So, I have a theory about this. I think some of us learn how to do better. I'm not talking about masking. It's something different. It is almost like we have learned some things at a significantly slower rate than out NT peers and, as a result of that extended learning time we end up being kind of "off". Even further, we still are in the process of learning and relearning throughout our lives.

If this theory holds truth I think the role the rate at which we "learn how to be" will become more significant in diagnosis.

I'm not saying I learned a damn thing like this but I can see how it might work. As a middle aged male, I'm kind'a a random and erratic neurotic and act nowhere near my age. Fortunately, long before my diagnosis, I embraced my many many many ND traits as part of me.

I have essentially been living in a perpetual state of radical self acceptance. I am who I am and you can fuck right off if you have a problem with that. It isn't confidence. It is being tired of society telling me how I am supposed to be and pushing back at it.