IW poet speaks up for neurodivergent adults

Isle of Wight poet, Kathryn Rossati, has released a powerful new poetry collection, Roar/Raw, which is already striking a chord with readers who discovered they were neurodivergent later in life.

Kathryn received her autism and ADHD diagnoses as an adult, a turning point that brought both clarity and emotional upheaval. For many people, receiving a diagnosis later in life can be transformative. It can offer a new understanding of identity, a sense of belonging, and a framework for rethinking past experiences that may have been marked by misunderstanding or unmet needs. It can also be a period of deep reflection, as individuals look back at earlier years with new insight.

Kathryn hopes her book will provide support and validation to others navigating this journey. “My hope is that Roar/Rawwill find its way into the hands of other late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD people and give them a sense of validation,” she said. “After diagnosis, there’s so much to process; that new clarity is hugely powerful yet also devastating. And for readers who aren’t autistic or don’t have ADHD, I hope Roar/Raw brings insight and understanding.”

Through honest, lyrical and deeply human poems, Roar/Raw offers comfort, connection and a sense of being seen. It also serves as a window into the neurodivergent experience for those wishing to better understand and support the people in their lives.

Roar/Raw is available now through Island publisher, Lemon Jelly Press, at lemonjellypress.com.