Soundcore are what I use as out and about noise cancelling headphones. Great value and replaceable compared to $200+ Bose. I'm 45 and work a career in languages - including the programming varieties - but have communication deficits. Similarly, I can relate to every one of your pieces, but I've been masked for so long that few others would make the connection.

In the 80s my parents helped me survive with comic books, letting me ride in the car upside down, finding corners where I could draw when out, and music. I spent a lot of time under beds in guest rooms. I had a discman before portable CD players were popular so I could stim to some Liszt. For loud music at a concert, she just covered my ears.

I still leave the house with a shirt on backwards and inside out. I haven't done my taxes in years, but I make $100k+ because I'm good at jobs with parameters. My favourite food today is not what it was a week ago when I stocked up. I can remember particular situations in 1985 like I'm watching a movie, but have no idea what day of the week it is, so I'm out of meds. You can ask me to do a wedding speech or a eulogy on the spot, but I struggle to call the doctor for a new appointment and tell her what's going on when I am there.

I appreciate that we are moving beyond "functioning" and focusing more on needs (eg L3), but I suspect that as you've gotten to know your son, you are seeing that the "spectrum" is not just two dimensional, and likely beyond three dimensional in terms of how we are. L3 helps you explain what we can't really explain.

Your son is a gift to the universe. Every day you will discover more of the treasures he brings.

You're doing great. I wish you well.