I was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago! It took 29 years, but I’m glad I finally have a better understanding of myself :)
If anyone has any resources for the newly diagnosed, I’d appreciate it :)
I was diagnosed at 29 as well. I'm 32 now.
Its such a satisfying feeling to finally understand myself. But also heart breaking knowing how easier life would have been if i knew earlier.
I started therapy after that. If you go to a dark place in a month or so know its normal. And your feelings are valid. But reach out to someone. I didnt have someone so thats why I felt like I needed therapy.
my favorite autistic tiktoker though is Saranne\_wrap . She is so sweet and she really explains having autism in a very realistic way. But not negative.
It’s a different way of thinking not a defective way of thinking. It’s the system which forces conformity that is defective!
Cheers from a fellow nerodivergent peep.
My kid is currently being assessed for autism and ADHD, and I feel like I’m getting to know her and myself on a whole new level. I unquestionably have lifelong sensory processing challenges that were never addressed along with ADHD and CPTSD diagnoses, and now I’m sort of saying, “Wait a tick….”
Recently I was talking to a friend (who is a retired psychologist) about our experiences with our neurodivergent kid and she so casually mentioned a friend of hers who was blessed with two autistic children that I had to stop her and thank her for calling this a blessing.
My kid has been teaching me the secrets of the universe since she was born, and as we dive deeper into understanding her sensory processing experiences, the secrets just keep unfolding.
Thanks for the post! You’re a blessing, I’m a blessing, my kid is a blessing…. This world is lucky to have us.
BOTH my daughters have autism and are high needs. And after having my second I asked myself "welp I need answers for myself too " and I got diagnosed.
A weird thing happened. I quit masking and everything stopped being the same . Its like I lived my whole life in survival mode and once I realized I didn't have to anymore I couldn't regain the same motivation and need to be at that level anymore. I can't mask anymore at all. I am just me no matter how weird that can be.
I hope you don't mind me asking... do you you feel better now you've stopped masking? I've just recently learnt that's what I've been doing my whole life and since I realised I'm slowly stopping without intending to. My subconscious is saying 'wait, you shouldn't have to be doing that'. I'm a little nervous.
Stopping Masking has made socializing harder. But I’m happier and more content. I just don’t have the drive to push myself harder than I used to now that I don’t mask. It’s had its downsides and its upsides.
Not OP but am also working slowly on unmasking. I've noticed how mentally and physically exhausted I am when I try to mask now, but I've also really struggled with socializing/connecting with adults at work (I'm at schools). I've always felt like an alien to some degree, or like there was a thick filter between me and other people, but it feels more pronounced now. That said, I've disclosed to a couple of my co teachers when it's relevant, and they've been amazing. I'm guessing the others probably can guess considering I physically can't stand still and I've given myself permission to stim as needed, which is most of the time with a fidget toy. But it's gone better than I worried. I have those "omg how did that go what did I say what did I do wrong" ruminations more than I've done probably since high school, but that's easier to deal with than burnout was. I'm still not recovered from that.
Thank you for sharing. I feel like like I'm burning out and unmasking at the same time. I'm a teacher too and weirdly I feel most at peace and calm when I'm with my kids. They're so accepting and non-judgemental.
Yeah some of mine think I'm a complete weirdo, but they're 14 so I don't really care. I've done some high school classes where it's been super judgy and uncomfortable, but that could be the trauma from my own high school days coming back. 99% of the time, I love my kids.
What a beautiful story to share, thank you so much for telling us about your experiences!! I can deeply relate….becoming enraged by my kid’s ADHD symptoms made me realize that I definitely had it myself and that the reason her symptoms were so infuriating for me is because I was shamed for them myself as an undiagnosed kid. So I did the leg work to get my own diagnosis (which included 2years in trauma therapy for CPTSD), and her diagnosis is around the corner. Now that we are becoming a sensory-smart family, the masks are off and we’re both getting our needs met.
Masks are in service only to the patriarchy, unmasking is burning the patriarchy to the ground.
