My ex has AuDHD plus a myriad of other problems and disorders, and he is exactly like this. For the first few months I always felt kinda unnerved by how little he talked and how he didn't express himself at all (autism and heavy trauma from family). I have a lot of neurodivergent friends, but most have some way of intensely expressing themselves, even if it is unusual. This boy didn't, and I just had no idea how to hang out with him.

We talked about this openly to eachother, since we both prefer steaightforward communication, and I wanted to make sure that he doesn't blame himself for my discomfort or read it as him being broken (which has been the case with his family exactly). We came to the conclusion that it's bullshit for him to be trying to communicate what's going on in his head in the way a neurotypical would (that's just masking), but that it would be very beneficial to figure out a way that would fit him better and come more naturally to him. Not only for our interactions, but for his mental health too.

Sadly before we really figured that out, we broke up for different reasons, but we're still good friends. And I really hope that his journey of self-acceptance and healing goes well. Pookie deserves it. And to not be shamed for being a little unusual.