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What was your life like before you knew you were autistic?

Homebird

There have been quite a few comments recently since the recent documentaries about the experiences of those of us who are older. This made me wonder how my life would have been like had I known why some things were difficult. I spent a lot of my life wishing I could relate to others more easily, like others I came in contact with.  I guess since knowing I have wished less to be like others and tried to accept how I am. 

I had some interesting experiences in my younger days, including a few trips to interesting places abroad. I am glad I have those memories. However today I find a lot of ordinary things challenging and am happy to be at home a lot of the time. I have always found home to be my safe place, but occasionally managed to go beyond my comfort zone.

How have others found the change since knowing they were autistic?

Parents

  • I can relate to what others are saying in their responses. 

    For me, before realising that I'm Autistic, it felt ok to be myself. I thought I was eccentric/unique and I didn't like people. I didn't care what people thought of me because I didn't like or respect them, so why care what they think of me? I enjoyed my alone time and special interests. I still feel these feelings after finding out that I'm Autistic. I am also amazed and grateful that I accomplished as much as I have while having Autistic traits since childhood. 

    I grew up in the USA and moved to London in 1990. In my opinion, I've felt more like being myself here because eccentricity is more accepted here. In the USA, there's more pressure to be like everyone else or be ostracised.

    The main changes for me now, knowing I'm Autistic, are understanding what a meltdown is, why they occur, why I go into shutdown, why my verbal communication and comprehension are problems, why I dread using the telephone, why I avoid people, why I hate people touching or doing anything with my possessions, why change is upsetting, what masking is and when I can unmask (at home). My angry meltdowns at home have nearly stopped since I go immediately into shutdown/complete silence. That sounds like it isn't a "healthy" response but it is for me - I don't have tiring explosions and my relationship with my boyfriend is better.

    I don't think I would want to have lived as a non-Autistic person. I think it has made me more interesting and unique. I do wish the world would have been more understanding and supportive. Hopefully, this will happen in future.

Reply

  • I can relate to what others are saying in their responses. 

    For me, before realising that I'm Autistic, it felt ok to be myself. I thought I was eccentric/unique and I didn't like people. I didn't care what people thought of me because I didn't like or respect them, so why care what they think of me? I enjoyed my alone time and special interests. I still feel these feelings after finding out that I'm Autistic. I am also amazed and grateful that I accomplished as much as I have while having Autistic traits since childhood. 

    I grew up in the USA and moved to London in 1990. In my opinion, I've felt more like being myself here because eccentricity is more accepted here. In the USA, there's more pressure to be like everyone else or be ostracised.

    The main changes for me now, knowing I'm Autistic, are understanding what a meltdown is, why they occur, why I go into shutdown, why my verbal communication and comprehension are problems, why I dread using the telephone, why I avoid people, why I hate people touching or doing anything with my possessions, why change is upsetting, what masking is and when I can unmask (at home). My angry meltdowns at home have nearly stopped since I go immediately into shutdown/complete silence. That sounds like it isn't a "healthy" response but it is for me - I don't have tiring explosions and my relationship with my boyfriend is better.

    I don't think I would want to have lived as a non-Autistic person. I think it has made me more interesting and unique. I do wish the world would have been more understanding and supportive. Hopefully, this will happen in future.

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