The Secret Loneliness of Sensitive and Neurodivergent Gen Z with Lara Rodwell

The Sensitive and Neurodivergent Podcast with Julie Bjelland

In this deeply heartfelt and validating episode, guest host Carol Roesler welcomes Lara Rodwell, founder of The Lonely Club and journalist, for an empowering conversation about autism, sensitivity, loneliness, and self-discovery.

Lara shares her personal journey through misdiagnosis, the loneliness that often follows, and how self-identifying as a sensitive autistic neurotype became a turning point toward self-acceptance. Together, Carol and Lara explore the challenges women face when they don’t fit the outdated models of autism diagnosis, and how finding accurate understanding can feel like a “homecoming.”

Takeaways

• The origins and mission of The Lonely Club—creating safe spaces for young neurodivergent people.

• Lara’s experience with misdiagnosis through the NHS and her later validation through Julie Bjelland’s autism assessment.

• The loneliness many sensitive and autistic women experience when their traits are misunderstood.

• The concept of the sensitive autistic neurotype as defined by Julie Bjelland.

• Turning perceived “weaknesses” (like sensitivity or introversion) into strengths and creative power.

• The generational struggle of being told “you’re too sensitive.”

• How external diagnostic criteria often overlook women and non-male expressions of autism.

• Advocacy for sensitive autistic university students and young adults navigating social challenges.

• Reframing “lazy” or “avoidant” behaviors as signs of burnout, masking, or perfectionism—not lack of motivation.

• The importance of self-compassion and self-advocacy in the neurodivergent journey.

Lara Rodwell is the founder of The Lonely Club, an online and in-person community designed to reduce loneliness among young neurodivergent adults. Through writing, events, and upcoming sensory-friendly drop-in spaces, Lara provides connection, safety, and belonging for those who often feel unseen. She can be reached at [email protected].

Follow her work:

• Website & Blog: https://lararodwell.journoportfolio.com/myportfolio/
• Lara's Post: Why Misdiagnosis Keeps Sensitive Autistic Women Lonely — and How Self-Discovery Changes Everything

Carol Roesler is co-author of the new children’s book series, The Adventures of Niko, the Highly Sensitive Dog and co-hosts “Intuitive Parenting” events inside the Sensitive Empowerment Community to support caregivers of sensitive little ones. As a volunteer Children's Librarian leading pre-K through 5th-grade reading groups, she often wished for books with characters that reflected the unique traits of bright, sensitive children. An introverted child, Carol’s favorite books were her best friends, inspiring the character Buttercup. Buttercup’s passion for research was inspired by Carol’s daughter, whose literary explorations discovered the unique, joyful dance of the blue-footed booby. This inspired the wonderfully extroverted character Blueberry. Carol is thrilled to collaborate with Julie in creating characters that celebrate being their authentic, unique selves! You can reach her at [email protected]. Get the book at juliebjelland.com/childrens-books

Links mentioned:

• The Sensitive Empowerment community⁠
• Autism Assessments for Adults with Julie Bjelland, LMFT