Being autistic can be pretty alienating at times, but being aware of my needs and actively studying social norms (not to mask, but because I find them fascinating) has helped me become more in tune with other people's needs and improve my friendships. Not everyone has that self awareness. I've also met quite a few neurodivergent people both online and in real life, and it's a joy to connect with them and find someone who acts so similarly to me.

You aren't alone. In some ways I regret getting a diagnoses and am dealing with a lot of internalized ablism The one thing helping me are a couple friends who say they genuinely love my autistic qualities and want me to unmask more and more

I know how you feel. I was diagnosed at a young age (even though I am mostly verbal) and for the longest time I ignored it because it didn't effect me much. I also didn't really understand autism made me different untill I was in my late teens. Im trying to come to terms with and understand it more now mostly because I have a hard time finding and keeping friends.

I'm not proud either but not ashamed. I feel kind of afraid honestly because of all the discrimination in the world. I'm glad I'm different but it feels scary too.