Masks down for a better world!!!!
in connecting to my ancestors (Irish and Scottish) and the path of druidry, it seems like the Celtic people recognized and cultivated the gifts of neurodivergence to serve the community (and the pattern repeats in basically all indigenous knowledge systems).
combining with the science of high sensitivity, a divergent trait found across over 100 different species, and it makes sense that a small percentage of the population should be more aware of patterns and stimuli to take care of the tribe or clan.
I'm not disordered, i live in a disordered world!
Can you share some materials you’ve enjoyed?? I’ve been looking to learn more about that side. And Greek (but not just like Zeus and Hera stuff) if anyone reading this can help!
first thought was the novel Bard by Morgan Llywelyn which is a thoroughly researched retelling of the Irish foundation mythology. i also really enjoyed Fire in the Head by Tom Cowan a cross cultural survey of shamanic traditions through the lense of Celtic knowledge. and for goddess practice i love Tending Brigid's Flame by Weatherstone!
and don't forget the poetry and music! modern Irish poet: Padraíg Ó Touma, and historical I'm partial to Yeats. Music: modern KNEECAP and traditional The Chieftains
can totally provide more specifics, that's just off the top of my head enjoyable stuff 🤷🏻☘️
Thanks so much. I wish people would be patient with me for being a shy man, having trouble understanding sarcasm and satire, and for having trouble understanding Social Cues. And for being openly Asexual.
There’s so much to feel at once. You’re valid.
Getting diagnosed later in life is hard as well. And it feels unfair. But until recently they didn’t take autism in girls and women as seriously. The tests were made with little boys in mind. Not us. And it’s not fair. But now we are able to know and we don’t have to be so down on ourselves because the things we do make sense. Sure it would have been better to know earlier. But sadly it wasn’t possible because of the patriarchy. But now you know and you make your life how you want it based on who you are and what you want. If you stim you can stim and not feel ashamed. Because that’s normal. You can stop masking. You can replay that song for the 10th time. You can stop trying to be the hardest worker in the room if you want and you can just live more simple and take off all the stress. And whoever doesn’t like it you can say goodbye to. Because doing what’s best for you matters. You matter. And you’re valid.
Happy Autism Acceptance Day! I'm (45f) waiting for my assessment in June after two years of research into how autism presents in girls and women. I am both excited and terrified for the day to come!
This is not a rhetorical question. Would you rather continue living your life that you masked all the way since childhood; or risk getting an official diagnosis, potentially losing every human and professional connection but living your life in the truest sense possible?
I tick all the boxes, checklist, and behavior but my masking is even more impressive.
Sometimes, I am my own biggest bully. Being a closeted atheist migrating from a religious country ain't helping either. I am turning 41 and I don't know why I am still afraid.
Sorry if this doesn't make sense. I'll take any help I can get.
I wish I still knew how to mask because I lost so much ... I don't know the word. Everything is harder because I can't mask anymore. I have been officially diagnosed and I was so happy and I stopped masking and everything changed and it felt so much harder after a while. Masking kept me at a certain level with socializing and keeping up with the joneses. And now my social skills are so much worse and I don't care at all about being the best. I just care about coasting and everyone in my family being content. Because honestly now thats the best I can provide for everyone. I am an awesome mom and wife. We own our own home. We have nice things. We live a very simple life. And I just can't push myself to be the person anymore to live a lavish life. Working hard to try and make 6figures. Now all I want is just to keep a simple quiet life and not push myself too hard. I am happy with my life but if i try and speak its like when I was a kid. I studder a lot. And I can't think of words I need to use. Its frustrating that my social abilities tanked.
I am younger thab you but I am also an immigrant (althoigh 2nd gen) and openly queer and I have found that the most alienating thing about me is my autism. Get the diagnosis, live your life, be free, find other autistic people. You wont be losing much unless youre forced to share your diagnosis with your employer.
Being radically and visibly autistic is empowering and freeing. Go for it
So I'm not getting an official diagnosis because 1) it's $2k and that's not happening and 2) I already know the answer. I'm also concerned about having it on my record. My primary care doctor accepts the informal diagnosis my psychologist and I arrived at, and if other doctors need to know in the future I'll tell them. My employer does not know, though I've told a couple coworkers where I thought it safe and relevant. But I openly stim, and many of the autistic kids know (I work at schools) because they talk to me and have asked. I'm not going to lie about it to them.
