Why my late diagnosis of autism was such a relief
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Why my late diagnosis of autism was such a relief

Gerard Wainwright Nursing manager, St Anne’s Community Services in Halifax, West Yorkshire

Learning disability nurse and RCN Nursing Awards winner Gerard Wainwright was diagnosed with autism at 50 and wants more opportunities for the neurodivergent

Like many people with a late diagnosis of autism, I was increasingly aware that I was autistic long before I was diagnosed. Equally, I would often think of reasons why I was not autistic. I have a career as a nurse that requires me to be caring and empathetic, I have a deep love for my partner and children, I am not particularly good with numbers and I do not have a highly specialised talent or photographic memory.

Learning Disability Practice. 26, 1, 14-16. doi: 10.7748/ldp.26.1.14.s4

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