Hey :)

Hi and welcome to the forum.

It's something I've thought about from time to time - what if I'd known when I was younger? Because I grew up in the 1960s and 70s nobody would have thought about it, as back then autistic people were almost exclusively boys with intellectual impairment and as a girl with slightly above average intelligence, I was just shy, sensitive, and quiet in lessons.

If there had been more awareness then, I'm not sure a diagnosis would have been good for me, to be honest - it might have given me the mindset that I couldn't do things, and during my teens I was depressed enough without having a label that others could use to possibly bully me with.

Of course, if a.child or young person needs support, an autism diagnosis can certainly help with that, and it's important for their self esteem that children are helped to reach their full potential.

I didn't realise I was probably on the spectrum until I reached my mid fifties - in fact, I didn't really know what autism was until then. Although my childhood wasn't the happiest, I've done some things in my adult life that some autistic people haven't managed to do - such as getting married and setting up our own home, gaining qualifications through distance learning, and travelling to various places in Europe, plus one long haul trip to Malaysia (after which I said never again to long haul flights!)

Because I learned about it so late in life, I had had decades to practise "normal" with varying success, but it meant I was masking and people pleasing most of the time I was not in my own home. It took some years to uncover the real me, but I think I've got there now. I'm quite happy to tell people I enjoy video gaming!

I wish you luck with your own journey.

Hi, thank you for sharing your insightful story and reflections—it really resonated with me.

It's fascinating how the understanding of autism has evolved over the decades, and your experience highlights the importance of awareness and support. I really can't imagine how difficult it was being autistic during a time when you couldn't openly be yourself. That must have been so hard. I can only imagine how challenging it must have been to navigate your childhood without a clear understanding of your own identity.

You raise an important point about labels and the potential impact they can have on self-perception, especially during formative years. It's encouraging to hear that despite the challenges you faced, you were able to achieve so much in your adult life. Getting married, pursuing education, and travelling are all incredible accomplishments that showcase your resilience and determination.

I think that's amazing. Married and having children are two things I want to achieve in my life but I'm an anxious wreck and withdrawn from the outside world. I don't know how to act around others, I'm mute and keep my head down.

Your journey of self-discovery is so inspiring, and it’s a reminder that it’s never too late to learn more about ourselves and embrace our true identities.

Thanks, this has been really interesting to read. Very inspiring.

Hi, thank you for sharing your insightful story and reflections—it really resonated with me.

It's fascinating how the understanding of autism has evolved over the decades, and your experience highlights the importance of awareness and support. I really can't imagine how difficult it was being autistic during a time when you couldn't openly be yourself. That must have been so hard. I can only imagine how challenging it must have been to navigate your childhood without a clear understanding of your own identity.

You raise an important point about labels and the potential impact they can have on self-perception, especially during formative years. It's encouraging to hear that despite the challenges you faced, you were able to achieve so much in your adult life. Getting married, pursuing education, and travelling are all incredible accomplishments that showcase your resilience and determination.

I think that's amazing. Married and having children are two things I want to achieve in my life but I'm an anxious wreck and withdrawn from the outside world. I don't know how to act around others, I'm mute and keep my head down.

Your journey of self-discovery is so inspiring, and it’s a reminder that it’s never too late to learn more about ourselves and embrace our true identities.

Thanks, this has been really interesting to read. Very inspiring.