies was frustrating. Over time, I sought additional help, including an OT diagnosis, which provided further insights into my struggles.

Celebrating Strengths
It’s crucial to focus not only on challenges but also on strengths. Each person has unique qualities alongside their difficulties. Acknowledging these positives can make tough days more manageable and foster a more supportive environment for everyone involved.

Moving Forward
I hope to raise awareness and acceptance of the importance of personalised support post-diagnosis and the need for a more balanced view that celebrates both strengths and challenges.