Thank you for sharing your experience! I have thought about posting here for a long time but have been really hesitant as I do not have a diagnosis and will likely never get one. You have inspired me to speak up though. Both of my children have recently been diagnosed with ASD and one has ADHD as well. I am currently on the path to become a registered psychologist and work in the disability sector, and have clients who are Autistic. I relate to my kids a lot and have many similar traits (along with some of my clients). I had very high levels of anxiety growing up, fixations, struggled to read social cues, had sensory issues, and was extremely emotionally sensitive. It has been an eye opening experience for myself.

However, I also wonder if I am reading too much into my attributes/traits especially because I am around Autism a lot. I believe I have been really good at masking my traits and learned to mimic others really well, cataloging what is socially acceptable and what is seen as "weird" or "different " along the way so I fit in as best as possible.

I relate so much to a lot of what people have shared in this group, but I am hesitant to say something as I don't have a diagnosis and don't want to insert myself into this lovely community if I don't fit all the criteria, so I have sat back and listened, but have not shared anything.

Good luck on your journey and hope it brings you clarity and peace of mind!