372: How Undiagnosed Autism Compounds Postpartum Struggles with Lynn Wilhite, LSW

Mom and Mind

I’m happy to welcome back a previous guest on the podcast. Lynn Wilhite is a licensed clinical social worker who joined me for Episode 263, Coping with Treatment-Resistant Depression. Things have changed for Lynn since she has recently been diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and PTSD. She shares the impact of her diagnoses and how she’s making connections about why things were so difficult for her in the past. Her insights help us understand how the many layers and factors of ADHD and autism have complicated her journey. Lynn has paused her work in therapy and social work to focus on her healing, understand her diagnoses, and learn more about her son’s autism diagnosis. She feels passionate about bringing neurodivergence into the postpartum conversation, along with normalizing and destigmatizing autism and other forms of neurodivergence for new moms. She is currently writing a book about her postpartum and parenthood journey. Join us to learn more from Lynn’s story!

Show Highlights:

• Developments in Lynn’s life since her last visit to Mom & Mind
• The prevalence of parents being diagnosed with autism alongside their children
• Lynn’s diagnostic process—and how her struggles in life began to make sense
• Stereotypical autism vs. female autism
• A constant battle of “defending” a diagnosis
• Medical gaslighting that women have to endure for themselves and their children
• Autism’s part in the challenges of pregnancy and postpartum, even in the smallest details
• Autism’s effects in Lynn’s life
• “Should I have even had a child?”
• Depression and anxiety are highly comorbid with autism.
• Masking skills are at their finest in autistic adults.
• Lynn’s biggest lessons learned on her journey
• The value of support and community

Resources:

Connect with Lynn Wilhite: Instagram

Lynn Wilhite’s other Mom & Mind episode: Episode 263

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!

If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!