The Late Discovered Club

November Community News

Welcome to The Late Discovered Club Community News.  If you are here and reading this, it's because you are supporting the important work that we do.

By supporting us, you really are giving us the opportunity to share stories that need to be heard, and we know that our collective stories have the power to bring about change. 

The conversations and stories that we shine a light on in our podcast are helping to deconstruct stereotypes and give visibility to the next generation of autistic women. 

And you are now a big part of that story too. 

A message from Catherine

Hello everyone, and welcome to our newest members who have joined us in the last month. Remember that the Mighty Community Online Space is your space to connect with each other. Please feel free to introduce yourself, suggest specific spaces, share your news, ask for peer support or lead a conversation topic.

I wrote to you last month and shared that I was having breast surgery on 3rd October.

I said that “Surgery this time round feels lot less scarier than when I had this back in December and that’s because I know what to expect - I have the same surgeon, on the same ward and the same type of surgery - so I know what recovery will feel like and I’m better attuned to what I need to support me."

Structure, routine, familiarity matter for our brains - it’s a like applying a soothing balm to the tips of our billions of neurons.”

However….

Things don’t always happen the way we think they will.

I shared in our latest podcast episode (Opens in a new window) in conversation with Andrea Anderson about what actually happened when I requested the accommodations I needed.

I know I’m not alone in feeling like asking others for the support and accommodations is still such a hard thing to do.

And when our requests for support and accomodations are refused, and we’re not seen or understood, our neural pathways in our brains go into overdrive - an inbuilt inner warning system, warning us from past experience that our needs are too much, that we are too demanding.

My response was shutdown and the inability to use the spoken word, followed by a meltdown in front of others. I did everything I could that I was in control of to support myself but in this instance I also needed others to support me.

To match fund some of that kindness and compassion and basic humanistic care that I knew I needed up front.

Showing up for ourselves is one of the most compassionate (and courageous) things we can do on our post discovery journey. It’s one of the things that we talk about each week in our group support circles - whatever the theme is that particular week. There’s something so very powerful about being in those circle spaces.

But we also need support and accommodations from others.

Safe spaces, faces and places - especially in health care settings. It’s something I talk quite a lot about in my upcoming book ‘Rediscovered’.

I’ve sent that podcast episode to the Head of Comms at the Leeds Cancer Centre and I’m meeting with her this week to talk about my experience and work out how to improve the autistic patient experience.

Top of the Mountain

I got the news last week that post surgery I have clear margins, which means that I don’t need any further treatment. Thankfully this 2nd lot of breast cancer in my other breast hadn’t spread and was caught early - thanks to a highly attuned body that tells me when something isn’t ok.

My last cycle of treatment was on sunday.

This is the mountain picture that has hung on the wall in my bedroom over the last 18 months. My beautiful autistic mind came to my rescue during what was, the most brutal climb of my life - helping me to visualize the enormity of the climb I had ahead of me in the form of a mountain.

I have imagined from the outset of my diagnosis placing my colorful flag at the top once I finish active treatment.

Sunday was that day.

I have survived 2xs #breastcancer and these colorful flags are now a reminder of my survival. I understand now why people ring bells - flags, bells - they mark the end of something. Writing this and placing those flags on my picture mark the end of this chapter.

I’m at the summit and still taking it all in.

But for the first time in 18 months I can see further than the path ahead of me. I can see a path that is a winding road down the mountain and the view up here is something else.

Just as the mountain appeared in front of me, it’s now behind me.

What lies ahead I don’t know. But I’m going to take the gift of time back that was filled full of hospital appointments and treatment and really contemplate and reflect how I now spend that time I’ve been handed back.

There is a recovery and healing journey to now go on, and to get down the mountain safely - the risk of the cancer coming back or taking up residence somewhere else in my body is a real danger that I now have to learn to live with, and surveillance forms part of that - along with living with all the chronic long term health conditions that treatment served up as a side effect.

Feeling thankful to be alive, but equally a deep sadness (and guilt) for all the people who don’t make it to the top, who are on a forever mountain climb living with secondary breast cancer for which there is no cure, and all those who have lost their lives and loved ones to #breastcancer.

I hope that this is a reminder to you to feel thankful too, and to check your breasts/chest.

Book Launch News

I hope to be able to share with you later this month in a seperate message details of my book launch(s) both in person in Leeds and London here in the UK as well as online.

Tickets will be available and 100% of the ticket sales will be going to a local charity ‘The Ilkley Food Bank’ who supported me and my children through my breast cancer treatment. I wanted to work out a way of ‘paying it forward’ and given they helped to feed us whilst I was writing my book this feels like the best way to pay that support forward.

You can pre-order ‘Rediscovered’ now so that you have a physical copy delivered to you on the day of publication which is 21st February 2025. There’s an independent neurodivergent led bookstore who are currently stocking my book where you can pre-order from - and at the same time - support an independent small book store.

Rediscovered: A Compassionate and Courageous Guide for Late Discovered Autistic Women (and Their Allies) – MAKES SENSE TO ME (Opens in a new window)

Thank you for continuing to support our community and please shout about us and spread what we are doing within your own communities.

Your support really makes a difference.

Catherine x

The Podcast

Our final two episodes of S3 have now dropped - that’s 52 episodes we have now produced - 52 stories that are helping to deconstruct stereotypes and give the next generation some visibility. We’ll be back with Season 4 which lands on 17th January 2025 and I’ll be joined by a guest co-host in S4 - author Pete Wharmby.

We’ll bring you another 16 stories in S4 which will run from January-August with bi-weekly episodes released on Fridays.

Here’s the links to S3 Episode 15 and 16.

If you enjoy our episodes please consider rating (Opens in a new window)and reviewing them.

