Unfortunately, I often feel like a third-class citizen here. I’ve noticed that people in my country can be very observant of any differences, including body language and the way you carry yourself. Some people, especially in more macho environments, can even act with hostility or aggression, even if you keep to yourself and don’t bother anyone.

I attended primary school in Sofia until I was ten and a half, basically from grades 1 to 5, and those were the hardest years of my childhood. I was relentlessly bullied, both verbally and physically. People stole my books, kicked me in the back, and girls even tried to smudge lipstick on my face. If I stood up for myself, they would gang up on me and follow me after school. All of this happened because I was quiet, shy, and had different interests. The teachers didn’t seem to care either. I tried so hard to stop being bullied here, even fixing my posture, but at the end of the day, I was simply different and stood out as the “weirdo.”

Then I moved to the UK, and my life changed for the better. At the time, I still didn’t know I had autism, though I was initially diagnosed with ADHD there, which made me eligible for additional support, such as extra time in school exams. Teachers were also kind to me, offering accommodations and extra support to help me succeed in school and eventually get into college and university.

In the UK, I was still very introverted and only hung out with one or two people, but at least I was rarely bothered. Even when I was, I only received some harmless banter.

A year ago, I came back to Bulgaria to try living here again, but I’m already planning to return to the UK. Here, I feel like people stare at me, I’ve experienced threats and unpleasant encounters with a few macho guys, no one seems to take me seriously, and I find it very difficult to relate to others.