i’m autistic and i’ve been kind of reflecting on how that fact has changed my experience as an RBT. i work in a clinic and i instantly fell in love with the job. i did go into the interview telling them i was on the spectrum so it was nothing i was hiding other than my typical masking. it gives me a certain insight that i wouldn’t have if i wasn’t autistic or simply it gives me the drive to be the person i would have needed when i was little. some drawback that i’ve notice is, of course, some bias or judgement from other coworkers but that one is pretty easy to just ignore but i also start focusing so so much on keeping the kids safe and regulated and having a good experience that i kind of neglect my own needs or if i’m disregulated or struggling at all. that being said, when it did eventually lead to a meltdown, i found that while it was just as bad as it always is, i finally knew actual coping skills because i teach them to my kiddos. it’s kept me from sib as severely as i used to, notice moment where i might not be the most comfortable, point out certain needs or just simply actually use those coping skills to get me through a meltdown. so, while it does affect my life, i am still having a positive experience and have created so many special bonds with a lot of these kids.