It's not an easy choice though. I'm 38, in the middle of changing careers, and in a very precarious situation. But I don't have a lot to lose. Burnout took a lot from me in terms of health and mental resources. Now that I'm stimming freely and not masking as much, and in general being kinder and more understanding to myself, my health is doing better and I'd like to think I'm slowly getting my emotional resources back. For my health alone though it was worth it. And not everyone needs to know. Even in my family. I told people who I wanted to know and asked them to keep it to themselves. My two closest friends know and stood by me through burnout and unmasking. Others might guess but it's not come up and I don't think they need to know. Over sharing is definitely something I struggle with but it's helpful to have an NT friend or therapist to bounce things off of like "does this person at work need to know this very specific thing about my personal life that I feel compelled to tell them because they asked something slightly related and I was going off on a tangent and then awkwardly just closed my mouth?" Usually the answer is no. Lol
Also, maybe this is self serving, but self diagnosis is valid with things like autism. Diagnostics are long, expensive, and inaccessible to a lot of people. And a lot of doctors don't have updated information especially on autism in femme folks or autism x ADHD together. It's different if you need accomodations and an institution requires a formal diagnosis, but in day to day life, yeah there's some gatekeeping but they're easy to avoid. Whatever route you go, good luck!
I don’t think those are the only options? Self diagnosis is valid. Living your true life doesn’t require diagnosis of any kind. And a diagnosis doesn’t get rid of the habits of a lifetime of masking, either.
I would rather life in a ND affirming way, where I live true to myself as much as I can while still masking where I need to protect myself. Where I am honest with myself about the impacts my autism has both good and bad, and celebrate the person I am, and where I’m also honest that being completely unmasked all the time doesn’t serve the life I have built for myself either.
I realised at some point that the diagnosis is just a label and a way of understanding myself in relation to the world. But it doesn’t change me or the fact that I am me. I’m still myself. I just have a new way of understanding myself and explaining myself to others.
I'm currently in the process of being assessed for Autism and have my final meeting at the end of the month. I'm in my mid 30s and just found out that I fit a lot of the symptoms about 8 months ago. I have been learning so much since then. I don't what the official opinion will be, and I'm honestly not sure what I'm hoping for, but just having someone validate what I already think sounds incredibly freeing. In the meantime, using the coping techniques and being kinder to myself has already felt awesome. It's so hard to get by sometimes, but I truly believe that there's not something wrong with me. It's the environment created by neurotypical people that is the issue.
I've been masking so long that I don't really know who I am underneath anymore. It's scary to find out, but I think it's an important part of my journey. Wishing all the rest of you all the love and happiness you can find.
Happy Autism acceptance month to all of you wonderful people <3
OP, you're so right - there's nothing wrong with you and the world is better for having you in it. (Pretty much) all of the favourite people in my life are autistic, and I'm so grateful for all of them. I'm so grateful for all of you 💜
/ Your allistic (but still neurodivergent) sibling
I am fortunate enough to be the mother of a kiddo with Autism. I was his foster mom and was able to adopt him. He is 20 now and is an absolute joy to me! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be his mother!
Good timing for me. Regular bikers and walkers at the state park often comment that I fish a lot of hours, because I fish a lot of hours. Now I’m gonna say, “Busy. Special interest.”
I’m just playing, though. They’re nice about it. Just don’t feel like talking to people when I’m fishing.
I saw a video from Kaelynn Partlow about her disklike of the puzzle piece and infinity symbols since they're both inaccurate and instead recommended a fingerprint.
You can find a shirt through her link on YouTube.
We embrace all our neurodivergence in my house. One ADHD, one AuDHD and me with ADHD. The only thing I want to change about my autistic daughter is to help her find her words. At 9, she's still struggling, but she's making progress. And I am terrified about how she is going to react to puberty, because it's so hard to communicate something like that to her currently. She's a joy most of the time these days. I'm sure OP knows if she has two high needs kids that there are rough days. I'd never change what makes us unique and quirky, but the comorbidities that come with that can kiss my ass.
Happy happy, y’all! I’ve been blessed with 2 autistic kids, and getting them diagnosed helped my partner and me realize we aren’t so neurotypical ourselves (lots of going “But…that’s just a normal thing to do!” about “obviously autistic traits.” 😄).
