My Autistic World: Authentic Stories of Late Diagnosis

Are you stuck in burnout-mode, constantly wondering if you’re doing too much or not enough? This episode dives into the messy truth of self-growth for late-diagnosed autistic adults—where resting too much feels like failure, but pushing too hard just leads to another crash. If you've ever questioned whether you're making excuses or respecting your limits, you're not alone. In this episode, Matt un...

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Matt explores the gap between performative autism awareness and the lived experiences of autistic adults. With April bringing the usual wave of blue lights and puzzle pieces, this episode is a clear-eyed call to go deeper- to move beyond slogans and into real understanding, action, and inclusion. Through honest storytelling, Matt reflects on the impact...

What if the difference between struggling and thriving wasn’t about working harder—but working smarter ? In this episode, we’re breaking down what accommodations really are and why they matter for everyone —not just those with official diagnoses. I’ll share what I’ve learned about self-advocacy, the surprising ways accommodations have reshaped my work and home life, and why balance—not just ease—m...

This Holiday Special and Season 1 Finale aims to take everything that we covered this season and stitch it together into one cohesive big picture with some new insight and juxtaposition of these themes. Resources mentioned in the episode: Embrace Autism Help and Healing Center Melissa Tacia Trevor Carroll Sol Smith Morgan Foley Hyperveridical Michelle and Andrew Preston Toren and Serenity Wolf Gen...

In this episode of Adult Autism: My Autistic World, Matt dives into the fascinating world of special interests- those unique and intense passions that bring so much joy and purpose to many autistic and neurodivergent individuals. He shares some of the special interests that have shaped his life, from ancient civilizations to cults, and his obsession with Tori Amos. He also shares his latest and do...

In this episode of Adult Autism: My Autistic World, Matt takes a reflective journey through their employment history, shedding light on how undiagnosed autism impacted his career. Despite often being recognized as a strong employee, he frequently experienced burnout, often leaving jobs due to feelings of overwhelm or becoming stuck in issues related to a strong sense of justice. He also discusses...

In this episode of Adult Autism:My Autistic World, Matt takes a deep dive into the world of sensory differences experienced by autistic individuals. With a focus on the eight sensory systems—visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory, vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive—he explores the complex relationship between sensory overload and sensory-seeking behaviors, known as "stimming."...

In this episode of Adult Autism: My Autistic World, Matt tackles the issue of misdiagnosis among undiagnosed autistic individuals, sharing personal experiences and shedding light on why autism can go unrecognized until later in life. This episode is particularly insightful for those navigating their own diagnostic journeys or supporting loved ones who may be experiencing similar struggles. Matt op...

In this episode of Adult Autism: My Autistic World, Matt dives deeper into the nuances of burnout, comparing traditional occupational burnout with Autistic Burnout and Autistic Burnout Syndrome. After receiving questions from listeners following the previous burnout episode, the host provides a more detailed exploration of how autism affects burnout and the additional challenges of being undiagnos...

In this episode of Adult Autism:My Autistic World, Matt delves into the complex topic of self-diagnosis in autism, exploring its benefits, challenges, and the broader conversations happening within the neurodivergent community. He shares personal experiences and insights, aiming to provide a balanced perspective on this often-debated subject. He addresses the controversy surrounding self-diagnosis...

In this insightful episode of Adult Autism: My Autistic World, Matt takes listeners on a journey to understand the often-overlooked phenomenon of Autistic Burnout. The episode delves into the deep exhaustion and stress that go beyond typical burnout, shedding light on how it uniquely affects individuals on the autism spectrum. He introduces the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) and touches on Polyvag...

In this episode of Adult Autism: My Autistic World, Matt dives deep into the communication challenges and differences experienced as an individual on the autism spectrum. He reflects on his assessment profile, which clearly identified autism, and shares personal stories about the profound impact these differences have had on his life, both personally and professionally. This episode sheds light on...

In this short episode, Matt dives into the significance of safe spaces for unmasking and managing sensory challenges, a crucial aspect of living authentically with autism. Fresh off receiving his diagnosis, Matt reflects on the impact of living undiagnosed for so long and the relief of finally understanding his needs. Matt discusses how safe spaces, like libraries, have been a sanctuary for him. A...

In this episode, Matt shares the rollercoaster of emotions leading up to the moment of receiving an official autism diagnosis, from initial realizations triggered by TikTok content to the eventual decision to seek a professional assessment. Matt recounts the profound identity crisis he faced upon suspecting he was autistic. He describes the emotional turmoil and anger he felt towards the lack of r...

In this introduction to the podcast series, "Adult Autism: My Autistic World", Matt Kandik, 42, introduces his podcast and shares the personal reasons behind its creation. The podcast serves as a platform to navigate his recent autism diagnosis and invites listeners to join him on this journey. He describes his own experience with masking and burnout, exacerbated by COVID-19 and the demanding natu...