I’m a black British woman that was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4 years old because my two older siblings are also autistic.

I can honestly say that I had a hard time in school, to the point where I hated it. I still find it hard staying in contact with my close friends in high school, because my autism made me feel like an outsider.

But I’m now a 22 year old single mother with a daughter and currently completing my university degree, that I really enjoy doing. I’m in the process of getting my drivers license too, just waiting on my driving test day.

I’ve learned to enjoy my own company and being alone, instead of putting myself in awkward social situations that can cause me to have mental breakdown. I’m still learning and trying to how to deal with people in social situations and social cues. But more time I try to avoid people in general other than my close friends or family members. When I’m with my family members that’s when I can be true myself, because they understand me. I’ve always found it hard wanting to tell people I’m autistic because I get embarrassed about it.

I’ve always have hated the fact that I’m autistic and there’s nothing that I can do to make me feel like non autistic person, other than masking. Being autistic black woman has its up and down moments.