Hello everyone,
My therapist suggested to me a few months ago that I might be autistic. My first reaction was “No way!” because I had never thought of myself as possibly autistic before and, having worked with autistic children as a teacher, it didn’t seem to fit. However, I like to keep an open-mind and did my own research behind the scenes and started noticing things that I hadn’t before and maybe seeing things in a different light. I knew that autism presented differently in women but was completely unaware of what that might look like. My therapist did an autism screening and has referred me to a specialist for possible diagnosis. Now that I am aware if this possibility I am increasingly noticing my reactions and energy levels and want to design a life for myself that fits and supports me better. I want to take it seriously regardless of diagnosis so that I can benefit from the life I have. Thinking about the past through the filter of autism makes so much sense of many experiences I have had and helps me be more self-compassionate about things that have happened. I have two children and I see signs in them too so I want to learn how to support them and prepare them for the future so they can understand themselves and their experiences. I would love to be part of a community or a smaller group of others in the same position. For example, through a messaging app or Marco Polo to provide one another with help, support and kindness. Please let me know if you would be interested in something similar. More about me…I am Scottish but live in the Netherlands. I have lived here for over 15 years. Would love to hear from anyone in a similar situation.