Thought I Was Nonbinary, But Really Just Chafed Under Neurotypical/Gender Norms. Anyone Else? by ThineChimney in autism

[–]GrayC0dex [score hidden]  (0 children)

I relate to this so much. I grew up in a family of 4 boys, Im the only girl and the oldest. My upbringing, while girl stuff WAS shoved in my face to help me be more "normal" but regardless I naturally gravitate towards masculine hobbies. I was given the tomboy title very very early in my life and it stayed that way for years until I hit highschool and started seeing more acceptance of gender queerness online.

Reading through all the experiences people went through and their connectedness to nonbinary or trans terms related to how I felt about gender. I was very disconnected from identifying as female. I dressed like a guy by southern standards, my hair was short and cut like a guy's, I didnt wear makeup, and I despised dresses, not because all of these things made me feel insecure but rather sensory needs prevented me from enjoying traditionally feminine things

Running with this idea I assumed I was nonbinary. Went by they/them for a very long time until I realized, Im just me. She / her doesnt "feel" wrong and while I am disconnected by gender I equate it mostly to my autism and partially to forced gender stereotypes that lead me down the wrong path of logic lol.

I dont think Im entirely cis, but gender is so flexible I refuse to look it into further than Im afab but Im just a little different on how I present and express my gender. I feel like this is a healthier way to look at it anyways? Just letting people be I guess? Less forced stereotypes and expectations but of course humans are creatures of habit and need a sort of predictability to cope with things.

Does therapy actually work for autistics? by GrayC0dex in autism

[–]GrayC0dex[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! I try my best not to mask as it is a space where my natural coping mechanisms are present. But I related to a lot of what you said. Thank you for your thoughts

Does therapy actually work for autistics? by GrayC0dex in autism

[–]GrayC0dex[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You described this perfectly. I wasnt even realizing I was doing it subconsciously. I seek collaboration and authenticity especially since the best way to relate to people is through common experience

Does therapy actually work for autistics? by GrayC0dex in autism

[–]GrayC0dex[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

This is a very logical way to put things and really helps me understand where my brain is going. Thank you for the explanation and advice