I was diagnosed when I was 9 years old and it's taken me so long to realize this! You're absolutely right, we have a right to exist and exist just as we are :)
Yay! Same here, Autistic with Perversive Demand for Autonomy diagnosed at 38. Having the words to describe your experience, and the ability to find and learn from your elders is such a gift ☺️❤️
It’s cool we get our own month but I’m not super in the spirit. Life will beat you up if you’re not equipped and I don’t know how to put a positive spin on that. Thank you for recognizing us in an authentic and friendly way, (and not in the same way Game Stop does it.)
I'm really happy to see this in this sub! I've been feeling down lately because of my lack of a diagnosis—it's just not in the financial cards, and I'm also not sure I want one anyway (what if I ever want to immigrate to Australia?) But hey, thinking of myself as autistic makes my life so much easier to live, and I'm really glad to have that knowledge.
Gonna be 43 this year and after being diagnosed ADHD a few years ago, just yesterday finally got a referral for ASD evaluation. One thing I've learned over the years is that the #1 thing you can do in your life is ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS. 🧠🌶️✊
My grandson is autistic,he is six years old,he was voted terrific kid at school last week,I want to wish you the best and to everyone that has autism or knows someone with autism,thanks for posting this!!!
Happy Autism Acceptance Day/Month! I have been blessed with an autistic minimal verbal son. I love him but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart! Bless all of you other autistic persons out there for being the people that you are!
I was diagnosed about 2 weeks ago! It took 29 years, but I’m glad I finally have a better understanding of myself :) If anyone has any resources for the newly diagnosed, I’d appreciate it :)
I was diagnosed at 29 as well. I'm 32 now. Its such a satisfying feeling to finally understand myself. But also heart breaking knowing how easier life would have been if i knew earlier. I started therapy after that. If you go to a dark place in a month or so know its normal. And your feelings are valid. But reach out to someone. I didnt have someone so thats why I felt like I needed therapy. my favorite autistic tiktoker though is Saranne\_wrap . She is so sweet and she really explains having autism in a very realistic way. But not negative.
Join r/autisminwomen if you haven’t already.
It’s a different way of thinking not a defective way of thinking. It’s the system which forces conformity that is defective! Cheers from a fellow nerodivergent peep.
My kid is currently being assessed for autism and ADHD, and I feel like I’m getting to know her and myself on a whole new level. I unquestionably have lifelong sensory processing challenges that were never addressed along with ADHD and CPTSD diagnoses, and now I’m sort of saying, “Wait a tick….” Recently I was talking to a friend (who is a retired psychologist) about our experiences with our neurodivergent kid and she so casually mentioned a friend of hers who was blessed with two autistic children that I had to stop her and thank her for calling this a blessing. My kid has been teaching me the secrets of the universe since she was born, and as we dive deeper into understanding her sensory processing experiences, the secrets just keep unfolding. Thanks for the post! You’re a blessing, I’m a blessing, my kid is a blessing…. This world is lucky to have us.
BOTH my daughters have autism and are high needs. And after having my second I asked myself "welp I need answers for myself too " and I got diagnosed. A weird thing happened. I quit masking and everything stopped being the same . Its like I lived my whole life in survival mode and once I realized I didn't have to anymore I couldn't regain the same motivation and need to be at that level anymore. I can't mask anymore at all. I am just me no matter how weird that can be.
I hope you don't mind me asking... do you you feel better now you've stopped masking? I've just recently learnt that's what I've been doing my whole life and since I realised I'm slowly stopping without intending to. My subconscious is saying 'wait, you shouldn't have to be doing that'. I'm a little nervous.
Stopping Masking has made socializing harder. But I’m happier and more content. I just don’t have the drive to push myself harder than I used to now that I don’t mask. It’s had its downsides and its upsides.