Circles, Masterclasses & Events

We’ve created a space on our website where ALL of our circles, masterclasses and events are listed, along with booking links and a single member code you can use at the checkout for exclusive member discounts which is STEADY.

We’ll still list out everything that is coming up in our community news but please do head to our ‘courses’ page to see what’s happening.

The only exception are the monthly community connection circles, these are only shared with members in here as they are only open to members and so are hidden from public view on eventbrite.

I hope that makes things a bit more straight forward.

The Frequency Circle Master Class

In this interactive 1.5 hour masterclass delivered on zoom learn how to better tune into what helps you thrive, reconnect with your autistic self, and to help soothe and whelm your nervous system.

In this masterclass Catherine will share and talk through her Frequency Circle Tool - a tool Catherine has developed as part of her 'Rediscovered' Toolkit and show you how you can use the 12 'S' of the frequency circle in your every day life to help you reconnect to your autistic self and better tune into what helps you thrive.

The Frequency Circle is for you if:

- You are late discovered.

- You self-identify or have a formal diagnosis.

- You are on a late-discovery journey.

The Frequency Circle is also for:

• Autistic Allies

• Parents/Family members of autistic people

• People who work with autistic people

You can watch live or receive the recording.

Join a Group Support Circle

Our group sup (Opens in a new window)port circles (post discovery and the relational space) are a place to share stories and experiences, explore your late-discovery journey, and to connect with other late discovered women - and all from the comfort of your own space.

Hosted by Catherine Asta, they run as a 6 weekly online zoom support group for late discovered autistic women, wherever you are on your journey, and wherever you are in the world, and self-identiying/exploration inclusive.

Here's what some of our previous circle participants have said:

"I really have found it useful - its been really powerful for us to speak aloud some of our most painful and shameful experiences. I think the trust you’ve helped to build in this group, thanks to your holding such a safe space for us, has led to some lovely conversations in our circle, where we are sharing and asking for help in a very unique autistic way. My two words for this year are emerging and belonging - and I feel this group has helped me to gain those things, in particular belonging."

"I want to express my sincere gratitude for the sessions we've had. They have been truly remarkable, providing me with invaluable insights into myself. Thank you Catherine for your exceptional guidance, attentive listening, and unconditional support throughout this journey. Hearing others share their thoughts and stories have brought so much meaning to this experience."

Post Discovery Support Circle - Starts January

We'll explore our experiences around themes such as late discovery, masking, burnout, and our sensory, emotional and cognitive worlds and each week will be focused on a specific theme with the opportunity for all participants to talk about their own experiences.

Use code STEADY at the checkout for an exclusive 10% member discount.

Our next circle starts Friday 10th January at 12pm (UK time)

The Relational Space Circle - Starts January

A 6 week online zoom support group for late discovered autistic women, exploring our social and relational worlds post discovery.

We'll explore our experiences around themes related to work, home, family, friends, past relationships and our future relationships as we navigate our new rediscovered work and each week will be focused on a specific theme with the opportunity for all participants to talk about their own experiences.

Use code STEADY at the checkout for an exclusive 10% member discount.

The next circle starts Thursday 16th January at 12pm (UK time)

Community Connection Circle

Our next Community Connection Circle is Thursday 21st November at 12pm

What are the Community Connection Circles? (The monthly CCC)

They are FREE to access and member only.

A space where The Late Discovered Club members can connect IRL (on a zoom screen) with other members of our community, and other previous circle members. A space where members can offer support and connection simply by listening and being present, which is a powerful thing to experience.

A safe circle space to share the highs, the lows and everything in between, because sometimes we want and need to connect and be connected, to be listened to, to listen to others (without interruption) and to be enchanted by the stories of others. A space to verbalise out loud what we are going through, and to feel seen and heard without someone wanting to problem solve or jump in the moment we pause. 

Hearing about other people’s challenges, insights, experiences and triumphs can be an incredibly validating experience, you learn that you are not alone, that we are connected here in this circle and within our community, and that there is learning from the wisdom of others. 

Hosted and facilitated by Catherine Asta the mont (Opens in a new window)hly circle is FREE to our community members and are designed to facilitate and foster acceptance, belonging and connection. They follow a structure so you know what to expect every month.

Book your ticket below, the zoom link will be sent with your booking confirmation and again by email 24 hours before the circle.

Did you miss this?

You can purchase the recording here…

The Asta Community of Professionals

We’ve done the hard work for you, and curated a hand picked community of professionals who can offer the additional help and support that we know our community needs (because you ask us for this help), and provide the extra capacity and specialisms that Catherine doesn’t have (because she’s just one person!)

Our Community Partners

Read about our latest Community Partners (Opens in a new window)over on our blog and why they are supporting the work that we do.

Thanks to all our partners:

• Nordens (Opens in a new window)

• The Growth Pod (Opens in a new window)

• Hormones on The Blink (Opens in a new window)

• A Tidy Mind (Opens in a new window)

• Deborah Bulcock Consulting & Coaching (Opens in a new window)

We need your help..

• Is there a quote from an episode that stood out or resonated with you?

• Have you written an article, some poetry, or have something you want to share in our community news?

• Have you read a book that has hit the spot?

• Have you accessed an assessment and had a positive experience and want to signpost others?

• Do you want to share something that brings you joy?

Please share with us so we can share with you. Email hellocatherineasta@gmail.com and pop in the email header COMMUNITY NEWS CONTENT

What Do you Need?

• Is there an event or a webinar topic you'd like us to deliver?

• A Q&A with one of the guests who have been on the show?

• A panel discussion you'd be interested in on a particular topic?

• A guest you'd really like us to get on the show in S4?

• An idea you have?

• Please tell us what you need and what you'd like to see going forwards. We are open to your suggestions.

Email hellocatherineasta@gmail.com with your ideas.