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Choosing not to unmask completely?

Deleted User

Sometimes, I feel that the cost of unmasking and risking feeling misunderstood regarding my own autism may be greater than keeping the diagnosis for myself, not talking about it, and resuming my previous life while mitigating the problems with some invisible adjustments.

I can imagine the risks of possibly suppressing my own needs and working against my own brain and body, but being almost 50 years old means that I'm somehow a hybrid of a newly discovered autistic self and life-spanning coping and surviving mechanisms, and that the latter are an integral part of myself.

I've read that some people decide to do that. I'm just wondering if someone here has managed to resume their previous life, choosing to leave the "label" behind so others don't know, in a way where they feel complete and happy despite choosing not to unmask completely?

Parents

  • Hi all, I admit I wasn't expecting so many replies and so many insights. I think I need some time to digest everything before I can reply properly. Maybe it's not needed or expected, but I feel like I should try to get back to everyone (beyond just my "fawning" tendencies).

    I really appreciate the time you all spent sharing your reflections, and the vulnerability you've shown. My very best wishes to you all.

  • in reply to Deleted User

    I don't think you need to reply individually if that is too much, putting a general message out is cool, like you did, or some people might find replying at all might get too much. At least on here, doing what you want to do is okay! To start the discussion in itself is appreciated!

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