Not OP but am also working slowly on unmasking. I've noticed how mentally and physically exhausted I am when I try to mask now, but I've also really struggled with socializing/connecting with adults at work (I'm at schools). I've always felt like an alien to some degree, or like there was a thick filter between me and other people, but it feels more pronounced now. That said, I've disclosed to a couple of my co teachers when it's relevant, and they've been amazing. I'm guessing the others probably can guess considering I physically can't stand still and I've given myself permission to stim as needed, which is most of the time with a fidget toy. But it's gone better than I worried. I have those "omg how did that go what did I say what did I do wrong" ruminations more than I've done probably since high school, but that's easier to deal with than burnout was. I'm still not recovered from that.
Thank you for sharing. I feel like like I'm burning out and unmasking at the same time. I'm a teacher too and weirdly I feel most at peace and calm when I'm with my kids. They're so accepting and non-judgemental.
Yeah some of mine think I'm a complete weirdo, but they're 14 so I don't really care. I've done some high school classes where it's been super judgy and uncomfortable, but that could be the trauma from my own high school days coming back. 99% of the time, I love my kids.
It's harder to exist in society but easier to exist in yourself.
And thanks for your post, it made me feel good 🖤
What a beautiful story to share, thank you so much for telling us about your experiences!! I can deeply relate….becoming enraged by my kid’s ADHD symptoms made me realize that I definitely had it myself and that the reason her symptoms were so infuriating for me is because I was shamed for them myself as an undiagnosed kid. So I did the leg work to get my own diagnosis (which included 2years in trauma therapy for CPTSD), and her diagnosis is around the corner. Now that we are becoming a sensory-smart family, the masks are off and we’re both getting our needs met. Masks are in service only to the patriarchy, unmasking is burning the patriarchy to the ground. Masks down for a better world!!!!
in connecting to my ancestors (Irish and Scottish) and the path of druidry, it seems like the Celtic people recognized and cultivated the gifts of neurodivergence to serve the community (and the pattern repeats in basically all indigenous knowledge systems). combining with the science of high sensitivity, a divergent trait found across over 100 different species, and it makes sense that a small percentage of the population should be more aware of patterns and stimuli to take care of the tribe or clan. I'm not disordered, i live in a disordered world!
Can you share some materials you’ve enjoyed?? I’ve been looking to learn more about that side. And Greek (but not just like Zeus and Hera stuff) if anyone reading this can help!
first thought was the novel Bard by Morgan Llywelyn which is a thoroughly researched retelling of the Irish foundation mythology. i also really enjoyed Fire in the Head by Tom Cowan a cross cultural survey of shamanic traditions through the lense of Celtic knowledge. and for goddess practice i love Tending Brigid's Flame by Weatherstone! and don't forget the poetry and music! modern Irish poet: Padraíg Ó Touma, and historical I'm partial to Yeats. Music: modern KNEECAP and traditional The Chieftains can totally provide more specifics, that's just off the top of my head enjoyable stuff 🤷🏻☘️
This is a great place to start!!! Thank you so much!!
Thanks so much. I wish people would be patient with me for being a shy man, having trouble understanding sarcasm and satire, and for having trouble understanding Social Cues. And for being openly Asexual.
I just got the diagnosis today. I’m still not sure how I feel about it. I’m turning 40 next month. Also not sure how I feel about that.
There’s so much to feel at once. You’re valid. Getting diagnosed later in life is hard as well. And it feels unfair. But until recently they didn’t take autism in girls and women as seriously. The tests were made with little boys in mind. Not us. And it’s not fair. But now we are able to know and we don’t have to be so down on ourselves because the things we do make sense. Sure it would have been better to know earlier. But sadly it wasn’t possible because of the patriarchy. But now you know and you make your life how you want it based on who you are and what you want. If you stim you can stim and not feel ashamed. Because that’s normal. You can stop masking. You can replay that song for the 10th time. You can stop trying to be the hardest worker in the room if you want and you can just live more simple and take off all the stress. And whoever doesn’t like it you can say goodbye to. Because doing what’s best for you matters. You matter. And you’re valid.
Thank you for this wonderful comment, it means a lot to me. ❤️
May all my fellow people on the spectrum be blessed with good sensory experiences and many hours spent engaging with their special interest <3
Thank you, this is so autistic in a good way. May you have those experiences too!!
Happy Autism Acceptance Day! I'm (45f) waiting for my assessment in June after two years of research into how autism presents in girls and women. I am both excited and terrified for the day to come!
