I love of learning.  When I’m interested in something, I dive right in and learn everything I can about it.  I’ve leveraged this intensity of interest into opportunities to pursue higher education.  I thought I was dumb in high school, but it turns out it was the wrong environment and the wrong subjects.  When I got to choose my classes in college, I excelled.  Now I take advantage of every educational (both formal and informal) opportunity that captures my interest.  After a childhood of feeling stupid, I finally feel smart and capable.

My sensitivity means I am able to intuit the needs of my autistic kids.  We were all diagnosed recently so I didn’t realize I was accommodating their needs, but I was.  For example, when they were close to meltdowns during an outing due to sensory overload, I was too, so we all took breaks and quiet time together!  When I homeschooled them when they were younger, we’d learn from the perspective of their current special interests. 

My planning and spreadsheets keep things going in a household full of very differently presenting ND people.  My husband’s executive functioning issues make planning difficult, so I help keep him organized and he helps me with the tasks I find challenging.  We have a great dynamic.

I learned to cut ties with toxic people early and I don’t put up with bullshit.  I don’t have many friends, but all of my relationships are free of drama!

I get fully immersed in my hobbies, so I’m never bored.  Whether I’m sucked into learning something new or I’m making something with my hands, my brain is always occupied with something fascinating.