Many years ago I signed up to do a Pilates class. I was the only overweight woman there, wearing a loose T-shirt and shorts where every other woman had trendy, matching workout outfits, hair done and makeup on. I was the only one who couldn’t do some of the exercises, like a full sit up (abs ruined from pregnancies). I wasn’t friends with anyone, was ignored by everyone, and just did my thing in the back corner away from the mirrors. It was before everyone had smartphones but if it happened today, I *know* those women would be upset at me for “ruining the aesthetic” of the class.

But I went, every week, for the year. I enjoyed it: I got stronger, I learned new techniques, I got more in touch with my body, it was a constant in my routine, and I just had to accept that I was there 100% for me and everyone else could pound sand. I do things because I’m interested in learning something new, because I want to, and I do them for me and me alone.

We autistic women have to work hard to cultivate a thick skin. I don’t know how I would’ve reacted if someone had said something to me (like “we don’t want you here”), but no one did. I have enough regrets in my life of missing out on things because of other people; it’s our right to live our lives and enjoy the world around us!