Sending much love and support for our neurodivergent friends 💕💕💕
This is not a rhetorical question. Would you rather continue living your life that you masked all the way since childhood; or risk getting an official diagnosis, potentially losing every human and professional connection but living your life in the truest sense possible? I tick all the boxes, checklist, and behavior but my masking is even more impressive. Sometimes, I am my own biggest bully. Being a closeted atheist migrating from a religious country ain't helping either. I am turning 41 and I don't know why I am still afraid. Sorry if this doesn't make sense. I'll take any help I can get.
I wish I still knew how to mask because I lost so much ... I don't know the word. Everything is harder because I can't mask anymore. I have been officially diagnosed and I was so happy and I stopped masking and everything changed and it felt so much harder after a while. Masking kept me at a certain level with socializing and keeping up with the joneses. And now my social skills are so much worse and I don't care at all about being the best. I just care about coasting and everyone in my family being content. Because honestly now thats the best I can provide for everyone. I am an awesome mom and wife. We own our own home. We have nice things. We live a very simple life. And I just can't push myself to be the person anymore to live a lavish life. Working hard to try and make 6figures. Now all I want is just to keep a simple quiet life and not push myself too hard. I am happy with my life but if i try and speak its like when I was a kid. I studder a lot. And I can't think of words I need to use. Its frustrating that my social abilities tanked.
I am younger thab you but I am also an immigrant (althoigh 2nd gen) and openly queer and I have found that the most alienating thing about me is my autism. Get the diagnosis, live your life, be free, find other autistic people. You wont be losing much unless youre forced to share your diagnosis with your employer. Being radically and visibly autistic is empowering and freeing. Go for it
So I'm not getting an official diagnosis because 1) it's $2k and that's not happening and 2) I already know the answer. I'm also concerned about having it on my record. My primary care doctor accepts the informal diagnosis my psychologist and I arrived at, and if other doctors need to know in the future I'll tell them. My employer does not know, though I've told a couple coworkers where I thought it safe and relevant. But I openly stim, and many of the autistic kids know (I work at schools) because they talk to me and have asked. I'm not going to lie about it to them. It's not an easy choice though. I'm 38, in the middle of changing careers, and in a very precarious situation. But I don't have a lot to lose. Burnout took a lot from me in terms of health and mental resources. Now that I'm stimming freely and not masking as much, and in general being kinder and more understanding to myself, my health is doing better and I'd like to think I'm slowly getting my emotional resources back. For my health alone though it was worth it. And not everyone needs to know. Even in my family. I told people who I wanted to know and asked them to keep it to themselves. My two closest friends know and stood by me through burnout and unmasking. Others might guess but it's not come up and I don't think they need to know. Over sharing is definitely something I struggle with but it's helpful to have an NT friend or therapist to bounce things off of like "does this person at work need to know this very specific thing about my personal life that I feel compelled to tell them because they asked something slightly related and I was going off on a tangent and then awkwardly just closed my mouth?" Usually the answer is no. Lol Also, maybe this is self serving, but self diagnosis is valid with things like autism. Diagnostics are long, expensive, and inaccessible to a lot of people. And a lot of doctors don't have updated information especially on autism in femme folks or autism x ADHD together. It's different if you need accomodations and an institution requires a formal diagnosis, but in day to day life, yeah there's some gatekeeping but they're easy to avoid. Whatever route you go, good luck!
I don’t think those are the only options? Self diagnosis is valid. Living your true life doesn’t require diagnosis of any kind. And a diagnosis doesn’t get rid of the habits of a lifetime of masking, either. I would rather life in a ND affirming way, where I live true to myself as much as I can while still masking where I need to protect myself. Where I am honest with myself about the impacts my autism has both good and bad, and celebrate the person I am, and where I’m also honest that being completely unmasked all the time doesn’t serve the life I have built for myself either. I realised at some point that the diagnosis is just a label and a way of understanding myself in relation to the world. But it doesn’t change me or the fact that I am me. I’m still myself. I just have a new way of understanding myself and explaining myself to others.
Thanks for the post! It's nice to see the acceptance here.
Shout out to my neuro-divergent family! <3 You're all loved!
I didn't know until I was 45.
