Hi

Hi Summer, lovely to meet you! 

I really identify with the whole masking thing. I masked my whole life without even realising it, I thought it was what everyone did. I didn't find out I was autistic until 2 years ago and that changed everything for me. I am now on a journey of self discovery, it's very difficult but I'm glad I'm doing it.

I also relate to the strains around family. I'm an only child and had a difficult relationship with my parents in my teenage years although it is alot better now. I've never actually lived on my own, always with parents or partners. 

I love writing too, what sort of things do you write? Also on the topic of jouraling, have you ever heard of the 6 minute diary? It changed my life, helps me see good things in my life when normally I would only see the bad

Hi Billy lovely to meet you too!

I hope your journey of self discovery is going well for you? I know the assessment can be really stressful but I found so much peace and comfort after my diagnosis it explain a lot for me. Masking is hard though, very draining as well. 

I hope things at home are ok for you now? My teenage years were crazy to be honest, didn't really know what was happening. My dad dying did not help that. I wouldn't want to go through teenage again though. I find I'm sort of living with family but at the same time I'm not very close with them. It's sort of a distant relationship.

I write a lot of scenes fiction in which I make short stories or try to, usually can't finish them and start a new one. What do you like to write? I've not heard of the 6 minute diary, I will look it up. Sounds like it could be good for me as well.

Hi Billy lovely to meet you too!

I hope your journey of self discovery is going well for you? I know the assessment can be really stressful but I found so much peace and comfort after my diagnosis it explain a lot for me. Masking is hard though, very draining as well. 

I hope things at home are ok for you now? My teenage years were crazy to be honest, didn't really know what was happening. My dad dying did not help that. I wouldn't want to go through teenage again though. I find I'm sort of living with family but at the same time I'm not very close with them. It's sort of a distant relationship.

I write a lot of scenes fiction in which I make short stories or try to, usually can't finish them and start a new one. What do you like to write? I've not heard of the 6 minute diary, I will look it up. Sounds like it could be good for me as well.

Oooh, hi BillyC87 - I definitely agree with you both about the teenage years. I look back and just think they were so difficult, and I don’t even get why! Just so, so hard. Now that I work with teens I just keep trying to give them hope that it gets better than what they’re experiencing now!

What sort of stuff do you write Billy?

Summer, I love science fiction! Do you ever post any online? Would love to read some!!

I toy with wanting to write but have so far never got round to it! I think my partner would be a great creative story writer - he comes up with the most intricate plot lines even in his dreams!

Anyway, hope you both have a great day!