
Episode #212
Late Autism Diagnosis, OCD & Mental Health Recovery with Emily Thornton
What happens when you spend your whole life feeling different, only to discover why in your twenties? In this deeply honest episode of the Tales to Inspire Podcast, Emily Thornton shares her extraordinary journey of being diagnosed with autism at the age of 24 and how that diagnosis helped her make sense of years of struggling with OCD, mental health challenges and identity. Emily opens up about growing up alongside an autistic brother, masking throughout childhood, experiencing severe obsessive compulsive disorder, multiple mental health crises, suicide attempts, therapy, and ultimately finding hope through understanding herself and accepting support. Together, we explore: • Receiving a late autism diagnosis • Living with OCD and intrusive thoughts • Autism and mental health • The importance of therapy and asking for help • Why so many women are diagnosed with autism later in life • Creating more inclusive schools and communities • The power of authenticity, family and human connection Emily's story is one of remarkable resilience and serves as a reminder that understanding yourself can be the first step towards healing. ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains discussions around suicide, self-harm and mental health. If this conversation resonates with you, please remember that support is available. You don't have to face things alone.




