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

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
  • Childhood was a mixed bag, but mostly for non-autistic reasons, except being bullied and struggling to fit in and make friends. Adolescence and adulthood were bursts of accomplishment followed by months or years of burnout and depression. I'm currently neither accomplishing nor really burnt out or depressed, which is new territory.

Reply
  • Childhood was a mixed bag, but mostly for non-autistic reasons, except being bullied and struggling to fit in and make friends. Adolescence and adulthood were bursts of accomplishment followed by months or years of burnout and depression. I'm currently neither accomplishing nor really burnt out or depressed, which is new territory.

Children
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