Artist speaks out about diagnosis later in life

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Before Sunshine Coast artist Martin 'Woody' Robinson was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, he spent a decade in the corporate world "acting as somebody else".

But that mask lifted six years ago when he was 32, as his life unravelled.

"One thing led to another and clearly I didn't know who I was," Mr Robinson said.

With the help of a psychologist, Mr Robinson began to understand himself by identifying triggers and learning coping strategies in order to better function in day-to-day life.

"I can't really cope with large groups of people on a constant basis, for example. I shut down and I need a bit of quiet time," he said.

"It affects people differently, but in my case it's social and general anxiety, and most of the time it really affects me physically in terms of physical health."

Mr Robinson said the diagnosis had been life-changing and split his life into two distinct parts.

The first 32 years were marked by a "state of confusion", but his life now is "very" different.

After he was diagnosed, Mr Robinson moved from Tasmania to south-east Queensland for better support networks, and to continue studying graphic design.

Mr Robinson manages his condition without medication but engages other strategies.

"This is my first conversation I've had with someone face-to-face in two-and-a-half days," he told ABC presenter Sarah Howells.

"I use cognitive behavioural therapy. [It] works for some people and in my case it did."

Mr Robinson has also incorporated the diagnosis into his artwork, recently creating a comic strip based on actual toys.

But the toys are not perfect and shiny — they are broken and defective.

"So I use them in this motley crew, including myself, and try to find the positivity in being rejected or unwanted," he said.

"They come together and go on these crazy adventures."

Mr Robinson related to the feelings he tried to depict in the comic strip.

"I don't sit in a corner and cry," he said.