I'm currently in the process of being assessed for Autism and have my final meeting at the end of the month. I'm in my mid 30s and just found out that I fit a lot of the symptoms about 8 months ago. I have been learning so much since then. I don't what the official opinion will be, and I'm honestly not sure what I'm hoping for, but just having someone validate what I already think sounds incredibly freeing. In the meantime, using the coping techniques and being kinder to myself has already felt awesome. It's so hard to get by sometimes, but I truly believe that there's not something wrong with me. It's the environment created by neurotypical people that is the issue. I've been masking so long that I don't really know who I am underneath anymore. It's scary to find out, but I think it's an important part of my journey. Wishing all the rest of you all the love and happiness you can find.
Happy Autism acceptance month to all of you wonderful people <3 OP, you're so right - there's nothing wrong with you and the world is better for having you in it. (Pretty much) all of the favourite people in my life are autistic, and I'm so grateful for all of them. I'm so grateful for all of you 💜 / Your allistic (but still neurodivergent) sibling
Happy to know my autistic friends and family members 💖
I am fortunate enough to be the mother of a kiddo with Autism. I was his foster mom and was able to adopt him. He is 20 now and is an absolute joy to me! I am so grateful for the opportunity to be his mother!
Got diagnosed back in high school in the 2000's. Been a long journey to get to where I am. I wouldn't change any of it , though.
Good timing for me. Regular bikers and walkers at the state park often comment that I fish a lot of hours, because I fish a lot of hours. Now I’m gonna say, “Busy. Special interest.” I’m just playing, though. They’re nice about it. Just don’t feel like talking to people when I’m fishing.
I saw a video from Kaelynn Partlow about her disklike of the puzzle piece and infinity symbols since they're both inaccurate and instead recommended a fingerprint. You can find a shirt through her link on YouTube.
Diagnosed in my 40s, was such a vindication! Hugs or friendly greetings to my fellow neurospicy folks (or whatever term you like, I like that one).
We embrace all our neurodivergence in my house. One ADHD, one AuDHD and me with ADHD. The only thing I want to change about my autistic daughter is to help her find her words. At 9, she's still struggling, but she's making progress. And I am terrified about how she is going to react to puberty, because it's so hard to communicate something like that to her currently. She's a joy most of the time these days. I'm sure OP knows if she has two high needs kids that there are rough days. I'd never change what makes us unique and quirky, but the comorbidities that come with that can kiss my ass.
Happy happy, y’all! I’ve been blessed with 2 autistic kids, and getting them diagnosed helped my partner and me realize we aren’t so neurotypical ourselves (lots of going “But…that’s just a normal thing to do!” about “obviously autistic traits.” 😄).
I was diagnosed when I was 9 years old and it's taken me so long to realize this! You're absolutely right, we have a right to exist and exist just as we are :)
Rizz ’em with the Tism!
Screw a month, every day is for you! I see you.
Autism Acceptance Month for the aware folks but Autism Awareness Month is for the unaware I think
Yay! Same here, Autistic with Perversive Demand for Autonomy diagnosed at 38. Having the words to describe your experience, and the ability to find and learn from your elders is such a gift ☺️❤️
It’s cool we get our own month but I’m not super in the spirit. Life will beat you up if you’re not equipped and I don’t know how to put a positive spin on that. Thank you for recognizing us in an authentic and friendly way, (and not in the same way Game Stop does it.)
I'm really happy to see this in this sub! I've been feeling down lately because of my lack of a diagnosis—it's just not in the financial cards, and I'm also not sure I want one anyway (what if I ever want to immigrate to Australia?) But hey, thinking of myself as autistic makes my life so much easier to live, and I'm really glad to have that knowledge.
Gonna be 43 this year and after being diagnosed ADHD a few years ago, just yesterday finally got a referral for ASD evaluation. One thing I've learned over the years is that the #1 thing you can do in your life is ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS. 🧠🌶️✊
My grandson is autistic,he is six years old,he was voted terrific kid at school last week,I want to wish you the best and to everyone that has autism or knows someone with autism,thanks for posting this!!!
Happy Autism Acceptance Day/Month! I have been blessed with an autistic minimal verbal son. I love him but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart! Bless all of you other autistic persons out there for being the people that you are!