“It’s made me understand my life a lot more.”
In our latest episode of Hoots Who, we sit down with Ian Golden, a data specialist and communications manager who received an autism diagnosis at the age of 51. His story is honest, uplifting and full of moments that will stay with you.
Ian shares what life was like before his diagnosis. He talks about being labelled boring as a child, finding it hard to understand social cues, and always feeling like he was slightly out of step with the world around him. Like many people who receive a diagnosis later in life, he had long suspected something was different but didn’t have the words or framework to explain it.
The journey to diagnosis came with mixed emotions. Ian describes feeling both curious and nervous, especially about the possibility of being told he wasn’t autistic. When the diagnosis letter finally arrived, it brought a quiet sense of relief and recognition. For the first time, his life made sense in a new and powerful way.
“When you understand yourself, you can help other people understand you.”
Since receiving his diagnosis, Ian has started communicating his needs with more clarity and confidence. He now feels able to say when he needs something explained differently or when he needs time to manage sensory overwhelm. Remember, small shifts have made a big difference. Hence why Ian is no longer second-guessing himself or trying to shape his behaviour to meet other people’s expectations. Instead, he is choosing to live in a way that feels honest and sustainable.
Ian speaks about how his autistic traits influence his strengths. His love of detail, his focus on data, and the unique way he sees the world have all shaped his work, his interests and the way he connects with others. Understanding these traits has helped him appreciate parts of himself he once questioned.
So, for anyone unsure about whether to pursue an assessment, listen to Ian. Start where you are. Take an online screening. Learn a little more. Speak to someone if you feel able. That first step may feel small, but it could be the beginning of real change.
There is a quiet strength in Ian’s story, a warmth that lingers long after the conversation ends. It reminds us that understanding yourself is not a race or a destination. It is a journey that unfolds in its own time, and when it arrives, it can transform everything. A story about coming home to yourself, shaped by humour, grace and the kind of clarity that only comes from living authentically.
