What if the diagnosis you feared most became the foundation for your most inspiring life?

In this uplifting and honest episode, Lindsay Malkinson shares what it was like to be diagnosed with autism at age 11 and how she’s spent the last 16 years rewriting what that diagnosis means.

From the initial sadness and fear to becoming an advocate, entrepreneur, and inspiration for others on the spectrum, Lindsay’s story is proof that mindset, community, and small daily practices can transform everything.

Lindsay doesn’t pretend it’s easy. She talks about the emotional aftermath of her diagnosis, navigating childhood with new limitations, and the comparison game that nearly broke her. But she also shares the tools that saved her: gratitude journals, uplifting music, her grandfather’s unwavering positivity, and the mental wellness business she built to support herself and others.

This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or like their diagnosis (autism or otherwise) was writing their story for them. Lindsay shows us that resilience isn’t about never struggling, it’s about choosing small steps, celebrating progress, and building a community that reminds you you’re not alone.

In this episode, we talk about:

What it was like to be diagnosed with autism at 11 and the emotional journey that followed
How her mindset shifted from “poor me” to “how can I inspire others?”
Daily practices Lindsay uses to stay motivated: gratitude, music, and small achievable goals
How she manages overwhelm and the days when motivation just isn’t there
The comparison trap and how she learned to focus on her own progress
Building supportive online communities for others on the autism spectrum
If you’ve ever felt defined by a diagnosis, overwhelmed by life, or wondered how to keep going when everything feels hard — this episode is for you.

CONNECT WITH LINDSAY MALKINSON:

Instagram: Inspiring Essentials
Facebook Group: Positivity Around Life on the Autism Spectrum