The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller

Late-Diagnosed at 65: Creativity, Compassion, and Coming Home to Yourself with Caroline Carey
I sit down with Caroline (Carrie) Carey, a creative, author, and grandmother who was diagnosed with AuDHD in her mid-60s—and everything started to make sense.

In this conversation, I open up about my own assessment experience while Carrie shares how a “you’re not depressed, you’re overwhelmed” moment changed her path. You’ll discover how she reframed decades of school struggle, why dance became her nervous system’s anchor, and the unexpected support that finally let her ask for help in her business.
I reveal the questions I ask late-identified adults to spot patterns, while Carrie explains how she now sees rejection sensitivity, travel anxiety, and masking through a new lens. We also tease the spiritual thread that runs through her work—and the book she wrote once she realized what she’d been writing about all along.

By the end, you’ll be thinking about overwhelm vs. depression, what real support can look like, and how to tell when you’re “being you” versus blending in. And you might walk away asking: What if the world is finally coming to meet you?

About the Guest
Caroline (Carrie) Carey is a UK-based creative, author of “The Neurodivergent Soul,” soul cartographer, and longtime movement facilitator. She supports artists, writers, and difference-makers to express their stories with compassion and clarity.

Key Timestamps
0:02 – Welcome and late diagnosis at 65

5:08 – “Not depressed—overwhelmed” and the assessment that followed

9:21 – Who Carrie was 30 years ago and the dance that kept her steady

19:23 – What life felt like on the inside: love, exhaustion, overwhelm

23:26 – Masking, people-pleasing, and choosing authenticity

27:28 – The moment autism “clicked” and polarity made sense

30:32 – Writing “The Neurodivergent Soul” and naming the real story

40:12 – Travel anxiety, planning, and why “just relax” doesn’t help

53:22 – The UK grant that changed her business support

58:57 – Where to find Carrie’s work

If this episode helps you feel seen, share it with a parent, educator, or friend who needs it. Subscribe for more conversations that support our neurodiverse community.
Explore Caroline’s work: middleearthmedicine.com
#Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #AuDHD #LateDiagnosis
Hosted by Reid Miles.
Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush.
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🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller
📩 Guest inquiries & media: [email protected]

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Dana’s journey into the world of parenting a nonverbal autistic child began with a heavy sense of uncertainty, realizing in a little gym class that her daughter wasn’t meeting the same milestones as the other kids. At first, she tried to brush off her worries, chalking it up to first-time parent nerves and hoping her daughter was just a late bloomer. But those feelings of doubt grew stronger as she watched other children play and interact, while her own daughter struggled to sit up or show interest in toys. The weight of not knowing what the future held was overwhelming, but Dana’s love for her daughter pushed her to embrace the unknown. She dove into therapies, from aquatic to horseback riding, and learned to see the world through a new lens—one where every small victory was hard-won and deeply meaningful. Through her daughter’s silence, Dana discovered a voice of determination within herself, vowing to advocate, connect with other families, and transform her own challenges into hope for others.,When Dana first noticed her daughter’s delays, the realization hit her during a simple gym class surrounded by other parents and babies. While everyone else seemed to be moving forward, she felt stuck in a swirl of worry and self-doubt, unsure if she was overreacting or missing something important. The fear of not knowing how to help her child, or what her daughter’s future might look like, weighed on her every day. Yet, instead of shutting down, Dana became fiercely observant and resourceful, trying every therapy she could find and learning to pick up on even the smallest cues from her nonverbal daughter. This experience didn’t just change her parenting—it changed her entire perspective, making her more compassionate, resilient, and determined to build supportive spaces for families like hers. Dana’s story is about finding meaning in the unknown, and letting her daughter’s unique journey inspire her to help others navigate this path with empathy and hope.

Dana Garrett offers a unique blend of insight and empathy as both a devoted autism mom and an outspoken advocate for neurodivergent children. Living in South Louisiana, Dana’s journey has been shaped by her experiences raising a nonverbal daughter, which led her to dive deep into therapies like aquatic and sensory integration. She’s not just a parent—she’s also a children’s book author who uses storytelling to foster understanding and acceptance for kids with special needs. Dana’s approachable style and willingness to talk about the hard moments make her relatable to parents feeling overwhelmed or alone. Through her support groups and creative projects, she’s created a real sense of community for families navigating similar challenges, always emphasizing the value of listening, learning, and letting every child shine in their own way.

Dana's Resources:
Connect with Dana Garrett on Facebook.

Connect with Dana Garrett on Instagram.

Look for Dana Garrett’s books on IngramSpark for wider store availability.

Attend Dana Garrett’s local book signings and sensory night events.

Danagarrett.com

Rarebloomsfoundation.org

Hosted by Reid Miles.
Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush.
🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts
🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller
📩 Guest inquiries & media: [email protected]

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Support the show via my Patreon https://www.patreon.com/AspergersStudio
Vicki’s journey into special education advocacy started not from a classroom or office, but right at her own kitchen table as a mom trying to figure out how to help her son, Luke, who was born with an incredibly rare chromosome disorder. Facing a room full of educators and specialists at Luke’s first IEP meeting, she nodded along while feeling completely lost, overwhelmed, and just hoping she was making the right choices. That moment of confusion and worry stuck with her, fueling a deep need to understand the maze of IEPs and special education. Rather than letting fear take over, Vicki educated herself, took courses, and eventually became a lifeline for other parents facing similar situations. Her story is filled with those raw, real moments—like feeling nervous sitting in child-sized chairs surrounded by professionals, or doubting if she was truly advocating enough for her son. It’s this mix of vulnerability and determination that makes her journey so relatable, reminding every parent that it’s okay to feel uncertain, but it’s even more important to keep pushing for your child’s needs.,Vicki’s path to becoming a special education advocate didn’t begin with any grand plan—it started with her simply trying to do right by her sons. When her oldest, Luke, was just three, she faced the intimidating world of IEP meetings for the first time, feeling out of her depth and unsure of what questions to ask or what she was agreeing to. That feeling of being overwhelmed and wanting more for her child sparked something in her. Instead of getting stuck in confusion, she dove headfirst into learning everything she could, enrolling in advocacy courses and later helping other families navigate the same challenges. What makes Vicki’s story stand out is how she turned those early struggles and emotional moments—like crying during meetings or worrying she’d missed something important—into fuel for helping others. Her experience proves that you don’t have to start as an expert; you just need the courage to keep learning, keep asking, and never stop fighting for your child’s right to a fair education.

