What does thriving actually look like for a late-diagnosed autistic adult?

Alexis Kruel gives a pretty specific answer from a life of contradictions.

Alexis is a commercial model and actor who was diagnosed autistic at 53 and ADHD shortly after. But this isn't really a diagnosis story. It's a story about what happens when your whole life suddenly plays back differently, and every awkward moment, every friendship that went cold, every dinner party you wanted to escape, finally makes sense.

She's built a life that genuinely fits her brain. In this conversation she talks about how she did it — and what she'd tell anyone who's still figuring that out.

In this episode:

• The video that stopped her cold and started everything
• Sensory life in the 70s — polyester, crinolines, a doomed trip to Stride Rite
• Why she was simultaneously popular yet seen as “different”
• How the fear of being seen inspired her to become a model
• How two autistic people built a marriage that works — and why she thinks that's not an accident
• Her advice for finding your comfort after late diagnosis

Find Alexis:

Instagram & TikTok: @alexiskruel_official

YouTube & Facebook: Alexis Kruel

Alexis Kruel website

Resources mentioned:

• @whileyouwonderau
• theartofautism.com
• Prosper Health — telehealth autism assessments for adults

Support the show

RATED IN THE TOP 0.5% GLOBALLY with more than 1.2 million downloads!

If you are an autistic person who has written a book about autism or if you have a guest suggestion email me at info@theautisticwoman.com.

Instagram
Ko-fi, PayPal, Patreon
Linktree
Email: info@theautisticwoman.com
Website

June 24-28, 2026 In Rewilding Together