Hey guys I'm looking for some advice or to possibly relate to someone.
I was diagnosed Autistic in adulthood. As loads of Autistic people do, I mask a lot, both around strangers and the closest of family. Because of this, some members haven't been very understanding or supportive. I've shared my information and experience on social media but these individuals believe I'm putting on an act or making it up. Claiming that I am lying to the Autistic community and that I'll end up "exposed" and the community I've built will soon find out and come after me.
Now, I have some more "noticeable" signs such as difficulty with socialisation and social understanding, but I tend to mask almost every other trait, and only my partner and immediate household members have had an insight to the "real me" (emphasis on the fact that no one has seen me fully unmasked. I suppose my question is what do I do from here? I thought a diagnosis would help others understand me and allow me to express my hidden difficulties, but it seems that I have to continue hiding them more so now than ever. I also worry in case someone brings these apparent lies to light and then my community and customers will be let down when I've actually done nothing wrong!
