Understanding Autism: Insights from an Autistic Person

I seem "normal" except in crowds of new people. I get awkward and stimmy. Anecdotal conversation is how I do things. I don't reciprocate questions all that well, and people don't realize that I'm expecting them to just relate and continue their end of the conversation. It often brings things to a screeching halt, and I get anxious that they're annoyed with me or something.

not every autistic person is the same!!! and that we aren’t stuck as a person bc of autism. we can grow and adapt to our environments, and can live successful lives. our challenges should be accommodated, but we shouldn’t be infantilized for them

That autism makes you "dumb", it doesn't. So many people are misinformed about autism, and its sad that people stereotype autism.

would like to apologize before posting cause this is gonna be long. sorry!!! masking. the only difference between so called “high functioning” and “low functioning” is the ability to fit into social situations. (not saying it is not a spectrum. there are definitely people on the spectrum who have a more severe diagnosis). i don’t think i’m seen as “normal” (whatever that is). however, i don’t think i’m perceived as someone on the spectrum either. between the ability to parrot someone else, the trick to look at a forehead to mimic eye contact, i am probably just perceived as a quiet/shy/bored person. i am of course lucky for this socially, and treated drastically different than the people on the spectrum that fit the stereotypes. however, because i was taught from a young age to act a certain way with adults, i was never taken seriously when i told everyone i was having a hard time because of my sensory issues. only dismissed because i wasn’t violent or academically challenged. i know that situation is not unique, but i find it important to bring up. i was not diagnosed with asd until i was able to advocate for myself as an adult. it’s still so fresh, and i’m dealing with the grief of what could have been, had the adults in my life listened to me. i know a lot of friends of mine who are about at the same stage. i still have a hard time knowing who i am without masking, and it’s hard to stop and actually put to words what i am dealing with. it’s frustrating. it’s disappointing. i believe it can be different if we are more open about talking about these situations. it’s interesting how social masking is such a sacrifice for people on the spectrum, while it’s a mild inconvenience for neurotypicals when we don’t.

Eye contact is a big thing, certain social skills, certain things are always more noticeable. Try to find some people with autism, you'll find out we are all different in our own ways.