Vicki Christensen brings a wealth of real-life experience to the world of special education advocacy, shaped by her journey as a mom to two neurodivergent sons. After her oldest, Luke, received a rare chromosome disorder diagnosis, she quickly realized that understanding the IEP process was essential—not just for her family, but for others as well. This led her to study special education advocacy at the University of San Diego, work with local nonprofits, and eventually launch Blue Glasses Advocacy to support families all over Southern California. Vicki’s down-to-earth attitude and firsthand knowledge make her relatable, and she’s known for breaking down complicated IEP jargon into language parents can actually use. Her book, “Uniquely Fully Enough: The Neurodivergent Parenting Journey,” weaves together her personal story with practical insights, showing her dedication to empowering parents and helping them feel less alone on the IEP journey.

Vicki's Resources:
Visit blueglassesadvocacy.com to find out more about Vicki C and contact her directly.

Follow Blue Glasses Advocacy on Instagram for updates and resources.

Request a copy of the draft IEP three days before your meeting.

Write down all your questions and concerns before attending your IEP meeting.

Ask for work samples and the data used to measure your child’s progress during IEP meetings.

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In this episode, you’ll get to hear Laura Zane share her journey as a neurodivergent woman, opening up about what it was like to discover her ADHD later in life and how that shaped her approach to therapy. As someone who’s walked this path herself, Laura really understands the unique challenges you might face with late diagnosis, sensory overload, and anxiety. She talks about how embracing her neurodiversity led her to develop practical, affirming strategies in her work, making her insights super relatable whether you’re seeking support, new ways to handle overwhelm, or just some validation for your experiences. The conversation dives into real-life stories and tips that can help you feel seen, especially if you’ve ever felt like a deep thinker or struggled to find therapy that actually “gets” you. If you’re looking for thoughtful advice and want to hear from someone who truly gets what it’s like to be in your shoes, this episode is definitely worth a listen.,In this episode, Laura Zane shares her personal experience as a neurodivergent woman, discussing her late ADHD diagnosis and how it transformed both her life and her work as a therapist. She dives into the specific challenges neurodivergent women face, touching on topics like sensory overload, anxiety, and the search for support that truly understands their needs. Laura’s story highlights how embracing neurodiversity has shaped her therapeutic approach, leading her to develop practical, affirming strategies that resonate with deep thinkers and those feeling overwhelmed. Through relatable stories and actionable advice, she offers listeners validation and hope, making this conversation a valuable resource for anyone seeking authentic support and a better understanding of themselves. Laura’s expertise and lived experience make her insights especially relevant for those navigating similar journeys.

Laura Zane is a licensed mental health counselor based in Florida who brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work with neurodivergent women. As someone with ADHD, dyscalculia, and a trauma history, Laura gets what it’s like to feel different and misunderstood, especially as a woman navigating a late diagnosis. She’s passionate about supporting clients who are empaths, homeschoolers, or deep thinkers, and she takes a neurodiversity-affirming approach in her practice. Laura’s down-to-earth style comes from years of therapy herself, plus her own journey through school struggles, masking, and finding a sense of belonging. She understands firsthand how tricky it can be to manage anxiety, sensory overload, and the pressure to fit in, which makes her especially relatable to women looking for real empathy and practical strategies.

Laura's Resources:
Visit Laura Zane’s website at laurazain.com to learn more about her services.

Visit sagesynergy.net for information about holistic therapy and Laura’s practice, Sage Synergy.

Visit coachingforempaths.com to work with Laura in a coaching capacity, specifically for empaths in business.

Contact Laura Zane directly by phone at 941-650-3112 for inquiries or to schedule a session in Florida.

Listen to future episodes of the Neurodivergent Connection podcast to stay curious, stay fearless, and remember you’re never alone.

Hosted by Reid Miles.
Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush.
🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts
🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller
📩 Guest inquiries & media: [email protected]

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Karyn Whitaker has turned her own journey with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia into a mission to make life easier for others navigating similar paths. As the founder of Try Harder is BS, she’s all about ditching the old advice that just leads to frustration and burnout. Karyn’s style is refreshingly honest and relatable—she’s been through the messy moments and knows that real solutions come from lived experience, not just textbooks. Drawing on years of personal trial and error, she now helps neurodivergent people and their loved ones find straightforward, practical ways to manage daily overwhelm, build confidence, and use tools like AI to make tough days a little easier.

Resources:
Visit Karyn Whitaker’s website at tryharderisbs.com to learn more about her work and resources.

Access Karyn Whitaker’s “Five Prompts to Restart All the HD Brains” via the link provided in the podcast blurb.

Use AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot for support with writing, organization, and executive function tasks.

Explore agentic AI solutions to create custom AI agents with specific guardrails for tasks such as sales inquiries or writing assistance.

Utilize AI for step-by-step guidance in daily tasks, such as cooking or prioritizing to-dos, by prompting it for micro-steps or logical sorting.

Hosted by Reid Miles.
Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush.
🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts
🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller
📩 Guest inquiries & media: [email protected]

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.