Episode
Late Diagnosed Autism & Emotional Vulnerability: Luke Grosch’s Story
- Podcast
- The Hidden 20%
- Published
- May 27, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3248
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://shows.acast.com/hidden-20/episodes/late-diagnosed-autism-emotional-vulnerability
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Summary
Content creator and author Luke Grosch joins Ben for an honest conversation about late-diagnosed autism, emotional overwhelm, grief, identity and learning to understand yourself in a world that often misunderstands autistic people. Luke reflects on losing his dad at a young age, and how many of his autistic traits - meltdowns, sensitivity and shutdowns - were mistaken for grief rather than signs of neurodivergence. Diagnosed in 2019, he shares what changed once he finally had language for the way his brain works, and why being openly emotional online has become such an important part of his work. Together, they explore masking, burnout, relationships, loneliness, internet culture and the pressure many autistic people feel to appear “fine” while struggling internally. Luke also opens up about writing his first book based on diary entries and emotional reflection, and why vulnerability can be a form of connection rather than weakness. Join us at hidden20.org/donate . Buy Luke's new book 'Diary of a Neurodivergent' at https://dashbook.com/book/diary-of-a-neurodivergent ________ Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller 00:00 Introduction 01:08 Luke Grosch’s Late Autism Diagnosis Story 03:42 Losing His Dad Young & Missing The Signs of Autism 07:15 When Autism Traits Get Mistaken For Grief 10:54 What Finally Led Luke To Seek a Diagnosis 14:02 Late Diagnosed Autism: “Everything Started Making Sense” 17:40 Masking & Pretending To Be Fine 21:18 Emotional Overwhelm, Shutdowns & Internal Struggle 25:11 Why Luke Shares Vulnerably Online 28:45 Autism, Loneliness & Feeling Misunderstood 32:04 Burnout & The Pressure of So…