"I knew I was always different. Out of step. In my own world. I had more fun immersing myself in fantasy novels. Books were safe. People were not. Books make sense. People did not."

Everything makes sense now, in hindsight. My incessant questioning, my obsession with fairness. How much I would balk at direct demands, and how it triggered a strong fight, flight, freeze and fawn response.

What I love about being autistic: my hyperfocus, deep empathy, natural love for playful role-play, and my deep well of creativity. 

What’s challenging: regulating my strong emotions, navigating my daily demand avoidance, spatial and sensory struggles, and dealing with constant interruptions that come with being a mother of small children.